It's a sign of just how far Newcastle United have come in such a short space of time that last season's seventh-placed finish was seen as something of a disappointment.

After the highs of fourth place in 2023, only a strong end to the campaign ensured Eddie Howe's side almost sealed a European place, only for Manchester United's FA Cup final success to deny them even that. The reasons for the 'drop of', if that's what it was, were well documented at the time.

A crippling injury list deprived Howe of many of his best players for huge chunks of the season, while Sandro Tonali was reduced to a watching brief after being banned for 10 months. The lack of bodies available for selection, and the sheer number of games, took its toll on those who could play, with United at times struggling to find their trademark intensity.

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It was not a failure. Newcastle rallied to finish seventh, made the quarter-finals of both domestic cup competitions and were an outrageous penalty decision away from qualifying from their Champions League group. They percevered through hugely testing times and are reaping the benefits this season.

Which brings us to Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou's side are in freefall in the Premier League table, now just eight points above the relegation zone following Sunday's home defeat to Leicester City. They too have an injury list which would have a major impact on any side, with stars such as Christian Romero, Micky van der Ven, Destiny Udogie, Vicario and Dominic Solanke missing for long periods.

They've also had to deal with illness and regular knocks for James Maddison, Richarlison, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson . . . it's no surprise they, like Newcastle before them, are struggling to match their previous achievements.

But it is there that the comparisons should stop. Never in the lowest ebbs of last season did Newcastle fall so low, and that is testament to the work of Eddie Howe, his coaching staff and the United squad. There were some big disappointments, but the club galvanised at a time of need to ensure they were still in with a chance of a strong finish - one which they took. They adapted to their situation and took steps to ensure that even if their goals weren't to be realised, they remained competitive.

Postecoglou has come under fierce criticism from the club's fanbase - as has chairman Daniel Levy - as the supporters demand an improvement to their fortunes, while the Aussie boss has clashed with the media who have had the temerity to question his tactics. We all remember his taciturn answers following Newcastle's 2-1 win in North London earlier this month.

It's not without good cause - Spurs have now picked up just ONE point in their last seven, with just one Premier League victory since that remarkable 4-0 win at Man City in late November. Can you imagine Eddie Howe snapping at the press or, even worse, the fans, after a defeat? It's perhaps why even with similar injury issues, United never sunk so low.

It's not just Newcastle - just look at what Bournemouth are achieving under Andoni Iraola, with no recognised striker due to injury. United and Nottingham Forest will testify just how good the Cherries are right now, with plenty of injury problems of their own.

In short, if Spurs want to avoid becoming the Premier League laughing stock then they could do a lot worse than take a leaf out of Eddie Howe and Newcastle United's 2023-24 playbook before it's too late.