PLAYER RATINGS: Spurs 1-0 Newcastle – Two impressive 8’s, several 7’s, one 6 & two 5’s

A frustrating result in the end for us, with us being good value for a point after putting in a strong defensive display and creating a few big chances of our own.

Here’s an assessment of each player’s performance and my marks out of 10:

STARTING 11:

NUFC XI – (5-4-1): Dubravka (5) – Yedlin (7), Schar (7.5), Lascelles (8*), Lejeune (7), Ritchie (7.5) – Perez (7), Hayden (6) , Longstaff (8), Atsu (5) – Rondon (7).

Dubravka – 5  – Had a brilliant game up until their goal, with Son’s shot going straight through him. Other than that, he was very quick off his line and claimed a few crosses comfortably. A real shame to see his mistake undo all our good work, however it’s worth remembering that he’s saved us this season FAR more than he’s cost us.

Yedlin – 7 – Let a few too many crosses come in early on but generally did well to keep Son quiet – until he drifted inside late on to score. Made a few good runs in behind Vertonghen at the other end, although he didn’t make the most of it when he got on the end of them. Made a vital block to deny Son and put a great ball in minutes later for Rondon’s header that smashed the post.

Schar – 7.5 – Aside from the odd mistake, he was brilliant once again today. Reacted fantastically to clear Eriksen’s deft flick off the line and dealt with just about everything Spurs chucked at him; also showing his confidence and quality on the ball once again. He could’ve cost us with the odd lapse, however, giving the ball away in an awful area on one occasion and bein the man who kept Lucas onside just as he miscued a free header wide from six yards out.

Lascelles – 8 – Several strong challenges and aerial wins, with him often coming across quickly to cut out the danger – whether it be balls into the box or when he came across on the cover out wide. He cleared out cut out so many crosses into the box and continues to look a different player following Lejeune’s return.

Lejeune – 7 – Looks a calming influence at the back but sometimes needs to just clear and hoof it long, with him playing a few risky short passes to Ritchie which put us in danger. Another solid display, however, with him reading the play well and making a few key blocks and interceptions in and around the box.

Ritchie – 7.5 – Several vital clearing headers and interceptions at the back post from dangerous Tottenham crosses. Put in some great deliveries from corners and open play and was quick into tackle. Looked sharp and as if he knew he had to up his game, with Barreca’s arrival now putting his place in the side under threat at left wing-back. Didn’t get forward as much in the second half but still played a key role defensively, with reacting brilliantly to clear a goal bound Eriksen flick off the line.

Atsu – 5 – Cheap in possession and quite wasteful. He had one decent burst to play in Rondon, but had a brilliant chance to slip him in just before half time and over hit the pass. His pace can cause teams problems but his final ball, touch or decision making so often lets him down.

Hayden – 6 – A few interceptions and tackles and a solid performance in midfield. He goes backwards a little too often when he gets on the ball for my liking but he does put in a shift. Considering he was pushing for a move away for ‘personal reasons’ just 48 hours ago, he can’t be accused of sulking today.

Longstaff – 8 – Showed his class on the ball once again, playing some clever passes and turning away from his man brilliantly at times. He’s been likened to Michael Carrick and I can see why with his upright running style and ability both on and off the ball. As Jamie Redknapp said in the Sky studio after the game, he looks like a proper Premier League player already.

Perez – 7 – Had a few moments of brilliance to wriggle out of tight situations or work space to beat Vetonghen; who struggled to deal with him at times at left-back. Helped Yedlin double up against Son early on early on, but was dispossessed a few too many times in the first half before getting into his rhythm. He pulled off superb piece of skill and made a quick pass out wide to set up counter in the first half, but scuffed the big chance that fell to him from the resultant ball into the box. Also had a curled shot on the edge of the box acrobatically saved by Lloris. A decent display from him today.

Rondon – 7 – Very nearly scored to give us the lead in the second half, with his header back across goal leaving Lloris rooted and clipping the post. He held up the ball well, giving us that bit of link up play and power that Joselu just can’t offer when left so isolated. Won several flick ons, linked the play well and made a few strong runs out wide and in behind to give us an outlet in attack. Another strong display up top from the big man.

SUBS:

Kenedy – 4 – Poor. Came inside just about every time, ignoring the good runs Barreca made and slowing down our attacks as a result – just when we were trying to build attacks late on.

Barreca – N/A – Replaced Ritchie at left wing-back for the final 5 minutes so not really on long enough for any real rating. Made some decent overlapping runs but Kenedy often ignored him and cut inside.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

One thought on “PLAYER RATINGS: Spurs 1-0 Newcastle – Two impressive 8’s, several 7’s, one 6 & two 5’s

  1. Kenedy is a massive waste of space and time. He’s the only player on this squad whom I don’t like. Dude is SO lazy and nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. Chelsea can take him back any time. No wonder they don’t want him back.

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