Tottenham Hotspur have learnt to win ugly, and they again ground out a result even though it looked like it was going to be a frustrating day for them. Newcastle United worked hard, and their defenders gave almost everything on the day. But an unfortunate error from Dubravka cost them the match as they went down 1-0 at Wembley.
The game followed a predictable pattern as Spurs enjoyed plenty of possession and Newcastle tried to break away on the counter. Spurs had two great chances to take the lead in the first half, but the header from Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela weren’t directed well enough. Pochettino would have thought about throwing Fernando Llorente into the game given the number of crosses the home team was putting into the box.
The forward was brought on early enough, but he missed some decent chances to put his team in the lead. Newcastle almost pulled off the perfect game as Rondon hit the post. Eriksen also came close to scoring but was denied brilliantly. However, for the third game in a row, Spurs found the winning goal after the 80-minute mark. Son Heung-min rescued his side as he scored from a long-range effort and the North London club managed to hold on to a win.
Here is how they fared against the Magpies.
Hugo Lloris 7
Wasn’t called into action much but made a top second-half save from Ayoze Perez’s shot. His decision making was on point and distributed the ball well.
Toby Alderweireld 7
Wasn’t tested much but did put in some smart blocks and interceptions when called upon in the game.
Davinson Sanchez 6
Assured performance at the back from the Colombian. Was strong in the air as well as in his challenges.
Kieran Trippier 5.5
Almost played as an outright winger down the right. Provided some good out balls but wasn’t effective much on the day.
Jan Vertonghen 6.5
Was picked ahead of Danny Rose to play as a left back. Did a decent job as he made some smart tackles and always looked to bomb forward.
Harry Winks 6
Distributed the ball well but didn’t have that final telling ball. Worked hard overall.
Moussa Sissoko 6
Not the most effective of games for the Frenchman. Linked up play well but nothing too special to talk about today.
Erik Lamela 6.5
Came close to scoring in the first half as he hit the bar. Made some nice runs but Pochettino would still want something more from him especially in games of this nature.
Christian Eriksen 7
Called the shots as usual from the midfield. Put in some good crosses and even came close to scoring from a corner. However, he was brilliantly denied by a goal-line clearance from Fabian Schar.
Lucas Moura 5
Missed some easy chances in the first half and maybe Pochettino should have started with Fernando Llorente up front. Was substituted early in the second half.
Son Heung-min 8
Once again the game changer for Spurs. Always willing to take defenders on no matter what. Attempted some excellent long-range efforts and was finally rewarded in the late stages. However, Dubravka should have had it covered, but Pochettino and Son would take it.
Substitutes
Fernando Llorente 6
Did his job as a target man and brought the ball down well for Son as the South Korean smashed it in for the goal. However, should have got himself on the scoresheet as he missed quite a few decent chances.
Danny Rose 5
Provided fresh legs on the pitch.
Eric Dier N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
