We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Spurs 1 Newcastle 2.
That was far more like it.
A good away performance – the first half was probably the best we’ve played away all season – a good result, and smiles all round from the players.
I don’t think the 2-1 scoreline does Newcastle justice – we were the better side throughout, bar a 10-minutes spell when Tottenham scored.
It was a proper team victory – there wasn’t anyone head and shoulders above his teammates, but nor did anybody play badly. Eddie and the lads will sleep well after this game and so they should.
Those people who spend their lives looking for negatives will point out that Spurs are a poor team, but Newcastle made them look poor tonight, we were on the front foot from the get go, and were positive for 90 minutes.
I’m very pleased for Eddie Howe; he’s had to suffer some unjust attacks on his abilities.
Well, he got the boys up for this one, despite resting a couple of first-teamers. The away fans gave him their ringing endorsement at full time, echoing – I believe – the feeling of most Newcastle fans.
One last thing – credit to the ref. He had a good game.
Nick Pope 7
Sound, although Tottenham didn’t give him too stern a test.
Couldn’t have done much about the goal,and never really looked in danger at other times.
Kieran Trippier 7
Kudos to Tripps.
I was really worried when I saw him on the team sheet (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 summoned up the energy to put in a very good performance at both ends of the pitch.
Malick Thiaw 8
His best showing in a while.
Not just because he scored a poacher’s goal, but because he looked much more assured defensively, dominant and brave.
Sven Botman 8
Solid from Sven.
He’s getting fitter and starting to look like the player we were so excited to sign.
He’s not the quickest but his positional play and timing is top level.
Dan Burn 7
Spurs targeted him and got past him a few times.
But he stuck to his task – he can’t really enjoy playing left back – and helped restrict Spurs’ chances.
Put some decent tackels in, but you could argue that his biggest contribution was giving Lewis Hall a rest, and still helping Newcastle to victory.
Jacob Ramsey 9
His best game for Newcastle, after a series of improving performances.
Bags of energy, an attacking mindset, and a very well taken goal to give Newcastle the win. Player of the Match.
Bruno Guimaraes 8
Very good from Bruno, especially first half – always looking for a forward pass, and allowing Spurs very little time on the ball.
Went off with an injury, although I thought he looked a bit lame before then. I hope it’s nothing serious.
Joe Willock 8
Another player that put in a performance that should silence the doubters.
Looked sharp and carried a threat.
Scored what looked like a lovely goal, only for VAR to determine that an eyebrow had strayed offside. Had it been Jonjo Shelvey, the goal would have stood.
Anthony Elanga 8
He is finding his feet.
Like Ramsey, he has been showing steady improvement, and tonight I thought he looked like the player we thought we’d signed.
Direct, enterprising and creative.
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 fancy footwork and looked much happier than 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 him playing the false 9 role he’s not ideally suited to.
Harvey Barnes 7
A good, solid showing from Barnes.
Embodied the team performance – committed, forward-thinking and unselfish.
SUBS
Jacob Murphy 6
I think he was subbed on to help shore things up rather than lay siege to the Tottenham goal.
Did his job well enough.
Sandro Tonali 5
Couldn’t quite get into the game but did enough to help preserve the win.
Nick Woltemade N/A (Not on long enough to rate)
Not on long but had a couple of decent moments
Will Osula N/A (Not on long enough to rate)
I think he deserves more game time. Defenders don’t like wild cards
Lewis Hall N/A (Not on long enough to rate)
Barely muddied his boots.