The last time Spurs visited St. James’ Park it was the already relegated Newcastle who stormed past Pochettino’s men, 5-1 was the score line. 455 days later and a young, hungry Spurs side were lead out by captain Hugo Lloris who were looking to kick start the season with three points. The team sheet featured a strong Spurs side with the exception of young Kyle Walker – Peters who was making his Premier League debut. The bench also contained Heung – Min Son and Victor Wanyama who had not played at all in pre-season due to injuries.
The first ten minutes of the game consisted of Newcastle constantly applying pressure to the Spurs team, getting in their faces and attempting to make the back line panic. Tottenham grew into the game with shots on goal from the likes of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, Newcastle were finding themselves under pressure. Within the first 35 minutes of the match Newcastle were forced into making two substitutions due to injuries to defenders Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett, which saw the introduction of Chancel Mbemba and Jamaal Lascelles.
The turning point of the game came just after half time in the 48th minute with Jonjo Shelvey, the Newcastle captain, receiving a red card for stamping on the ankle of Dele Alli. Back-to-back golden boot winner, Harry Kane is yet to score a Premier League goal in the month of August, he came close in the 51st minute when his half volley attempt was spectacularly saved by Elliott in the Newcastle United goal as Spurs began to pile the pressure on a tiresome ten man Newcastle side.
Just before the hour mark saw the return of Heung-Min Son who replaced Moussa Sissoko in the Spurs attack. His impact was immediately felt as three minutes later Christian Eriksen swung a curled cross into the box which was met by an unmarked Dele Alli just after the hour mark. It only took Spurs nine minutes after Alli’s goal to double their lead, a brilliant move involving a one touch passing combination between Eriksen and Kane which saw defender Ben Davies slotting a low, right footed strike past Rob Elliott. The closing moments of the game saw the eagerly anticipated return of Victor Wanyama, who replaced Dele Alli. The game ended with two chances for Harry Kane to get his first Premier League goal in August, hitting the post on the first and netting on the latter but the creator, Son was offside therefore making the goal redundant.
A strong start for Spurs and a very positive debut from young Englishman Kyle Walker-Peters who was awarded man of the match for his fine display. Spurs open their 2017/18 Premier League campaign with three points, next up for Pochettino’s men is the visit of Chelsea at Wembley.
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