Lee Bowyer, in the Newcastle side at the detriment of England's Nicky Butt, appeared to handle the ball twice in his own penalty area as Spurs chased the right to have another go at Graeme Souness side in London. A hand to ball offence by Bowyer was punished in Holland a month ago, but on this occasion his handling skills were overlooked by referee Styles who booked nine other players in an often heated encounter at St James Park.
"The referee had to make two penalty decisions. The first one the player (Bowyer) was rolling over the ball, you can give that, but he (Styles) looked pretty decisive. The second was handball, Bowyer in the box, and again it went their way," said Martin Jol after watching his side beaten by Patrick Kluivert's early effort.
Spurs also felt hard done by when Styles blew for a push by substitute Anthony Gardner as Robbie Keane hit the target from close range.
"I didn't think it was a push. The ball came over. I backed off and headed it.
"My hands were nowhere near him (Shola Ameobi) and the ball had already bypassed him.
"It's hard enough coming to these grounds with the noise and the atmosphere stacked against the away team, but to not get any decisions as well, it hurts a lot," said Gardner.
For the home side, the win ended a fantastic week in all competitions. Spurs take on Charlton in a re-arranged Premiership fixture at the Valley on Wednesday night.