Player ratings: Newcastle owners learn urgent position to upgrade as Tottenham man ruins opening to new era
Newcastle’s first match of their new era began on a sour note as Tottenham spoilt the party with a dominant 3-2 win at St James’ Park.
The Magpies had a dream start to life under their Saudi-led consortium of owners, Callum Wilson heading in after two minutes.
However, after Spurs settled, it was largely one-way traffic. Tanguy Ndombele equalised, before Harry Kane put the visitors in front with his first Premier League goal of the season.
Son Heung-min made it 3-1 just before the break, but the first half was extended due to a medical emergency involving a fan in the stands. The supporter has since been stabilised and taken to hospital.
In the second half, Spurs kept their game ticking over. Son, Kane, Ndombele and Lucas Moura enjoyed the attacking freedom as Newcastle tried to get back into it. They did get a late goal back through Eric Dier’s own goal, but it was not enough.
As for who stood out, Newcastle’s new owners can identify centre-back as a key area to bolster following this defeat – despite them needing several new signings. Ciaran Clark struggled against England captain Kane, in what was a key battle.
Newcastle
Karl Darlow: Made two early saves, but was well-beaten by Kane’s lob. Did not actually have that much to do in the second half, despite Tottenham’s dominance. 4/10.
Javier Manquillo: Fantastic assist for the opener, but his foot was playing Kane onside. Could not help Newcastle get a grip on the game in the second half. 4.
Jamaal Lascelles: Solid early on in the first half, with some good tackles, but regressed as the half went on. That continued in the second half. 4.
Ciaran Clark: Was caught ball-watching as the Magpies went 2-1 down. Struggled with the basics as Tottenham grew stronger. Rightly yellow-carded for a frustrated tackle on Kane in the second half. 3.
Matt Ritchie: Threatening going forward, but like Clark, was ball-watching and had his back to Kane, before having a hard time defending. 4.
Isaac Hayden: Quiet in the first half other than a nasty challenge early on when he got carried away with the atmosphere. 8 – nasty, late challenge. carried away with atmosphere. Yellow-carded for a lazy challenge on Moura in the second half. 3.
Allan Saint-Maximin: Newcastle’s most direct player, his dribbling and running a constant threat. His pass teed up Manquillo’s cross, but his best effort after he break was an effort he blazed over. 6.
Joe Willock: Played his part in the opener with a pass, but did not do much else of note. Booked after the break for falling to the ground too easily – according to the referee – following a Romero tackle. 4.
Sean Longstaff: Some nice early passing to control the tempo early on, but struggled like his team-mates as the half wore on. 4.
Joelinton: Impressive going forward and set Wilson up for a chance, but his influence waned as Spurs grew stronger. Could not have much of an influence in the second half as Newcastle failed to create many chances.
Callum Wilson: Fantastic movement to get across his man and head home, and had a few chances later on in the first half. Quiet in the second half. 6.
Substitutes:
Jonjo Shelvey (on for Longstaff, 60): Came on to help add creativity and stability to Newcastle’s midfield, but ended up getting himself sent off with two clear yellow-card fouls. 2.
Ryan Fraser (on for Wilson, 77): Had few chances to get himself in the game. 3.
Jacob Murphy (on for Willock, 75): Quiet in the 15 minutes or so he was on. 3.
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Tottenham
Hugo Lloris: Could do nothing to save Wilson’s header, but then made a good catch from a Ritchie cross. Had little to do in the second half as Spurs went on the attack to increase their lead. 7/10.
Emerson Royal: Could have done better in possession for Newcastle’s opener, but recovered to have a solid half after that. Had his say on a number of attacking opportunities in the second half. 7.
Cristian Romero: Some good defensive moments in the first half, including at a corner where Lascelles was rising to head. Showed calmness and some good defensive touches to keep Spurs in check after the break. 7.
Eric Dier: Great ball over the top to set up Sergio Reguilon and Spurs’ equaliser. Solid in the second half, apart from his own goal. 5.
Sergio Reguilon: Was in the midst of Manquillo’s assist for the opener, but played a stunning first half from then on. His neat, quick pass set Ndombele’s goal up, before he defended Saint-Maximin well. 8.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Controlled the midfield battle well and found Kane for his goal with a lovely ball over the top. Helped Tottenham dominate possession and take the sting out of the match and the crowd. 9.
Oliver Skipp: Marshalled the midfield well alongside Hojbjerg, including a fantastic sliding tackle when Newcastle were on the break. Had a similar impact after the break. 8.
Lucas Moura: Played a poor cross after 15 minutes, but he grew into it. Hit the bar with a header before his pinpoint through-ball helped set the third goal up. Enjoyed his attacking freedom in the second half, including some positive running. 9.
Tanguy Ndombele: Given license to roam in attack and did so brilliantly, curling in his equaliser before his run helped Son make it 3-1. Got forward to good effect in the second half, but could not find another goal. 8.
Son Heung-min: Took his tap-in nicely right at the end of the first half, but played some nice touches before that. Lively throughout the second period, but could not add to the scoreline. 8.
Harry Kane: Quiet for 20 minutes, but then crept up with his run and finish. Then he was on hand to lay Son’s finish on a plate to his fellow forward. From there, he continued his impressive impact going forward but did not create too much. 8.
Substitutes: N/A.
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