Tottenham lose 1-0 in disparaging fashion at home to Newcastle

Too little too late sums up Tottenham’s performance against Newcastle, as the home side falls 1-0 in disparaging fashion.

It’s the first time Newcastle, in 13 tests against a top six side since being promoted, have come away with all three points, such is the abject disappointment felt in north London today.

The Lilywhites improved in the second half, again thanks to Christian Eriksen’s introduction. Giovani Lo Celso also injected much-needed creativity to the centre of the park.

In the end Spurs took too long to ask questions of a Newcastle backline full of resolve and graft.

The first half against Newcastle was eerily similar to Spurs’ home opener versus Villa. A palpable lack of creativity and width headlined another disappointing stanza. Too many lateral balls in the midfield made life relatively simple for a dogged Newcastle side, who expectedly battened down the hatches.

Mauricio Pochettino has to take accountability for setting his side up so negatively, particularly at home against a side he knew would batten down the hatches.

The gaffer’s first half tactics again failed to have their desired effect. Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko should not start together against such a defensive-minded side. Too static and hesitant in possession, Tottenham were noticeably short of ingenuity, a facet crucial to breaking down a side of Newcastle’s collective defensive discipline.

Davinson Sánchez, akin to Villa’s opener a fortnight ago, cheated too far to the near side of the pitch, leaving Joelinton completely unmarked. Newcastle’s big off-season signing took one touch and smashed it past Hugo Lloris. Danny Rose came across to try and recover the play but was too late to deter the goalscorer.

Unlike John McGinn’s opener in the first match, Sánchez was completely at fault on Joelinton’s goal. The Colombian must be more aware of his surroundings, drop back and cover the most dangerous part of the pitch, especially when there aren’t any running threats from deep to worry about. Again, Pochettino must reflect upon his decision to leave Jan Vertonghen out of the starting team.

Sánchez, in a trying first half, also over-committed on Newcastle’s first chance of the half, when Sean Longstaff forced Hugo Lloris into an impressive reaction save.

It’s back to the drawing board for Pochettino and company. Spurs must improve substantially if they’re to right this wrong next week, when the Lilywhites make the short trip across north London on Sunday for an all-anticipated encounter with Arsenal.