Spurs 0 Newcastle 2: A Game Of Two Managers, Two Midfielders & Two Wingers

Two teams with new managers and a host of new signings took to the field last night.

Spurs played like strangers, Newcastle were United and took the three points home.

Two Managers

De Zerbi has had far more time in his role than Matthias Jaissle but, just like our young manager, De Zerbi has a new players to bring to heel, and at far greater expense.

Those players and their manager are all PL experienced; Tonali, Fernanades, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson, Marmoush and Savio, while Jaissle has Hornicek, Dedic, Steur, Bamba, Toure with almost zero.

The difference doesn't end there.

De Zerbi mumbles his way through interviews with dull eyes and has no spark or presence - whilst Wor Matthias radiates confidence, charisma and intellect.

The teams they selected yesterday played with the character and leadership of their managers, and that's in no small part a reason why Newcastle won the game.

Jezza looked the giant on the touchline, De Zerbi a pygmy.

Two Midfielders

Just as against Liverpool the pre-natch talk was about a former player, Tonali, and how he would match up to what could be seen as his replacement Nico Gonzalez.

Well... as with the two managers the differences were stark.

Tonali's contribution was to make stray passes, get caught in possession, have no influence on the game, and finally have to walk off subbed to a crescendo of jeers from our baying away supporters. Good riddance Sandro.

In contrast, Nico looked like a snip at £51M, half the price of Tonali, sprayed passes short and long, with one glorious lofted pass from deep being headed on by Dedic and superbly finished by born again Elanga.

When Nico was subbed it was because he'd done his job, not flunked it like Tonali, and boy did the Toon Army raise the rafters in recognition of a superb debut performance.

Two Wingers

The one Spurs player who showed any threat was their left winger Tel and in the opening 20 minutes that threat was matched for Newcastle by Anthony Elanga.

But, threats need to be turned into action, and that's where Elanga beat Tel hands down.

The defining moments for both players were as wide as the Atlantic, Tel sunk without trace and Elanga set the good ship Toon sailing away to victory.

Elanga's control, pivot, and shot left a defender and keeper for dead and deservedly put us 1-0 up.

Tel ballooned a free kick so high that the ball nearly went into orbit and the Spurs winger came right back down to Earth when he was subbed minutes later.

And... how good was the celebratory dance between Elanga and Wissa after Yoane back flicked his first goal of the season.

The joy on their faces surely came from knowing that their tough time of last season was now a distant memory to be forgotten.

It's a cliche - but it really is like having two new signings. And cracking ones too.

Jezza's First Clean Sheet

My concern before the game was that a repeat of the wide open spaces in the middle of the park that were evident against Liverpool might prove our downfall against Spurs.

Not a chance.

The difference in our set up and positioning without the ball was chalk and cheese to last Sunday.

That is down to only one thing - intensive training and organisation during the week by MJ and his coaching team. And, just as importantly, a willingness and desire by the players to put that into practice on match day.

Also, let's not forget a couple of outstanding saves by Hornicek who is quickly putting the doubts some had about our young keeper to bed.

The start to the season couldn't have been as far removed from the dire worries we fans had just a few short weeks ago. Liverpool and Spurs in our first two matches??

Get a had a yasell.

Fowa points in the bag, fowa goals scored, and thurd in the chabel.

The happy clapping Toon lads and lasses are dancin doon the Biigg Market.

HWTL.

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