Kevin Danso justified his selection in Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Tottenham Hotspur twice fought back to draw 2-2 with Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Tuesday evening. Cristian Romero delivered two decisive moments against Newcastle United, capped by a brilliant 95th-minute overhead kick that silenced the home crowd and eased the pressure on Thomas Frank.
Spurs were heading for their sixth defeat in eight league games. Newcastle had enjoyed a series of promising opportunities throughout the game before substitute Bruno Guimaraes sent them ahead in the 71st minute. Romero made it 1-1 seven minutes with a bullet diving header from Mohammed Kudus’ cross, before Anthony Gordon restored the Magpies’ lead from the penalty spot following a controversial VAR decision.
The Lilywhites looked destined for fourth straight loss in all competitions until a moment of magic from Cristian Romero deep into stoppage-time rescued a point. The Argentinean international scored an incredible overhead kick which bounced through the box and trickled past the hapless Aaron Ramsdale into the bottom corner. But, there was one Tottenham player whose performance went under the radar amidst Romero’s heroics.
Kevin Danso justifies his selection vs. Newcastle
There were a few solid performers for Tottenham in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle, with Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus notable examples. Although, Kevin Danso was the silent star of the show for the visitors.
Back from a one-game suspension, Romero naturally took his spot in Thomas Frank’s XI. He was supposed to partner Micky van de Ven in central defence, but Thomas Frank chose to rest the Dutchman and instead hand Kevin Danso a start. Filling in for Van de Ven at left centre-back was not an easy task, but Danso performed well on the night.
The Austrian international was strong and aggressive in duels, winning five out of nine. He blocked two shots, made an interception and recovered possession three times. The central defender was also proficient in possession of the ball, as evinced by his 92% pass completion rate.
He had 59 touches on the ball and produced two accurate long balls out of three. Danso made 11 clearances, including a vital clearance off the line to help Spurs pinch a point against Newcastle. (Stats courtesy: SofaScore).
For someone acting as a back-up to Romero and Van de Ven, this was an accomplished performance from Danso. The 27-year-old vindicated Frank’s decision to start him in a hostile environment, proving he is more than capable enough to hold his own against strong and tricky forwards.
With the hectic fixture having started, such a display would do well for his confidence levels as well as lift the spirits within the dressing room that needs to stay close-knitted amid a torrid run of form.
