Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their campaign on a positive note as they edged past Newcastle United 2:1. An early goal from Jan Vertonghen helped Spurs get an early lead, though that didn’t last long as Joselu managed to equalize just three minutes after the opening goal.
However, Tottenham were also quick to pile up the pressure on a Newcastle side that looked fairly unstable defensively. Their efforts paid off when Dele Alli restored the lead just before the 20th-minute mark thanks to a delicious cross from Serge Aurier from the right flank.
The Lilywhites managed to hold on to their lead despite a nervy second half that saw Newcastle hitting the bar twice while Kenedy missed a golden opportunity to level things up.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be happy given the fact that most of his players were coming on the back of little to no training at all. The Argentine will now look to capitalize on their form when they face the newly promoted Fulham next weekend.
In the meantime, here are the Spurs players rated in their narrow win over Newcastle.
Hugo Lloris (7.5/10): Wasn’t as impressive as his counterpart Martin Dubravka, making just one save throughout the game.
But, that one save arguably saved his side’s blushes as he denied Ayoze Perez from scoring the second equalizer from a narrow-angle later in the second half.
Serge Aurier (6/10): Struggled at times, defensively, often making rough tackles, which eventually earned him a yellow card.
However, his delightful cross from the right-flank to feed Dele Alli helped his side snatch all three points.
Davinson Sanchez (7/10): Grew into the game following an awful start. In fact, he later emerged as one of Tottenham’s best players, especially in the second half, where he made numerous tackles and interceptions to help his side retain their narrow lead.
Jan Vertonghen (9/10): Once again led from the front as he not only scored the opening goal but also marshalled his side quite well.
In fact, he made the most number of defensive actions than any other player in the game with five tackles, three interceptions and ten clearances. Definitely the man of the match!
Ben Davies (6.5/10): An average showing from the former Swansea star who remained resolute to prevent the likes of Matt Ritchie and DeAndre Yedlin from bombarding down the left flank.
Eric Dier (6.5/10): Had a mixed game by his standards as the Newcastle midfielders often harried him on the ball. His tally of six clearances was also most by any outfield player barring the defenders.
Moussa Sissoko (6/10): Looked promising at times especially with his marauding runs from deeper positions.
But overall, it was an average performance from the former Newcastle midfielder, who is once again expected to go down the pecking order in the Tottenham squadron this season.
Lucas Moura (6/10): Another disappointing outing from the former PSG starlet, who is still yet to sort his feet out in the English Premier League.
Lucas was largely ineffective against Paul Dummett on the right flank and was dispossessed six times this afternoon before being subbed off later in the second half.
Christian Eriksen (8/10): Although a tentative figure for a large part of the game, Eriksen once again made a big impact thanks to his proficiency from set-pieces.
But, that’s not to say he had a great game as he was dispossessed eight times – more than any other player in his team.
Dele Alli (8/10): As one would normally expect from the highly talented English midfielder, Alli produced another of his energetic performances to give Spurs the upper hand within the first phase of the game.
Aside from that, he completed three dribbles and was dispossessed only twice – least among any Tottenham attackers against Newcastle.
Harry Kane (7/10): A typical start to the month of August for the highest scorer of the World Cup. Will get back in the groove soon enough.
Subs
Mousa Dembele (6/10): Brought stability in midfield after replacing the ineffective Lucas Moura in the 68th minute.
Son Heung-Min (NA): Made his 100th appearance for the club after coming on for Dele Alli with just ten minutes remaining on the clock.
But, he didn’t add much spark in the attack as Spurs somehow managed to protect their narrow lead to register a victory.
Luke Amos (NA): The highly talented 21-year-old midfielder made his first ever Premier League appearance when he replaced Eric Dier in the 88th minute.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
