Spurs half-time player ratings v Newcastle – Caught by a sucker-punch

Here’s how we rated the Tottenham Hotspur players following the opening forty-five minutes of action in this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

Ange Postecoglou’s side head into the break at St James’ Park currently one goal down, after a Harvey Barnes goal on 37 minutes gave the hosts the lead.

Tottenham were unable to make a spell of dominance count, and the Magpies put away their first shot on target after the Spurs defenders switched off at a throw-in.

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Guglielmo Vicario: A couple of weak punches at corners allowed Newcastle chances. Did well to rush out and pick up a through ball destined for Anthony Gordon, though. Not much he could have done about the goal. 6.

Pedro Porro: Pushing forward and supporting Odobert well down the right. Saw a long-range strike sail over the bar, and another blocked by his own player. The Newcastle goal did come from down his side though — he should have been there to cover that attack. 6.

Cristian Romero: Had the ball in the net early on before being flagged for offside. Put in a crucial tackle on Gordon down the left-hand side. Played a lovely ball forward for Odobert, too. Has been leading the charge on the press from the back, too. 7.

Radu Dragusin: A quiet afternoon so far for the Romanian standing in for Micky van de Ven. Has not been made to act defensively really, but did have one half-decent run forward. 6.

Destiny Udogie: Made a couple of good off-the-ball runs forward but came to nothing. Made a clumsy challenge on Livramento to concede a free-kick in a dangerous spot. Was in the box when Harvey Barnes got his goal, and could have done more to track him. 6.

Yves Bissouma: Hasn’t looked quite as composed as normal on the ball. Did play one really nice through ball for Maddison down the left channel. Needs to do more defensively to break up play in the middle. 6.

Pape Matar Sarr: Played some really smart passes under pressure in the middle of the park to open things up for Spurs. Had a couple of really good efforts from long-range saved by Pope. Picked up a yellow card for a late challenge. 7.

James Maddison: Really looking to be back to his playmaking best. All over that space in the middle, making us tick, finding neat passes through. Just hasn’t been able to deliver that killer ball yet though. 7.

Dejan Kulusevski: Dropped deep a few times to win the ball and press the Newcastle defenders looking to start a move for Spurs. Did well to carry the ball from a defensive area to earn a corner. Just needs to improve his decision-making in and around the box. 7.

Heung-Min Son: Gave away the ball in a defensive area, inviting pressure. Tried a really clever pass from the left but no one in the box to find it. Has tried to take on his man down that wing a few times and it has just not worked for him. 6.

Wilson Odobert: Another lively display from the youngster. Could have been through on goal early on were it not for a miscommunication with Kulusevski. Found lots of space on the right, put himself about, and made life difficult for Newcastle. Fired a good chance over the bar. 7.

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