Newcastle lined up in what looked to be a 5-4-1 with Almiron on the right wing and Saint-Maximin on the left. Steve Bruce was up in his technical area barking orders as Tottenham started with much of the possession. Newcastle maintained their shape and were ready for the counter early.
But it was not a bright decision to start Allan Saint-Maximin as he lasted only 15 minutes before being replaced by Christian Atsu. It was very fortunate that Atsu was available as he was a natural replacement on the left wing. However, now it is very worrying that Saint-Maximin could be out for some time.
Spurs had 80% possession early on but Newcastle held their shape very well and had a well-executed counter in the 23rd minute. Joelinton held the ball and laid it off to Sean Longstaff. He surged into the box and his shot was saved by Hugo Lloris. However, Newcastle followed that with a very poor corner.
Joelinton– with the coach after scoring
Newcastle would break again as Atsu would pick out Joelinton whose first touch was heavy in the box. However, the Brazilian maintained his composure and struck the ball home for his first goal. What a great first goal for our new number 9.
Tottenham would put the pressure on after conceding. However, the lads would handle it well. Dubravka was forced into a superb save from a Son volley in the 33rd minute. Newcastle would cope very well with everything Tottenham threw at them.
Though a questionable 3 minutes of added time led to an excellent chance for Lucas Moura, who thankfully pushed his shot wide.
This was an excellent first half performance by the lads. They have also been expertly set up for this game. However, there are still 45 minutes to go, and they need to remain focused and disciplined.
134 comments so far
Nufc-83
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:26 PM
Comment #121Get the f in!!
landerson07
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:26 PM
Comment #122Brilliant… Everyone giving 100% all over the pitch. Should never have changed formation
willowdalerez
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:26 PM
Comment #123What a classic! Now hope injury news isn’t too bad. Gotta run, delayed family lunch to see us hang on!
lukes26
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:27 PM
Comment #124almiron and dummett men of the match for me ..a very rafa -esque performance today
manxpie
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:27 PM
Comment #125Get in!!! Great performance dummett easily motm atsu for me a close 2nd tidy on the ball, slowed it down at the right time and great assist
Scythe For Bruce
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:27 PM
Comment #126The way Krafth played we were effectively playing with ten men in that game, which makes it all the more remarkable. Absolutely stunning
davetoon
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:27 PM
Comment #127Only negative is the injuries. Hope they are not too bad
TomaKaThor
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:28 PM
Comment #128Classic Benitez performance,CL from atrocious performance against Norwich to class defensive performance v spurs… Must stick to this formation
manxpie
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:28 PM
Comment #129Haha Steve bruce “well fuskin played” 3 times live on sky you love to see it!
lukes26
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:29 PM
Comment #130pssh…krafth shut down son and rose. he was more than decent
toon22
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:29 PM
Comment #131Great results
HWTL
MikeAshleysWallet
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:30 PM
Comment #132Amazing and unexpected win, well done to the boys and credit where it’s due to Bruce, spot on with his tactics.
Moonraker15
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:36 PM
Comment #133Fantastic result! I’m proud of them all and good for SB he turned it round! We can go on from this! Sorry I’ve changed my tune but that’s football!
Our Toon
Aug 25, 2019 at 6:38 PM
Comment #134Wow think I’ve just about recovered, what a performance that was. Hard graft, team work, dare I say very good tactical display. Pretty sure if rafa was still here it would be referred to as a rafa masterclass in tactics