A rare away win for Newcastle United and a far better performance, as Eddie Howe got it spot on and his players stepped up in a 2-1 win at Spurs last night.
MalIck Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey grabbed the goals either side of Spurs’ equaliser, with our win a fully-deserved one after dominating a turgid Tottenham side for much of the 90 minutes.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each Mag involved in last night’s big win.
Pope (6) – Didn’t cover himself in glory for the goal, where he was caught in no man’s land, but was otherwise solid. Clear to see that we need an upgrade in goals in the summer.
Trippier (7) – Much better performance from Tripps, who has looked all at sea lately. Still susceptible to pace but was tidy in possession, settled into the game, showed his experience and was always willing to receive the ball.
Thiaw (8) – Chipped in with another goal with some great reactions to poke the ball home on the stroke of half time. Defensively he read the game superbly and got the better of his duels with Solanke.
Botman (7.5) – Threw himself in front of everything, made some vital blocks and put in one of his best performances in a long time. Consistent run in the side is proving beneficial. Let’s hope he can stay fit.
Burn (7) – Given the left back spot as Hall was rightly rested, we got a typical Dan Burn performance. No nonsense and efficient after a shaky start. His reading of the game negates any lack of pace he may have.
Ramsey (9\*) – Showed athleticism at both ends, always wanted the ball, progressed the ball quickly and did a lot of good defensive work before his brilliant finish. The relief was clear for all to see as he tucked away his first goal for the club to seal three points. It was the least he deserved after a real statement performance full of endeavour and quality. Challenge is for him to use this as a platform to kick on for the rest of the season.
Guimaraes (7.5) – Linked up really nicely with Willock and Ramsey who were both willing runners while Bruno essentially played “quarterback”. Worryingly hobbled off again late on so hopefully it’s nothing too serious.
Willock (8) – Was denied a great goal by VAR who adjudged him to be offside by a forehead! He deserved a goal after an all action display that is full of energy but maybe just lacking that little bit of decision making in the final third. Could be playing for his future and playing like he knew it.
Elanga (8) – Took a while, but we are starting to get the Elanga that we paid £50million for. Whipped in plenty of crosses and won several corners. Ran his socks off, was a constant outlet and gave Spence a lot of problems all night. Much like Ramsey, this needs to be the baseline for all performances going forward.
Barnes (7) – Grafted hard and didn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities but wasn’t as effective in attack as we have come to expect. Seemed to fade as the game went on.
Gordon (7.5) – Tellingly after the game Eddie Howe praised Gordon for his ability to press high with his electric pace which makes you question why we signed 2 strikers who aren’t great at that side of the game! Grabbed the match winning assist for Ramsey.
Murphy (5.5) – Came on as a fresh pair of legs and didn’t do anything of note. Did his job defensively, but is firmly behind Elanga on current form.
Tonali (5) – Sloppy cameo from the once undroppable Italian who could now struggle to regain his place! Gave the ball away carelessly on a couple of occasions when his whole remit would be to retain possession and see the game out.
Woltemade (NR) – On late, replacing Gordon.
Osula (NR) – On late, replacing Willock. Made a few decent runs but struggled to hold it up.
Hall (NR) – Replaced Bruno in the closing stages.