Antonio Conte in top-four race after Newcastle win: ‘Tottenham are going up and

Antonio Conte feels Tottenham are improving “above and beyond” and thanked the “amazing” Harry Kane for setting an example for his teammates.

Tottenham have risen to fourth place in the Premier League table and put pressure on the Gunners with a 5-1 home win over Newcastle.

Arsenal – who now have two games – could reclaim their place in the top four if they pick a point at Crystal Palace Monday night footballBut the still-re-arranged postponed derby between the two rivals is likely to be decisive.

Despite a surprising absence from the scoresheet, it was Kane’s man-of-the-match performance against Toon.

“He was a great example to his teammates,” Conte said of why.

“When you see him do this, you must be willing to work hard. This is why I want to thank him because he is a great example for everything. And I hope to satisfy him. Now he’s enjoying playing this kind of football and we have to try to keep it together because I see a lot of players with great improvement. Every player is improving and that is why Tottenham are rising. “

Conte added: “His performance was amazing. I told him it’s a shame he didn’t score but he played brilliantly. A player like him on your team makes you strong. It’s important to know he is on our team because he can score and Can create opportunities.

“First of all I like one. Some talented players do not want to work hard. I found a player who is a great man. He has set an example from the first day. This is not normal because usually when you are a top player you can work less, sometimes you are a bit lazy. He is a great example for his teammates. I have seen his desire to be a competitor in every competition.

The Spurs have been in the Champions League qualifiers for the first time since September and – with three Premier League wins on the spin – seemingly painfully inconsistent ahead of Conte as they are in good form at the right time.

He said: “I see great progress in many ways. Technical, strategic aspects, mentality.

“We know very well that there are other teams in this race that could benefit at the moment. Arsenal will have to play two matches. Don’t forget Manchester United. Don’t forget that West Ham and Wolverhampton have a great season. This league is very difficult. I am happy because hard work is paying off.

“It’s very important for the players. I got a bunch of players who gave me great promises. I think they give me credit for my past but now they realize it’s the right way and they believe me and I believe them. “

Howe: We chase the game

Newcastle played what seemed to be the ideal away day performance for 43 minutes but they fell badly in the second half. They have now lost their last three but are nine points away from the relegation zone.

Eddie Howe admitted that he was disappointed with how his team played after the break.

He said: “We had a very good performance until the moment Fabian Shar scored. It was extremely disappointing to go 1-1.

“It simply came to our notice then. We thought we’d control them.

“The main goal is the second goal – the approach from our point of view.

“Then we chased the game very aggressively and played things we shouldn’t have done. We expanded, took risks with the ball and then got punished by a top-level team. Some of the goals they scored in the transition were very good. We didn’t manage that part of the game at all.

“It simply came to our notice then. We know that the racing games that we just got out of were hard for us, the games that are far away. Where the form has been good, I will be happy to return home. We need to bring the crowd and the stadium together to create an environment as intense as possible for our opponents. It’s going to be a huge spell that will go a long way in determining our fate this season. “

What next?

Tottenham Premier League journey to Aston Villa, live on Saturday 9 April Sky Sports; Kick-off 5.30pm.

Newcastle have a home match against the Wolves next Friday, April 8th Sky Sports; Kick-off at 8 p.m.