Three 8/10s, several 7s and the odd 6 - Player ratings from Newcastle 2-1 Spurs

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.