Newcastle United continued their excellent recent record against Spurs at St James’ Park by securing a 2-1 victory. That makes it three wins from four in all competitions this season with the lads definitely having many more gears to shift through as it progresses.
Harvey Barnes, restored to the starting line up alongside Gordon and Isak in a front three many fans have called for, cushioned home a half volley to give Newcastle the lead in the 37th minute of a tight first 45. An unfortunate Dan Burn o.g. levelled the game in the 56th minute as Spurs passed the ball well and probed for a winner. But it was Isak who won all three points with a tap-in from a Murphy cut back in the 78th minute to maintain United’s unbeaten start to the season.
Here are our five key takeaways from the game:
Front Three Must be Given an Extended Run
Harvey Barnes scores goals. The former Leicester winger endured a turbulent first season on Tyneside because of injury, but he still chipped in with goals and assists. Barnes has already notched a goal and an assist in just 113 minutes of Premier League football so far this season and has looked dangerous even when he is on the periphery of games.
Gordon was much improved against Spurs but still has plenty to go to reach last season’s heights, but he played well on the righthand side before switching back to the left once Barnes had departed for Jacob Murphy in the second half. Combining with Isak, the two wingers looked lively and gave the Spurs defenders plenty to think about.
This front three – which cost us a combined £146m – must now be given an extended run in the team to show what they can do. Afterall, United’s squad simply isn’t strong enough to have a £38m footballer sat on the bench.
2. Unsung Heroes
Eddie Howe admitted after the game: “We’re finding a way to win but in the long term we need to improve our performances. We can move forward with positive momentum, and it was difficult,…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/09/02/five-takeaways-from-newcastle-2-1-spurs-unsung-heroes-saudi-visit-and-146m-trio/
Author : Jonathan Young
Publish date : 2024-09-02 07:55:40
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