Five things we learned from the Spurs win over Newcastle

Tottenham left it late for the third Premier League match in a row, with Heung Min Son’s 83rd minute strike proving to be the difference.

Spurs controlled the game from start to finish, but often found it difficult to break down the stubborn Newcastle defence.

As the minutes ticked on, and Spurs missed a few key chances, it seemed as if it wouldn’t be their day, until the man from South Korea stepped up.

Here are the five things we learned from the win at Wembley.

Son is priceless

Tottenham Hotspur’s Heung Min Son was the difference between dropped points and a win yet again today, as he scored his second goal in two games since returning from the Asia Cup. Son has often stepped up in Kane’s absence in the past, and it looks as if he fully intends to do the same again. Nice one Sonny!

Llorente played his part

I thought it was a strange decision not playing Llorente from the start in a game where Newcastle were always likely to camp in their own half. However, once coming on 60 minutes in, Spurs changed up their play style and Llorente got a lot of joy from knock downs with his head and chest, including the assist for Son’s goal. If only the sun wasn’t in his eyes for that header!

False nine doesn’t work

I touched on this in the last point, but Tottenham’s initial false nine type shape with Lucas Moura in the hole didn’t really work for them today. Apart from the golden headed chance for Moura, he was unable to have much of an impact, and always looks far better in the wide areas. Against clubs who are likely to camp in, a target man/focal point like Llorente is the better option for me.

Earlier change

For the second time in a row, Pochettino saw that things weren’t working on the pitch and made a change far earlier than he normally would, brining on Llorente in the 60th minute, rather than the 75th. This just gives the sub more time to get into the game and make a difference, while wasting less time on a formation/shape/style that clearly isn’t working.

Second in the league

Tottenham are now up to second in the Premier League once again, leapfrogging Man City who play at home to Arsenal tomorrow. This could be the first time many Spurs fans will be supporting the Gunners in a Prem match.

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