Tottenham suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat at St. James’ Park, as Alexander Isak’s 78th-minute winner completed Newcastle’s smash-and-grab victory.
The Magpies started the match well but were soon hit back by the visitors, who set up Nick Pope’s goal with a long-range effort in the first half.
But as half-time approached, Spurs killed from a throw-in and Harvey Barnes’ smart finish gave Newcastle the lead on the run of play.
Brennan Johnson’s introduction for Pape Matar Sarr at the interval gave Spurs more in the final third, and Dan Burn turned the ball into his own net after the winger’s effort was saved by the vulnerable Pope.
But as Ange Postecoglou’s side pushed for the winner, Jacob Murphy raced in behind Spurs’ high line and set up Isak.
Here are three Spurs talking points from the match…
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Spurs canceled due to familiarity failure
It was the first defeat of the season for Tottenham, who had a lot of power and chances, but lost in every round.
Spurs lacked an edge in the final third, failing to take chances when they came and killing for both goals. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
The 1-1 draw at Leicester on the opening day largely followed the same pattern, meaning Spurs went into the international break with just four points from nine chances – and Arsenal next.
Both of Newcastle’s goals felt to be the result of high-risk approaches, Cristian Romero caught as Barnes finished well before a tired Spurs defensive line – missing Micky van de Ven – held Murphy for Isak’s winner.
Although all three of his performances this season have been encouraging for long periods, Spurs continue to perfect Postecoglou’s football.
It is, relatively speaking, still early days in the transformation of the manager of the club and it is always risky to criticize the team in August.
However, as of now, Spurs are still displaying many of the same shortcomings as last season, which suggests that supporters will have to be patient.
Spurs dominated but lost two goals on the counter
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Spurs miss out on a centre-forward
Heung-min Son played up front in Spurs’ 4-0 defeat at St. James’ Park last season and the visitors desperately struggled to get hold of the ball.
Perhaps mindful of that failure, Postecoglou started Dejan Kulusevski as a false 9 this time, with Son back on the left wing.
Kulusevski was outstanding on the ball but as a centre-forward he was out of the box and Spurs were limited to long-range efforts in the first half.
It was no surprise when Postecoglou introduced Johnson at half-time, moving Kulusevski into midfield and putting Son back in the middle.
Johnson forced an equalizer with a quick reaction as Pope parried James Maddison’s shot, but Spurs remained without bite and couldn’t score, with some of the winger’s poor crosses going to waste.
In the end, the Spurs finished with 20 shots but Pope made only six saves and wasted several good openings.
Son and Kulusevski both offer Postecoglou welcome versatility but no natural centre-forward, and Spurs sorely missed Dominic Solanke and Richarlison at St James’.
Postecoglou expects Solanke, at the very least, to be fit after the international break and, just weeks into his Spurs career, the £65million signing already feels vital to his new club.
Spurs will turn away another chance
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Dragusin assured but Spurs are still weak in defense
At the other end, Spurs missed the step of van de Ven – not considered fit enough to start after jarring his knee against Everton last weekend – against Newcastle’s speedy frontline.
You wonder if the Dutch might have been able to catch Murphy, as he ran clear to set up a simple tap for Isak’s winner.
Radu Dragusin’s replacement was quite good, racing back to intercept Barnes and Isak on either side of the interval, but van de Ven is a unique defender, whose presence is always felt.
Destiny Udogie, meanwhile, continues to look short of sharpness after missing pre-season as he recovers from injury and left faded in the last half hour, underlined when he lost his balance when trying to race back to catch Murphy.
The lack of cover for Italy this season is certainly a concern for Postecoglou.
Van de Ven should return against Arsenal, which will be a relief for all Spurs fans, but his weakness at the back remains a concern.
Failing to turn pressure is likely to become less of a failure if you can occasionally keep a clean sheet on the road.
