Newcastle defensively stable and controlled in 2-0 win over Spurs
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Newcastle United earned their first Premier League win of the season, as they put two goals past Tottenham Hotspur, as the rejuvenations of Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga continued, whilst it was an impressive debut for Nico Gonzalez.
It was a tough opening 45 for the Magpies, but they hung in there due to their stability and assurance in defence, building on their first two games of the season to get their first clean sheet since March 14th.
Magpies find stability in defence
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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Matthias Jaissle, Manager of Newcastle United, and Sven Botman of Newcastle United celebrate after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Matthias Jaissle, Manager of Newcastle United, and Sven Botman of Newcastle United celebrate after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Newcastle conceded 55 goals last season and dropped 25 points from a winning position due to how leaky and unalert they were defensively. Now, in the two games they have played already, they have conceded, drawing 2-2 with Liverpool and just edging it against West Brom in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
But in their game against Spurs, every single defender was alert and ready to face what was coming at them. Amar Dedic made decisive tackles, tracking back each time he pressed high to provide cover in defence.
Lewis Hall was similar, but threw his body in the way to block impending shots and pushed out to counter Spurs' attacks. Sven Botman stepped up after a poor pre-season and looked better on Saturday evening by going for challenges and throwing his body on the line.
It was the best defensive performance from the Magpies for quite a while, and whilst it is still early days, they are learning from their mistakes and picking up under the new manager.
Bodies on the line, reacting instantly to what's coming their way, putting their bodies on the line, not dropping off, getting stuck in and the ball out of the feet of the opposition attack — a rewarding first clean sheet since their 1-0 win against Chelsea back on March 14.
Nico Gonzalez provides stability in midfield
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On Tuesday, Newcastle United announced the signing of Nico Gonzalez for an initial fee of £47M (but goes to £52M with add-ons). The 24-year-old who transferred from Manchester City was put straight into the teamsheet on Saturday evening.
Immediate impact: within the opening minutes of the game, he provided a ball to Anthony Elanga, who registered a shot against Antonin Kinsky.
He controlled the ball in midfield, picking out a few passes, keeping possession, and bringing others into play. It wasn't as chaotic or as high-end a turnover of possession as it was in their opener against Liverpool.
There was a needed stability, a sense of control, and Newcastle reaped the benefits of it in the second half, after they repeated the exact move they made in the first half: Gonzalez played a crossfield pass to Dedic, who headed the ball into Elanga's path, and he put the Magpies in front.
Money well spent in midfield
The Magpies haven't finished in the midfield, with their search for a No.10 still going on, but the addition of Gonzalez is proving to be money well spent.
For all the talk about how they lost Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali, their departures haven't had the drastic effect many expected.
Gonzalez is comfortable with the ball at his feet, can challenge in midfield and has an eye for a pass, which only benefits Newcastle's attack.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29:A dejected Tottenham Hotspur Manager Roberto De Zerbi after the 0-2 loss during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29:A dejected Tottenham Hotspur Manager Roberto De Zerbi after the 0-2 loss during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Roberto De Zerbi, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, reacts during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom, on August 29, 2026. (Photo by Harvey Murphy/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Roberto De Zerbi, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, reacts during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom, on August 29, 2026. (Photo by Harvey Murphy/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)