Tottenham Hotspur played hosts to Newcastle United at the Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night looking to secure maximum points on the night. Mauricio Pochettino opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation and his Spurs side began the match on the front foot but struggled to break down the Magpies defence in the first half.
However, the home side found a goal early in the second half courtesy of Harry Kane’s smart finish from close range in the 50th minute. Pochetinno’s side retained the ball well to earn a victory on the night which ensured them UEFA Champions League football for next season. The match ended up with a narrow 1-0 win for Spurs.
Let’s take a look at how each Spurs player performed during the encounter.
GK: Hugo Lloris – 8/10
He made a few outstanding saves to keep Spurs level in the first half. The Frenchman distributed the ball well and earned an all-important clean sheet on the night.
RB: Kieran Trippier – 6/10
He tried his best during the contest and was a good outlet for the home team down the right flank. However, he got injured and was substituted in the second half.
CB: Davinson Sánchez – 8/10
The Colombian international was outstanding all throughout the match and made some important blocks and tackles during the game to secure a well-deserved clean sheet.
CB: Jan Vertonghen – 6.5/10
He did well defensively and was a threat going forward. The Belgian defender was unlucky not to score on the night.
LB: Ben Davies – 6/10
The Welsh defender tried his best to be an attacking threat but did not have much to offer in the opposition half. However, he did his job defensively and kept it tight in the Spurs backline.
CM: Moussa Sissoko – 7.5/10
He was superb for Spurs in a defensive midfield role and won a lot of challenges to help the home side retain possession.
CM: Victor Wanyama – 7/10
Another strong showing by the Tottenham midfield enforcer, he looked composed on the ball and broke down a lot of Newcastle attacks during the game.
RM: Christian Eriksen – 6/10
He worked hard on the pitch but failed to make an impact going forward.
CAM: Dele Alli – 6.5/10
He struggled to get involved in the game early on and got cautioned for arguing with the referee. However, he came back into the match and showed some maturity to see out a victory for Spurs.
LM: Heung-Min Son – 6/10
He set up Kane well for the opening goal of the game in the 50th minute. However, the South Korean ace struggled to retain possession and looked a bit off his game tonight.
ST: Harry Kane – 8.5/10
The English forward scored the winning goal of the contest for Tottenham which booked their place in the Champions League next season.
Substitutes:
LM: Erik Lamela – 7/10
The Argentine came off the bench to put on a nice, little cameo for the home team. He retained the ball well and added more energy in midfield.
CB: Toby Alderweireld – N/A
He hardly had any time to make an impact in the match.
RM: Danny Rose – 5/10
The English international squandered a great chance to secure the points for Spurs but his right-footed shot was saved by the Newcastle keeper.
