It wasn’t pretty, but that is a huge win for Newcastle United, who played poorly at times but defended superbly and were clinical at the other end to beat Spurs once again at St James’ Park.
Here come our marks out of 10 and comments on each players involved:
Pope (7) – His saves kept us in the game, making a few crucial stops at 1-1, but his distribution continues to be a cause of concern. Also an argument to say he should’ve done better with Maddison’s shot that was parried to Johnson prior to Burn’s own-goal.
Livramento (8) – Cemented his spot as first choice right back. Lung busting runs going forward and some great defensive reads to come inside to cut out danger. Kept the play alive moments before Barnes’ goal, too.
Krafth (8) – An unsung hero once again who is forming a good partnership with Burn. Doesn’t do anything flashy but knows his role and does it well, reading play well and rarely making mistakes. Made a vital block to deny Spurs after Burn’s bad giveaway.
Burn (7.5) – Panicked slightly for the own goal and careless giveaway on the edge of his own box brings his rating down slightly but aside from those two moments he didn’t put a foot wrong and made so many vital blocks and interventions.
Kelly (7) – Quick thinking from the throw in and cut back for Barnes to get his first assist in the black and white. Looked assured in defence and has the edge on Hall based on his defensive acumen. Booked early on.
Longstaff (7.5) – Ran his socks off on a difficult day for the midfield. Kept an eye on Udogie coming inside and offered great support to Livramento. Often unfairly criticised but did nothing wrong today.
Guimaraes (7) – Not as influential on the ball today but did a mountain of defensive work. Has been guilty of holding onto the ball too long and was caught out a couple of times today.
Joelinton (8) – A colossus. Used his physicality to break open the game in the second half and played a delicious through ball for Murphy. Great rebound from his stinker at Bournemouth.
Gordon (6) – Still hasn’t quite got going this season and gave away the ball on a number of occasions. Delivery from set pieces was good at times. Mixed bag but his energy levels were a bit better.
Barnes (7.5) – Wonderful finish for the opening goal and could’ve had one earlier too. Looked our most likely threat in the first half and hopefully can stay injury free.
Isak (6.5) – Largely on the periphery and not at his razor sharp best by any stretch, but closed down well all game and popped up with a tap in to seal the win!
Subs:
Murphy (for Barnes) – (6) – Gave the ball away far too often and was deployed too deep to be an attacking outlet. Would have been a four or a five, but it was a great run and assist as he unselfishly squared for Isak’s winner.
Tonali (for Longstaff) – (6) – Wonderful to see him back at St James’ Park amongst a sea of Italian flags. Won a crucial free kick to slow the game down and was tidy in possession.
Hall (for Kelly) – (6) – Looked more assured defensively than in previous games. Will need to do more to get in ahead of Kelly.
Almiron (for Gordon) – N/A – On for the final few minutes.
Very fair overall, but Gordon doesn’t deserve anything like your score: 4-5 for me: what did he achieve that I didn’t see? His form this few matches is a massive drop and a massive worry
davewallace(Quote)
Agreed. And when losing possession he just strolls around instead of pressing. Doesn’t seem particularly motivated.
Jimmy(Quote)
Gordon is nowhere near his best, going through the motions 5 at best.
Midfield is a real concern as they can’t keep the ball, Joelinton physical as usual a 6 for me, Bruno not much better also a 6.
The defence is just about holding it together, don’t think Schär should get an automatic recall, and Tonali needs to start.
Joseph(Quote)
Joseph,
I beg to differ. We absolutely need Schar as soon as possible, He is pure class, and knows what to do when he gets the ball, unlike our current centre halfs, who do not let us down when defending, but are both completely clueless once they have the ball. Some of what went on in our own half today was criminal, and has been every match this season. We can attack great, we can defend, but once we get the ball in our own half we give it straight back to the opposition, it is embarrassing to see.
davewallace(Quote)
Totally agree with you davewallace with regarding Schar and also when we had the ball in our own half the amount of times we couldn’t keep it was poor and the times Bruno got caught in possession from holding on to the ball to long is a concern but from a defensive point of view Burn and Krafth were our two best players certainly don’t look 100% at the minute and not as sharp as normal but 7 points from first 3 games playing not at our best is a positive
Darren Bebb(Quote)
On Gordon, it’s been a mental summer. He’s pure class as a player and seems to be pure class as a person. He’ll be back to his best in no time. Dont be worrying.
The team, tactics and overall readiness for games is a reason to be concerned. They look like they’ve never met each other before. It’s bizarre, and not the team we’ve been seeing for last couple of years.
Hopefully we come through it and get back to our best after the break. HWTL
Toonali87(Quote)
They have momentum , the points and now two weeks off to work on their play .. they look a bit disjointed and not as fluid ..perhaps the summer tour away and those on international duty has taken its toll? .. it’s possible the players are picking up negative vibes from Howe as he don’t seem as positive as usual with his “ten years “to the top commentary and general demeanour ?
it’s all whatifery .. time will tell
Mike(Quote)
Agree on comments about Gordon, but would add that you were generous with Pope.
The saves he made were what you would have expected any keeper to make , his parries were horrific and his distribution poor.
Also – while Joelinton got away with it setting up the goal too many players are doing Bruno’s, keeping the ball close trying the dribble then getting mugged.
I hope this is not going to be a habit.
freddd(Quote)
Jon irving(Quote)