OneFootball
Phil Costa·25 August 2019
OneFootball
Phil Costa·25 August 2019
Tottenham paid the price for a sloppy performance as Newcastle snatched a 1-0 win on Sunday.
Here are three points of interest from an enthralling game of football …
Mauricio Pochettino needs to clarify the situations regarding Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen.
Vertonghen – still yet to make a Premier League appearance this season – has fallen behind Davinson Sánchez who was caught napping for the goal.
Eriksen was also benched for the third successive game and made a marked difference after coming on.
He brings Spurs something different and the uncertainty surrounding his future helps nobody.
It’s never easy playing as a lone striker away from home, but Joelinton was quietly encouraging.
The Brazilian took his goal superbly, provided a strong, yet mobile outlet for the side and his technical security allowed Newcastle valuable breathing time, instead of the ball coming straight back.
Fabian Schär and Paul Dummett were monstrous in defence, but they could finally have a strong focal point up front.
Newcastle absolutely deserve credit for their Rafa Benítez-esque defensive performance. Tottenham should still be concerned by their attacking fluidity.
Harry Kane was anonymous, Heung-min Son lacked sharpness after his ban and Erik Lamela never really threatened. Even Lucas Moura skied over from close range.
They were denied a stonewall penalty late on, but how many clear cut chances spring to mind? Not many. Something to work on.
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