Tottenham player ratings vs Newcastle: James Maddison and Brennan Johnson unable to prevent frustrating loss

Tottenham fell to a first defeat of the season, going down 2-1 to Newcastle to continue their miserable record at St. James’ Park.

Alexander Isak tapped in the winner against the run of play after Jacob Murphy had raced clear of Spurs’ defence in the 78th minute.

A smart Harvey Barnes finish was cancelled out by Dan Burn’s own goal in the second half, and Spurs had more of the ball and chances before Isak struck.

Here’s how we rated the Tottenham players…

Guglielmo Vicario 5

Not convincing from set pieces but powerless to stop either goal. Saved smartly from Murphy in the second half at 1-1.

Pedro Porro 6

Peppered Newcastle’s goal with long-range shots, some more sensible than others. Dealt well with Anthony Gordon’s threat.

Cristian Romero 5

Out of position for Barnes’ goal after pressing high up the pitch and caught static for Newcastle’s winner. Both goals were more a result of Spurs’ high-risk tactical approach rather than the Argentine’s failings, though.

Radu Dragusin 6

Made a brilliant covering challenge to dispossess Isak at the start of the second half in an assured performance, but Spurs missed the searing pace of Micky van de Ven.

Destiny Udogie 4

Still does not look at his sharpest and faded in the final half-hour again. Outstripped by Murphy for the winner.

Yves Bissouma 7

Another mature performance with and without the ball from the Malian. It is early days but the signs are promising that he is getting back to a consistently good level.

Pape Matar Sarr 6

Twice forced Nick Pope into saves with long-range efforts in a lively first half. Booked for a late challenge and hooked at the interval.

James Maddison 7

Made another Spurs goal when his shot was parried weakly by Pope, and forced the goalkeeper into a smart save. Caught napping for Newcastle’s opener, when Lloyd Kelly got behind him from a throw.

Dejan Kulusevski 5

Excellent off the ball, running his socks off as a false nine and attacking midfielder. But offered little threat or focal point in the first half and was ultimately ineffective with the ball in the final third.

Wilson Odobert 6

Should have headed Spurs level at the far post but went with his knee instead. Showed flashes of quality but decision-making in the final third needs finessing.

Heung-min Son 5

A threat down the left in the first half, putting a couple of dangerous balls into the box but struggled to assert himself as the centre-forward after the break.

Subs

Brennan Johnson (Sarr 45’) 7

Proved a canny half-time sub again by forcing the own goal when he reacted quickly to Pope’s spill. Put some excellent low crosses, too.

Timo Werner (Odobert 74’) 6

Stretched Newcastle a couple of times in the closing stages but lacked a final ball.

Lucas Bergvall (Maddison 82’) 5

Did not have enough time to change the game in another cameo.

Rodrigo Bentancur (Bissouma 82’) 5

Immediately booked for a late tackle and lost the ball a couple of times.

Subs not used: Forster, Davies, Spence, Devine, Gray.