Following Saturday’s defeat to Spurs, we’ve got in touch with a Spurs fan to ask a few questions about what he made of the game, our performance and us as a team – and his responses were very interesting.
Tottenham fan Joe was at the game himself over the weekend and had the following to say in response to our questions:
1) What did you make of our performance and your day at St James’ Park?
“I expected a better atmosphere to be honest. It seemed a little flat at times, although I’m guessing that’s down to your frustrating summer. I see you signed seven players but Ashley’s hardly spent has he? It baffles me how he can treat a top class manager like this. Huge chance missed.
“As for the performance, I was quite impressed by you.
“I fancied us to steam roll you when I saw the strong line up we went with, but you were every bit as good as us. You should’ve got a point in fairness.
“I was at the game this time last year and you barely got out your own half, couldn’t string two passes together and hardly ever created chances or troubled our goalkeeper. You were much more impressive this time out.”
2) Did any of our players impress you?
“Kenedy was absolutely class. I’d take him at Spurs in a heartbeat and actually reckon he’s just the sort of player Pochettino would look at.
“He’s got great skill and flair, but I was so impressed with how hard he worked back. He’s surprisingly strong and gets stuck in more than I would’ve given him credit for.
“Lascelles is a top player in the making too. He dealt with Kane’s physicality very well and is another one I’d happily have at Spurs.
“Matt Ritchie was a real pest too. Constantly working and his delivery for the goal was incredible. I could blame our lack of marking but it’s one of those goals where you just have to praise the cross rather than criticise the defending.”
“I like Dubravka too. Saw a bit of him last season and looked a class act. He took a few risks from the back but he looks like a very good goalkeeper.”
“I don’t rate Joselu at all but he actually caused more problems than I expected! That pass into Kenedy was quality.”
3) Was there any Newcastle players that didn’t impress?
“I thought Yedlin was awful. Alli got the better of him from start to finish. He never really picked him up and, even though his pace can allow him to recover from time to time, his footballing brain is always a few seconds behind.
“Diame had a poor first half. I don’t know if he didn’t have much of a pre-season, but he was monstrous when you lads came to Wembley in May and looked sloppy in comparison on Saturday. I like him though.
“Atsu had a shocker when he came on. Looked lost and totally uninterested. I worried his pace would cause us bother but he actually really helped us see the game out! Ritchie offered so much more.
“Perez was good in the first half but totally disappeared in the second. He seems a useful player on his day but he must frustrate you boys. A bit lightweight.”
“All in all, I had a great day and was relieved to come away with three points. Newcastle is always a great away day. A great footballing city and a club that deserves much more. Good luck!”
Some really interesting observations here from a Spurs fan sat up in the gods on Saturday.
Do you agree with his assessment?
