Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Cristian Stellini has taken responsibility for his side 'not being prepared' for their 6-1 mauling at the hands of Newcastle United.
Seeking to respond to last weekend's painful late loss to Bournemouth, the Lilywhites travelled to St James' Park in the knowledge that a victory would have taken them level on points with Eddie Howe's side in the final Champions League spot.
However, the game was effectively over as a contest by the 10-minute mark, as a brace for Jacob Murphy alongside Joelinton's effort propelled the merciless Magpies into an early 3-0 lead.
By the 21st minute, Howe's men had increased their advantage to 5-0 - the second-quickest time to score five goals in a Premier League game after Manchester City did so in 18 minutes versus Watford in 2019 - as Stellini's four-man backline capitulated in front of their aghast supporters.
Pape Sarr was soon withdrawn for Davinson Sanchez as Stellini went for damage limitation in a recognisable three-man system, and Spurs did nab a goal back early in the second 45 through Harry Kane.
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Newcastle ultimately restored their five-goal advantage through Callum Wilson, though, and Stellini lamented the "worst" 25 minutes that he had ever witnessed on a football pitch in his post-game press conference.
"There's no words to explain a performance like this. The first 25 minutes were the worst I have ever seen," the Italian told the media.
"I hope that the system we changed to give us energy was the wrong decision. If it was that, it's my responsibility... if this is the mistake, it's my mistake."
During the St James' Park suffering, a portion of Spurs fans called for Stellini to be sacked on social media, but he beat away questions over his future, adding: "My position in doubt? This is not a question for me. No answer."
Prior to addressing reporters, Stellini admitted to Sky Sports News that his side were "not prepared" for Newcastle's aggressive and front-footed approach, and he is finding it "very difficult" to understand why his side fell to pieces in the opening exchanges.
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"It went so badly because we were not prepared enough to play an important match. We have a good squad but today no-one showed how good we are," the Spurs coach added.
"It was my responsibility to decide how we play and we decided to do it differently because of the injuries. It is my responsibility, I took it and it was wrong.
"I have to take responsibility because once we changed system we played better, scored and showed fight. It's very difficult to understand why the first 25 minutes were so bad.
"I am the coach and I am above them, I have to protect them and they deserve my protection. Today I have to take this responsibility."
Spurs captain Hugo Lloris, who only lasted until the break before coming off with a muscle injury, also apologised to Tottenham fans for their "very embarrassing" performance.
Tottenham now have a six-point gap to make up to Newcastle and Manchester United, both of whom have a game in hand, and they return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face the Red Devils on Thursday.
Ben Knapton
