Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur match report: Spurs beat Rafa Benitez’s men 2-1
Tottenham Hotspur embarked on the new Premier League campaign by beating Newcastle United 2-1 at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The home side certainly fought hard and Spurs were faced with some nervy moments as the crowd cheered emphatically for Rafa Benitez’s men. However, the north Londoners stood strong and walked away with 3 crucial points at the end of the game.
Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes of the game. Spurs’s lead was short-lived as Newcastle attacker Joselu equalized soon enough. But before there were 20 minutes on the clock, Dele Alli snatched the lead for his club again by scoring a screamer – much to the delight of the visiting Tottenham fans.
From there on, it was a tussle of power between the two sides. In the dying minutes of the game, the Magpies squandered some brilliant chances to equalize.
Even without any new signings, Tottenham looked quite formidable and played like a well-oiled machine. Midfield enforcer Eric Dier picked up an injury towards the end and he limped off. In his place, the young Luke Amos stepped onto the field, making his senior debut for the London-based outfit.
One of Newcastle’s players also succumbed to an injury during that time. DeAndre Yedlin seemed to be in excruciating pain as he walked away.
As far as the Magpies’ new signings are concerned, Yoshinori Muto and Salomon Rondon tried hard to secure another goal to walk with a solitary point. But their efforts were all in vain as the visitors showed real intent and determination.
This is certainly a great win for Tottenham, considering the amount of criticism they received for their lack of summer transfer activity. For the time being though, Mauricio Pochettino and his men have enjoyed the last laugh.
Next week, Newcastle must travel to face newly-promoted outfit Cardiff City, whereas Tottenham will play their London rivals Fulham at home.
Meanwhile, Twitter was alight as ecstatic Spurs fans displayed their happiness. Here are some of the best reactions:
Tottenham didn't spend a dime. And didn't lament.
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) August 11, 2018
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli doesn’t seem to get anywhere the near the amount of credit he deserves for always gambling and making those far post runs into the opposition box so late like he did for his goal today.
Never underestimate his importance to us.#THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/Qsb0MPAZiz
— Ricky Sacks 🎙 (@RickySacks) August 11, 2018
I’ve missed this @SpursOfficial
— Simply (@Simply_Spurs) August 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/KhaleesiBW/status/1028240463298351104
Missed that buzz & excitement on the morning of a game. Three points & a good performance to start the season off & put the transfer window blues behind us, @SpursOfficial. #COYS
— Noz Ahmed (@NozAhmed) August 11, 2018
Good to get the season started off with a win @SpursOfficial #COYS #THFC
— Luke Matthews (@LukeMatthews90) August 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/welshfuck/status/1028285343878074368
