Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks has named Harry Kane and Tanguy Ndombele in his Team of the Week, after Spurs recorded an assured 3-2 win against Newcastle United.
Although the scoreline suggests a closer encounter, Tottenham put in an impressive performance in the Magpies’ first fixture under the Saudi-led regime, earning three points that were enough to lift them into the Premier League top five.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men fell behind after just two minutes through a Callum Wilson header but managed to respond with three strikes of their own before half-time.
Ndombele lashed home an effort from the edge of the area to equalise, before Spurs found themselves ahead through Kane, who lobbed an onrushing Karl Darlow for his first league tally of the campaign.
The England captain later turned provider for Heung-min Son to give Spurs a comfortable lead at the break, which was cut to 3-2 in the closing stages after Eric Dier turned Jaco Murphy’s free-kick into his own net.
Ndombele, 24, put in a confident and classy performance in midfield for Tottenham, which was enough to earn a spot in Crooks’ XI this week.
The BBC pundit wrote in his column: “The victory against Newcastle was worryingly easy for Tottenham and provides a clear insight into the task facing the new owners at St James’ Park. The scoreline is irrelevant – it was Newcastle’s performance I found so concerning.
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“The atmosphere in the stadium was amazing and the Magpies couldn’t have had a better start. However, the longer the game went on the more Spurs took control and the more Newcastle were found wanting.
“Tanguy Ndombele scored a superb equaliser and stood out in midfield but that was because no-one offered any real resistance. Newcastle were torn to shreds by a Tottenham side who for once were in the mood.”
There was also a spot in the team for England captain Kane, who looked back to his best against Newcastle and finally broke his Premier League drought – with the slight interference of a VAR call in the process.
Crooks was happy to see the 28-year-old looking back to his best and getting into good areas to score, which has been an element of his struggles this season.
He added: “How nice to see Harry Kane playing like a centre-forward again and not like an attacking midfield player?
“His goal against Newcastle in a cauldron of flag-waving Geordies was exactly why he must not only lead the line but always be available to hit.
“It has taken Kane a long time to return to what he previously was in a Tottenham shirt. Gross mismanagement of a transfer that really should have taken place has clearly taken its toll on the player.
“However, all that now seems like a bad dream and the England captain looks like he’s enjoying his club football again.
“His return to form was very unfortunate timing for Newcastle and their new owners as they were hoping for a positive result and a party to follow.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Spurs could have been out of sight on another day if they were more clinical, but it was a decent showing overall compared to what we have seen at points this season.
Ndombele put in a pretty complete performance all game, while Kane is now finally off the mark in the league. It is definitely something to build on going forward.
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