A 2-0 win against Premier League top-five rivals Chelsea on Sunday moved Newcastle closer to a return to European club soccer's top competition next season.
With just two rounds of the season to go, the win ensured Newcastle leapfrogged Manchester City into third place in the table.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest's chances of a top-five finish were hit by a 2-2 draw against relegated Leicester.
Spurs were quickly brought down to earth after qualifying for the Europa League final as they lost 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace and slipped to 17th in the table.
Manchester United, who'll play Ange Postecoglou's team in that Europa League showdown, also suffered a club-record extending 17th loss in the Premier League with a 2-0 home defeat by West Ham and now sit 16th.
Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes were Newcastle's heroes, striking against 10-man Chelsea at Newcastle's St James' Park in a game that could have a big impact on the six-team battle for Champions League qualification.
Tonali fired Newcastle ahead from close range in the second minute and Nicolas Jackson was sent off for Chelsea in the 35th, following a VAR review, for a foul on Sven Botman.
Chelsea pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Guimaraes' dipping shot from distance in the 90th killed off the visitors' hopes of a comeback.
Newcastle moved a point above City who were surprisingly held 0-0 by last-placed Southampton on Saturday.
"We still have two games to go and lots of twists and turns that could be around the corner," said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
"We have to drive forward, reflect on our next game and make sure we're ready for Arsenal because that is a very, very tough match. We know how tight it is with the teams around us, so we're not taking anything for granted."
As well as the top five, England will be represented by a sixth team in the Champions League next season after Manchester United and Tottenham advanced to the Europa League final. The winners will advance to the big show.
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