Tottenham’s impressive start to the season seems like a thing of the past. Having accumulated just one point from their last five games, Spurs came into this clash against Newcastle United under immense pressure.
The clash had special significance considering what happened the last time these two sides met in the league. In what seems to have been Hugo Lloris‘ last game in a Spurs shirt, Newcastle were 5-0 up within the first half an hour. Ange’s side would have been seeking revenge today.
Ange Postecoglou made it very clear ahead of the game that there was nothing called ‘playing good football’ if you could not win games. Hence, we are going to stop short of saying that Spurs have been playing good football despite the results.
There is no doubt that Newcastle United would have been hurting big time from their loss against Everton. They do not lose many games nowadays and the 3-0 loss would have definitely made them wonder what went wrong.
It was an imperious first half from Spurs, who outclassed the Magpies in every single regard. Ange had set his men up to play an exciting game and man, didn’t they! 2-0 was a very kind of reflection of what Newcastle had been put through.
Newcastle started much better in the second half. They worked their way back into the game. Spurs stepped it up and scored two goals to put the game behind doubt. Joelinton did get a late consolation goal.
Here are TTLB’s ratings on the performance of Spurs players in their clash against Newcastle United
Guglielmo Vicario: 7/10
Where were you hiding for so long Vicario? The Italian can hardly put a foot wrong at the moment, quite literally. Sumptuous distribution in the first half who for a change, attempted quite a few long passes and found the wingers regularly.
Much busier in the second half than in the first, with Newcastle growing into the game. Could not do much about the late goal he conceded.
Pedro Porro: 7/10
Pedro Porro is a baller. Imperious against West Ham, solid yet again in the first half against Newcastle. Pulled off a couple of nutmegs that sent Spurs fans into a dizzy.
What a pass from the Spaniard for Richarlison’s second goal of the night! Tried an audacious chip that went just over the bar. Faded away as the game went on.
Cristian Romero: 6.5/10
Was an Almiron goal clearance away from scoring his second goal in two games. Always on the front foot, a typical defensive masterclass from the Argentinian in the first half who seems to have gotten much better on the ball as well.
Was much more busier in the second half. Got a customary yellow card for a reckless challenge, something that he needs to tone down.
Ben Davies: 7/10
Maybe it’s time to put some respect on Davies’ name. Solid, if not spectacular. Brilliant block on Gordon’s cross when it almost seemed inevitable for Isak to score. Good game from the Welshman.
Destiny Udogie: 8/10
We at TTLB said last week that Udogie takes some outrageous positions on the field. His finish today is a move that would have made a number nine proud. What a player we have on our hands. Can be forgiven for the late mistake he made.
Pape Matar Sarr: 7.5/10
Missed an easy chance early on in the game. Ran the show in midfield, in the first half, outshining Yves Bissouma along the way.
More of the same in the second half but was taken off, understandably, as he was returning from an injury.
Yves Bissouma: 7/10
Reminiscent of Bissouma’s performance from the start of the season. Did not put a foot wrong in the first half.
Almost got sent off for a headbutt on Bruno Guimares. Was taken off for Oliver Skipp with a few minutes to go.
Dejan Kulusevski: 7.5/10
Kulusevski as a #10 is an exciting prospect. Played a very good first half. Always seems to make the correct decision on the ball.
Excellent second half from the Swede who seems to absolutely love playing for Ange’s team. Needs to be contributing more in terms of goals and assists though.
Brennan Johnson: 7/10
Much more promising performance from the Welshman but almost put his side in trouble with a stray back pass. A brilliant long-range shot that hit the post and skimmed off late in the first half.
Oh Brennan, still can’t believe how his shot in the second half did not find the back of the net.
Son Heung-min: 8.5/10
Back to his left-wing role tonight. Provided sumptuous crosses into the box on numerous occasions, one of which resulted in Udogie’s goal. Came up with a brilliant piece of skill to set Richarlison up for the second goal.
Could have had a hattrick of assists had he cushioned a pass to Brennan instead of trying to score a goal. Moved into the #9 role once Richarlison was taken off. Won a penalty and converted it clinically to add to his goal tally. Taken off in the dying minutes. MOTM!
Richarlison: 8/10
That’s more like it from Richarlison. Started off the game brightly and clinically finished Son’s pass to put Spurs 2-0 into the lead. Scored his first goal for Tottenham with his feet.
Just when the game seemed to be getting away from them, the Brazilian got on the end of a sensational cross from Pedro Porro. Best game in a Spurs shirt that would do him the world of good. Taken off in the second half for some well-deserved rest.
Substitutes
Giovani Lo Celso: 6.5/10
Came on for Richarlison in the 70th minute. Some clever touches, as is always the case but not much of an impact. Should be starting more games though.
Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg: 7/10
Came on for Pape Matar Sarr in the 70th minute. Kept the ball ticking in midfield.
Bryan Gil: N/A
Came on for Brennan Johnson in the 86th minute
Oliver Skipp: 6/10
Came on for Yves Bissouma in the dying stages. Had a sensational chance to score a goal minutes after coming on but was saved by Dubravka.
Jamie Donley: N/A
Came on in stoppage time for Son Heung-min. Did not have much of a time to make an impact.
