Newcastle claim first victory under Steve Bruce with battling win against Spurs
Newcastle United claimed their first victory under Steve Bruce with a surprise 1-0 away win over Spurs.
The Magpies had to battle for their victory, having to defend for most of the match. Joelinton scored his first goal for Bruce’s side to give the Magpies a surprise lead with 27 minutes played.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side were unable to break down their well drilled opponents and fell to their first defeat of the new campaign.
Tottenham were looking to build on an unbeaten start to the Premier League season after victory over Aston Villa followed by a draw with Manchester City last weekend.
But it was a slow start to the game in hot conditions in north London, with the first real talking point of the game coming after 20 minutes.
Newcastle defender Fabian Schar’s clumsy challenge in the penalty area on Son Heung-min went unpunished, despite a check from VAR.
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Sean Longstaff had the first real effort of the game, the Magpies midfielder striking a ball from the edge of the penalty area, forcing Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris into the save.
And just moments later the away side took the lead. A dangerous ball into the penalty area from Christian Atsu was met by Joelinton in acres of space. The Brazilian took his time and fired into the bottom corner to make the score 1-0.
Despite dominating possession, Tottenham were struggling to break down a stubborn Newcastle defence. A couple of penalty appeal were waved away before a Son volley was beaten away by Magpies goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka.
With the last kick of the first half Lucas Moura missed a chance to level the scores from close range and at half time the score was 1-0 to Newcastle.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with very few chances created by either side.
Tottenham maintained most of the possession but failed to break down the Newcastle back line.
Tottenham felt they should have had a penalty with 77 minutes played. Harry Kane was brought down by Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles, but despite a VAR check, no spot-kick was given.
Spurs were increasing the pressure on their opponents’ goal and the home side should have had an equaliser with ten minutes to go. Moura met a low cross, but struck the ball over the crossbar from just a couple of yards out. A glorious chance wasted with time running out.
Despite six additional minutes at the end of the second half, Spurs were unable to find an equalising goal, and Newcastle held on for the win.
A surprise victory for Newcastle and a first under new manager Steve Bruce.
Tottenham have the north London derby to contend with next as Spurs travel to the Emirates to take on Arsenal. Newcastle are at home to Leicester.
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