We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player commentary after Newcastle 2 Spurs 2.
A very frustrating evening at St James’ Park.
Newcastle were the better team, created more chances, took the lead twice, but dropped points in injury time. Again.
Tottenham arrived in Newcastle with low confidence. Their fans don’t like their goalkeeper, their players don’t like their manager and no one likes their owners.
So they were there for the taking, and considering we battered them a few times under Eddie’s tenure, there was every reason to be optimistic.
But it just didn’t click for us. For about 70 minutes we looked comfortable in defense and threatening in attack, but until our substitutes arrived we didn’t really cause our opponents any problems.
Once we did, with a great finish from Bruno, Spurs woke up and equalized with a goal that we could have defended better. Subsequently, the VAR imposed a penalty that no one claimed; I saw it again and in my opinion we were lucky to get it. The pen was despatched expertly, but then it was almost all Tottenham.
Another defendable goal was conceded in the fifth minute of stoppage time and Spurs returned to London with a point and some confidence.
It’s hard to give these ratings to the players; most were okay. I didn’t find anyone terrible, nor did I find anyone excellent.
Aaron Ramsdale6
Spurs had two attempts on target and both went in.
A few of my drinking buddies after the match felt that Nick Pope would have saved them both; I’m not too sure, but this wasn’t a performance that made me think Ramsdale should be our number one.
Doesn’t deserve pelters, but could be more impressive, especially with his punches.
Tino Livramento 7.5
After a draw that felt like a defeat, it’s easy to forget that we’ve taken seven points out of nine in our last three games.
That improvement in our PL form coincided with the return of Tino and his full back buddy.
He played well again, with purpose in attack and defense, and showed great reserves of energy
Malick Thiaw7
Some nice touches – he’s so good on the ball – and he’s not afraid to get on the pitch.
But he could have done more to prevent the second equalizer. It seemed to hesitate a little.
And Fire 6
Another player who was mostly good but had a few concentration issues helped Spurs back into the game.
Kept his area well for the most part, but were guilty of some poor passing, allowing Romero a header for the first equalizer. I think it could have been prevented.
You could say he “won” our punishment, but he was probably as surprised as I was that it was given.
Lewis room 7
Very good to have him back and back to a place close to his best.
Moved forward with energy and kept Spurs at bay for the most part.
But I thought he could have done more to prevent the cross for Tottenham’s first. Fine margins and all that.
Lewis Miley6
Deserved to keep his place after the Everton game, but wasn’t as effective in this match.
He was okay, but didn’t do much to influence things. There were a few moments where he was pushed off the ball too easily.
Sandro Tonali 6.5
He looked good without being as good as we know he can be.
Did his usual trick of appearing everywhere on the field at once, but suffered an injury that curtailed his evening.
Joelinton 6,555
I thought Joe played pretty well, but it seems like he took some of the aggression out of his game.
Won his share of tackles, was decent on the ball and hit the post in the first half. It seemed like he got tired towards the end of the match.
Jacob Murphy 5.5
As always, he got a few crosses into the penalty area, but he hit the defender too often and didn’t provide a real spark.
Not his best game.
Nick Woltemade6
Nick has quick feet, is well aware of what is going on around him and has a great attitude.
Some of his tricks worked last night, some didn’t, but he did provide the assist for Bruno’s goal.
I must also mention his defensive work on set pieces. He received more than enough crosses into the Newcastle penalty area.
Harvey Barnes6
Did his best, had one or two good moments, but didn’t provide his usual goal threat.
Not his night, but that was the case for most in black and white.
SUBS
Bruno Guimaraas 8
Up at half-time and made a real difference.
Always looking to go forward, he drove his teammates forward and reminded us why he wears the armband.
A beautiful goal scored with a calm but expert finish.
Anthony Elanga 5.5
Some promising moments, including one run where he was looking for a last man red card. He would never get it.
There is a player in there, but we have yet to see him.
He needs to improve his defensive contribution – he could have done more to prevent Romero’s bicycle kick in my opinion – if he wants to convince me he’s an upgrade over Murphy.
Anthony Gordon 7
Let’s be honest: AG has been disappointing in the PL so far this season. But he showed a lot of intent last night.
A quick run past his man led to our first goal and he scored a great penalty for our second. More please…
Fabian Schar N/A
Not long enough to judge.
Newcastle 2 Spurs 2 – Tuesday 2 December 2025 8.15pm
Match statistics
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Bruno 71, Gordon 86 pen
Tracks:
Romero 78, 90+5
Possess was Newcastle 53% Spurs 47%
Total shots were Newcastle 19 Spurs 8
Shots on target were Newcastle 7 Spurs 2
Corners were Newcastle 11 Spurs 8
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 38 Spurs 22
Newcastle team vs Spurs:
Ramsdale, Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Joelinton, Tonali (Bruno 46), Miley (Schar 93), Barnes (Gordon 66), Jacob Murphy (Elanga 66), Woltemade
Unused subs:
Ruddy, Willock, Ramsey, Neave, Alex Murphy
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