Newcastle Toons
Fansided

Toon Takeaways from the loss to Tottenham

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United is challenged by Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on August 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United is challenged by Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on August 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United did their best to find an equalizer, but Tottenham departed from Tyneside with three points.

The clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham was certainly entertaining as three goals were scored in the first 20 minutes of play. Tottenham did well to maintain their lead and could have added to it, but Newcastle tirelessly tried to find a second goal only to hit the post and the bar in the second half.

With that being said, who deserves praise and who needs to work twice as hard in training this week? Here is the list of the best and worst performers for Newcastle today.

Top Toons

Matt Ritchie: The speedy Scotsman played well on the wing for Newcastle today as he was full of energy, fought for every 50/50 ball and completed an assist to Joselu in the 11th minute.

Kenedy: The Brazilian youngster picked up where he left off last season by utilizing his pace to weave around defenders. Kenedy also had a few good looks at goal.

Jonjo Shelvey: The superior passer lived up to his reputation today as he constantly looked to move the ball forward and he came close to claiming an assist for Salomon Rondon.

Mediocre Magpies

Entire Defense: Newcastle are supposed to have a solid defensive unit, but they were out of sync today and as a result of poor marking in the box.

Ayoze Perez: The young Spaniard had a great chance to score in the second half, but that is all there was for him today. Perez looked tired when compared to Yoshinori Muto.

Quick Kicks

– Martin Dubravka conceded two goals on opening day, but he was not to blame as his defenders’ poor marking enabled Tottenham to strike from just a few feet away.

– Despite not scoring on his debut, it is quite evident that Salomon Rondon is a major upgrade from Joselu as he was more active, called for the ball and placed Hugo Lloris under pressure.

– Yoshinori Muto is a striker on paper, but his quick pace could see him play as an attacking midfielder for Newcastle. Based on his performance today, it would not be a bad idea to line Muto up behind Rondon.

– Newcastle managed to create 15 scoring opportunities and completed 386 passes with an accuracy rating of 70 percent against a superior opponent.

– Newcastle must improve their communication and spacing on the back-line if they wish to earn positive results. The defense was solid in the second half, but a match requires 90 minutes of consistency.

What’s Next?

Newcastle will hit the road next weekend as they travel to Wales to play Cardiff City. Newcastle will be favorites to win this match, but the Magpies cannot underestimate the newly-promoted side from Wales. Every match away from home will be tough this season and the Magpies must maintain their composure next weekend to in order to earn three points.