We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player commentary after Spurs 1 Newcastle 2.
That was much more like it.
A good away performance – the first half was probably the best we have played all season – a good result and smiles from the players.
I don’t think the 2-1 result does Newcastle justice. We were the better team throughout, apart from a ten-minute spell when Tottenham scored.
It was a deserved team victory; No one stood head and shoulders above their teammates, but no one played poorly either. Eddie and the boys will sleep well after this match, and they should.
The people who spend their lives looking for negatives will point out that Spurs are a bad team, but Newcastle made them look bad tonight. We were in first place from the start and were positive for 90 minutes.
I’m very happy for Eddie Howe; he has had to endure a number of unjust attacks on his abilities.
Well, he set the boys up for this, despite resting a few first-team players. The away fans gave him their loud messages of support at full-time, which – I believe – echoed the sentiment of most Newcastle fans.
One last thing: thanks to the ref. He played a good match.
Nick Pope 7
Sounds good, although Tottenham didn’t test him too severely.
I couldn’t have done much about the goal and at other times I never really looked in danger.
Kieran Trippier7
Kudos to Tripps.
I was really concerned when I saw him on the team list (although I’m not sure there was an alternative), due to my concerns about his ability to play twice a week every week.
But he mustered the energy to put in a very good performance on both sides of the field.
Malick Thiaw8
His best performance in a while.
Not just because he scored a poacher’s goal, but because he looked more defensive, dominant and braver.
Sven Botman 8
Solid from Sven.
He is getting fitter and starting to look like the player we were so keen to sign.
He is not the fastest, but his positional play and timing are top level.
And Brand 7
Spurs targeted him and got past him a few times.
But he stuck to the job – he doesn’t really enjoy playing as a left-back – and helped limit Spurs’ chances.
He put in some decent tackles, but you could say his biggest contribution was getting Lewis Hall rested and still helping Newcastle to victory.
Jacob Ramsey9
His best game for Newcastle, after a series of improving performances.
Bags of energy, an attacking mentality and a very well taken goal to give Newcastle the win. Player of the match.
Bruno Guimaraes 8
Very good from Bruno, especially in the first half. He always looks for a forward pass and gives Spurs very little time on the ball.
Left with an injury, although I thought he looked a bit lame for the time. I hope it’s nothing serious.
Joe Willock8
Another player who put in a performance that should silence the doubters.
Looked sharp and carried a threat.
He scored what seemed like a wonderful goal, but VAR ruled it was offside. If it had been Jonjo Shelvey, the goal would have stood.
Anthony Elanga 8
He is finding his way.
Like Ramsey, he is showing steady improvement, and tonight I thought he looked like the player we thought we signed.
Direct, enterprising and creative.
He took on (and beat) his man a few times, and put in some damaging crosses. Good work.
Anthony Gordon 7
Created the second goal with some nice footwork and looked much happier than he has of late.
My criticism of AG in the past has been about his attitude rather than his ability, but he was positive and willing tonight despite playing the false role for which he is not ideally suited.
Harvey Barnes7
A good, solid performance from Barnes.
Epitomized the team performance: committed, progressive and selfless.
SUBS
Jacob Murphy6
I think he was brought in to help things out rather than lay siege to Tottenham’s goal.
Did its job well enough.
Sandro Tonali 5
Couldn’t quite get into the game, but did enough to secure the win.
Nick Woltemade N/A (not active long enough to review)
Not long, but still had a few nice moments
Will Osula N/A (Not active long enough to review)
I think he deserves more playing time. Defenders don’t like wildcards
Lewis Hall N/A (Not on long enough to review)
He barely got his boots muddy.
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