Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players

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The Mag

·1 September 2024

Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players

We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1.

Newcastle go into the international break unbeaten, fifth in the Premier League with seven points from their first three games and qualification to the next round of the Carabao Cup.

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They’ve achieved that without ever playing at the levels we know they are capable of.

I know there is doom and gloom in some quarters, but we need to give everyone credit for grinding out the results so far, and we ground this one out.

The first half was quite even and very open, but Newcastle went into the interval a goal up, thanks to a superbly taken goal from Harvey Barnes.

The second half was nearly all Tottenham, who scored one and looked like getting more.

However, another top-class goal, very much against the run of play, gave Newcastle the win, and I thought we looked the better side thereafter.

This was a win built on grit, determination and hard work, plus a couple of moments of genuine quality.

We all know this squad can play much better, and when they do – as they undoubtedly will – they could shove their critics’ words back down their throats.

Nick Pope – 7

Badly at fault for the goal, but redeemed himself with some important saves. Didn’t let his error affect him

Tino Livramento – 8

I thought he did very well.

Saw a lot of the ball, used it quite well, but I was more impressed with his defending. Had to be strong and he was.

Emil Krafth – 8

It looked as if Spurs had identified Krafth as a weak link and I must confess to harbouring the same thought myself.

However, he had a great game and was one of the main reasons Spurs failed to capitalise on their dominance.

He’s a decent player you know; solid, reliable and intelligent

Dan Burn – 6.5

Not sure he could have done much to avoid the OG, although the bloke behind me was very much not of that view, expressing it loudly, crudely and repeatedly.

Mind you, he doesn’t seem to like any of our players.

As for BDB’s performance, he did flap on occasions, but blocked and cleared like his life depended on it on others.

Lloyd Kelly – 7

One of the issues that a free transfer from an ‘unfashionable’ club has, is that some people decide he must be rubbish before he kicks a ball.

He is not and they are wrong.

Looks good going forward and seems to have a good instinct for sniffing out trouble.

Covered the whole back line well and got a neat assist for Barnes’ goal

Sean Longstaff – 6

Workmanlike rather than spectacular and Spurs made sure our midfield had to graft for the entire game. Did OK.

Bruno Guimaraes – 7

He enjoys being captain and is unbeaten since he took the armband.

Drives the team on, wins a whole heap of fouls (Spurs’ cloggers targeted him, as all opponents tend to) and accepts responsibility even when the going gets tough.

Not his best display but we wouldn’t have won without him.

Joelinton – 8

The pick of our midfielders in my opinion and would just about shade Player of the Match for me.

He just kept battling for the full 90-odd minutes and never gave Spurs a moment’s peace.

Popped up in defence when we were under pressure and got his foot in, in midfield, when we were trying to gain the upper hand.

Played Murphy in with a sublime pass that led to the winning goal. Vamos!

Anthony Gordon – 6

We got the forward line most fans were wanting today but AG is still to show us the form that we fell in love with.

Maybe today it was because he started on the right rather than his favoured left, but he just seems to lack the desire and confidence of last season, he’s always going to be a shoo-in for our first XI, but he can do better.

Alexander Isak – 8

I was delighted he got his goal, as his season so far has been high on workrate and low on chances, but he never stopped and was finally rewarded with a tap-in for the winner.

Harvey Barnes – 8

Got the start he deserved and didn’t let us down.

Looked enterprising and strong and his goal was an outstanding finish. Quality.

Jacob Murphy – 7

It was the correct decision to bench him in order to field the Gordon, Isak, Barnes front line, but it was also the correct decision to bring him on for the last 30 minutes.

He raised Newcastle’s energy levels and came to the rescue of the defence a couple of times.

However, the highlight of his performance was the fine sprint and unselfish pass that gave Isak the winner. He can be happy with his contribution.

Sandro Tonali – 6

Didn’t really do a lot to be honest but I don’t really care.

Today was about the fans showing him how much we love him.

I believe he could be a special player and so do a lot of other people.

Once he gets completely match fit, he’ll make a difference.

Lewis Hall – 6

Another one who didn’t do a great deal other than help the team keep their shape and keep Spurs quiet, but we were grateful for his energy, quickly got into his stride.

Miguel Almiron – N/A

On for the last knockings.

Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1 – Sunday 1 September 1.30pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Barnes 37, Isak 78

Spurs:

Burn OG 56

Possession was Newcastle 34% Spurs 66%

Total shots were Newcastle 9 Spurs 20

Shots on target were Newcastle 3 Spurs 6