Gallery: Player Ratings – Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Newcastle United

Lamela – 7

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One of his better days. Bright and busy on the ball (only once turning onto his left when we screamed for a touch with his right foot). He managed one remarkable header against the crossbar and looked as likely as anyone to open up the massed ranks of Newcastle’s defence.

Match Summary

You’ve seen Manchester City play this season! And Liverpool! You’ve read about the budgets of clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Well, today, in February, we’re ahead of City and only four points behind the leaders. Those other big three clubs lie at least ten points behind us.

At the closing of yet another purchase-free window, let’s surprisingly acknowledge our good fortune in being blessed with these players, this manager and, indeed, this club management.

We started how we always want to start: pressing high, moving the ball quickly, running off the ball. Either side of half time, we became discouraged and the tempo slowed. Without a focal point to the attack (Son was playing wide, in fact everyone was), there was no one to be on the end of enterprise.

Hence the arrival of Llorente whose presence galvanised the Tottenham resources. He provided the assist, Sonny (who else?) the goal, and Spurs maintain their truly remarkable Premiership challenge.