Angelina Kelly has suggested Newcastle United should intentionally lose their final home game of the season to ensure Tottenham Hotspur are relegated to the Championship.
With the Magpies sitting in 13th, their own season is effectively over.
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However, if Newcastle effectively roll over, West Ham could be gifted a lifeline to keep their Premier League fate in their own hands.
On the latest episode of Fiery Fridays, the panel of talkSPORT presenter Kelly, chief football correspondent Alex Crook, and host Adrian Durham engaged in a heated debate over whether sporting integrity still matters in this high-stakes fixture.
Strategic sabotage
Kelly argued that a Spurs downfall would aid Newcastle’s long-term ambitions by removing the threat of a Roberto De Zerbi resurgence before it even begins.
The Italian tactician has secured two wins since arriving, but the ‘De Zerbi effect’ is a growing threat.
If Spurs survive and back him in the summer transfer window, they could easily become an obstacle in Newcastle’s path back to the European places.
Kelly said: “Newcastle have nothing to play for, even though the fans were thinking they were in a relegation scrap at one point.
“They are 13th in the table and while the fans may want to finish above Sunderland, I don’t think it will help them reclaim any of the dignity they lost by losing twice to their rivals this season anyway.
“Newcastle will need all the help they can get to bounce back and compete for the top six next year.
“Spurs might be in their way because if they stay up, De Zerbi stays and they spend some money in the summer.
“We saw what Manchester United did this season, climbing from 15th to third. Who is to say Spurs could replicate that? But with their infrastructure, they could fight for a European spot of some sort.
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“They didn’t win a game in 2026 until the manager came in, and he won two. So, I’m thinking with a resurgence, and buying replacements in the summer, they could become another team in Newcastle’s way.
“If West Ham stay up, realistically, I don’t think they are a threat to European places. So, it’s simple…Newcastle, should play a weaker team, let Spurs go down, and get a head start for next season.”
North London hatred
Alex Crook was quick to back the suggestion, noting that the neutral fan’s desire to see the Lilywhites relegated is not for tactical reasons but instead, it’s about seeing a footballing giant collapse.
“There’s a hatred of the north London clubs,” Crook said.
“People want Arsenal to bottle the title and most want Spurs to go down.”
However, Durham pivoted the narrative : “It’s not just because people want them to fail, but because it’s a really big story.
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“If Arsenal bottle it, it’s hilarious. If Spurs go down with that stadium, it will be remarkable.”
Sunderland factor
While Kelly focused on Europe, Durham looked towards the North East, citing the only thing that matters to the Geordies is pride.
The Black Cats’ first season back in the top flight has been a triumph, having completed a double over Newcastle.
Finishing below their rivals would be a catastrophic blow to the Magpies’ dignity in a region where football is the religion.
Durham said: “The only way those Newcastle players can save their season is by finishing above Sunderland.
“With the Black Cats spending time in League One only five years ago while Newcastle won a trophy and competed in the Champions League, they won’t want to feel the pain of finishing below them.
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“I don’t understand why people would rather Spurs go down than West Ham. West Ham have been so badly run. That stadium, which they got on the cheap, for them to go down ten years after Karren Brady said they would reach the Champions League?
“I think that’s a great reason to want them to go down. I think you’re underestimating how much it means in the north east for Newcastle to finish above Sunderland, it would be unpalatable for them.”
