Brilliant Mousa Dembele – The Best And The Worst Rated Tottenham Players In Their 2-0 Win Over Newcastle United

Full Time: Newcastle United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur began the 2017/18 Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over ten-man Newcastle United at the St. James’ Park on Sunday. 

It was pretty much an uneventful first-half, with both teams struggling to create chances and as a result it remained goalless when half-time arrived. The deadlock finally broke at the hour mark, through Dele Alli’s sliding left-footed finish. Left-back Ben Davies made it two, rounding off a lovely team move ten minutes later, as Mauricio Pochettino’s men took home three points from St. James’ Park.

Here’s how the Tottenham players fared on the day:

Tottenham Player Ratings

Hugo Lloris – 6/10

Very little to do for long parts, charged out of his line well. Reacted well when called upon. 

Kyle Walker-Peters – 7/10

Could have given away a penalty, but was saved by an offside flag. Other than that, it was a solid debut for the academy man, read the danger well, got forward nicely. Looks a good prospect.  

Toby Alderweireld – 7/10

Dealt comfortably with the long balls that Newcastle kept pumping down the field. Imposing presence and guided the young Walker-Peters well.

Jan Vertonghen – 7/10

No great deal of threat offered by the Magpies and as a result, it was pretty much a walk in the park for the Belgian. 

Ben Davies – 7.5/10

Never really allowed Matt Ritchie a footing. Got forward at every opportunity. Great run and finish for the second Spurs goal. Booked late on. 

Eric Dier – 7/10

Solid if not spectacular. Sat deep, did his job without much of a fuss. Him dropping deep allowed Walker-Peters to run forward. 

Mousa Dembele – 8/10

Steady while defending, aggressive and purposeful when driving forward from the middle of the park. Bossed the midfield. 

Moussa Sissoko – 5/10

Same old, same old. Offered next to nothing. Was booed by the crowd for every touch, on his return to the St. James’ Park. 

Dele Alli – 6.5/10

Involved in a tiff with Jamaal Lascelles and played a role in Jonjo Shelvey being sent off. Showed his instincts, with a late run and a nice finish for the opener. Nice layoff for Eriksen in the leadup to the second goal.

Christian Eriksen – 7.5/10

On the periphery for large parts in the first period, much more in the game after the break. Great assist for the opener and also assisted the second, with his touch falling in Davies’ path.  

Harry Kane – 6/10

Booked for a scything challenge of Florian Lejeune. Missed a great chance to put his team one up in the second period, firing straight at the Newcastle goalie. Hit the post late on.

Substitutes

Son Heung-Min – 7/10

Replaced Sissoko a little before the hour mark. Involved in the thick of things, after coming on. Great run and pass to send Kane through late on.

Victor Wanyama – N/A

Came on for Alli with less than 10 minutes left on the clock.

Harry Winks – N/A

Replaced Dembele in the last few minutes.