Alexander Isak fired home his 13th Premier League goal of the season to boost Newcastle’s Champions League push with a fifth win on the bounce and condemn Spurs to a fifth defeat in seven.
Dominic Solanke got the hosts off to a roaring start with a header from a looping cross in front of Thomas Tuchel, who was taking in his first match as new England manager.
In a familiar turn of events for Spurs, their lead did not last long. Lucas Bergvall seemed to strike the ball onto Joelinton’s arm before the Brazilian played a pass into Bruno Guimaraes, who found an on-rushing Gordon.
The England star took one touch before firing home and wheeling off in celebration but Ange Postecoglou was left furious, calling in vain for a handball.
Red-hot Alexander Isak completed the comeback towards the end of the second-half, tapping home a cross from Jacob Murphy – the Englishman’s seventh assist of a fiine campaign.
After another rip-roaring encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Mail Sport’s Craig Hope was on hand to run the rule over the two sets of players.
Dominic Solanke headed home in the first four minutes to give Tottenham the lead
But Newcastle came roaring back courtesy of a composed Anthony Gordon strike minutes later
Alexander Isak completed a fine comeback with his 13th Premier League goal of the season
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)
BRANDON AUSTIN: 6.5
Could maybe have done more with Gordon opener but recovered and gave decent account on debut. Dealt well with crosses, in particular, and made couple of decent saves.
PEDRO PORRO: 5.5
Provided a string of dangerous deliveries, most notably for opening goal. Good going forward, suspect going back over, as per.
RADU DRAGUSIN: 4.5
Suffering from illness and Isak, it was a difficult first half for Romanian before half-time withdrawal.
ARCHIE GRAY: 5.5
Another battling both illness and Newcastle’s livewire frontmen, he struggled first half and inexperience told at times. Big block from Tonali second half.
Pedro Porro provided a string of dangerous deliveries, most notably for opening goal
The boos when Lucas Bergvall’s number went up on 62 minutes told you everything
DJED SPENCE: 5.5
Did not do enough to stop Murphy cross for Isak goal and area in behind him was targeted by visitors. Was better when moved to centre-back after half-time.
LUCAS BERGVALL: 7
The boos when his number went up on 62 minutes told you everything – he had been Spurs’ best player. Smart on the ball and good industry.
PAPE SARR: 5
Worked hard but did not offer the control Spurs needed in the middle. No surprise when he was hooked after the hour.
BRENNAN JOHNSON: 6
Came into game more second half and cracked the post. Was then guilty of missing target when smashing across goal with Spurs on top.
DEJAN KULUSEVSKI: 6
Always wanted ball and tried his best to spark something for equaliser but without any joy.
TIMO WERNER: 4.5
Did well to stay on for 62 minutes. Did close to nothing, not for the first time.
DOMINIC SOLANKE: 6.5
Super start in front of Thomas Tuchel when outfoxing Botman to score inside four minutes. Was a handful at times but didn’t take the half chances that came his way second half.
Winger Brennan Johnson came into the game more second half and cracked the post
Dejan Kulusevski always wanted the ball and tried his best to spark something for an equaliser
Substitutes:
Sergio Reguilon (on for Dragusin 46) 6.5
Heung-Min Son (on for Werner 62) 6
James Maddison (on for Bergvall 62) 6.5
Yves Bissouma (on for Sarr 62) 6.5
Manager: Ange Postecoglou 6
He bemoaned the officiating and injuries and illness, but his team simply must do better. Spirited second half but, on the whole, they didn’t deserved to win, as the boss later claimed.
Newcastle (4-3-3)
MARTIN DUBRAVKA: 7
Had saves to make – and he made them. Was also better on crosses. A solid showing when his team needed it.
TINO LIVRAMENTO: 7.5
His best game of the season after recall for Trippier. Carried the ball and used it effectively. Was also smart at the back.
SVEN BOTMAN: 7
A shaky start on return from 10 months out when losing Solanke for the goal but he recovered and produced several important interceptions and blocks.
Tino Livramento had his best game of the season after recall for Kieran Trippier
Sven Botman had a shaky start on return from 10 months out when losing Solanke for the goal
DAN BURN: 8 MAN OF THE MATCH
Stepped up second half when those in front of him stepped off the gas. Big block, headers and interceptions. Newcastle’s player of the season so far.
LEWIS HALL: 6.5
Another steady display and did himself no harm in front of Tuchel. Didn’t get forward as much but did well up against Johnson.
BRUNO GUIMARAES: 7
Everything that was good about Newcastle first half went through him. Faded after half-time before coming back into it and helping see home win.
SANDRO TONALI: 6.5
Very quiet start but came into game towards half-time and his team improved because of it. But like others, looked tired second half before late revival.
JOELINTON: 5.5
Sloppy too often the ball, this was not one of his better games. Part of a midfield that went missing second half.
JACOB MURPHY: 6.5
Another assist for Isak and another showing of energy and endeavour down the right. Quiet second half.
Everything that was good about Newcastle first half went through Bruno Guimaraes
Another assist for Isak and another showing of energy and endeavour from Jacob Murphy down right
ALEXANDER ISAK: 6.5
A seventh straight league game in which he has scored and made Spurs defenders nervous first half. Failed to trouble makeshift backline after interval, though.
ANTHONY GORDON: 7
A constant threat first half and took his goal well. Had two good chances for a second. Would have impressed Tuchel.
Substitutes:
Harvey Barnes (on for Gordon 78) 6
Joe Willock (on for Isak 86)
Sean Longstaff (on for Murphy 86)
Lloyd Kelly (on for Botman 90)
Manager: Eddie Howe 7
His team found a different way to win and were dogged second half after control of first. Five on spin now in league and his players are giving everything.
