#header richarlison | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thefootballobserver · 13 days

Text

Newcastle 4-0 Spurs: Match Review

In the ornithology derby, the magpies reigned supreme over the cockerels.

Ouch. So that one hurt. I would have personally taken a draw from that game, even with Newcastle’s heavily depleted squad - but I never foresaw this happening. I suppose it’s better than the 6-1 thrashing last season that spelt the end of Stellini’s time at Spurs, but 4-0 without a reply is pretty bad.

Of course, as much as this hurts for Tottenham, it was an excellent result for Newcastle as it puts them 6th, 10 points below Spurs, and they’ll end the weekend above Manchester United on goal difference (17 to -1, yikes). The Toons’ hopes of European football remain alive, especially with a run-in of several bottom-half sides. On the other end, not only is the loss damaging for Tottenham’s top-four hopes (it lowered the goal difference to be under Aston Villa, who are now fourth), but it doesn’t bode well for the team and their next few fixtures, who have to play the top three and Chelsea.

In all honesty, I don’t want to talk about the match - I didn’t even stay long enough to see the fourth goal - but to summarise the game:

Spurs couldn’t deal with the high press, and it never looked like they were getting anything from it. Although they did create some half-chances (Werner notably missed a few), Newcastle created better-quality ones throughout the game.

Newcastle capitalised on mistakes from Spurs fullbacks Udogie and Porro, as Gordon bullied Udogie far too easily to assist Isak’s opener. An inexplicable pass from Porro moments after the restart gave Gordon an easy way to the second. Van de Ven created from comical moments trying to defend both of them, slipping for both and even doing an acrobatic headstand for the first goal.

Porro appeared to have injured his hamstring after halftime, and Isak then made it three on the counter from the halfway line only two minutes later. Not even Van de Ven could catch up, and Vicario probably should have come off his line for that one.

Spurs tried to change it up, taking off their defensive midfielders, who were largely anonymous, and their leading man, Son, who couldn’t get involved and, when he did, couldn’t hold onto the ball.

Spurs had a few half chances again, but Newcastle’s low block meant nothing meaningful went through.

Newcastle probably should have scored more from 16 corners - Isak, in particular, missed multiple free headers - given Spurs’ defensive set piece woes and the towering heights of Isak, Burn, and Schär. Still, they finally gave it one last stab at Spurs when the Swiss cornered a corner that Vicario was nowhere near.

This goal sealed the game, as Newcastle subbed on Hall (who hadn’t trained all week), Ritchie, White, and Dummett to see off a resounding result at St James’ Park.

Newcastle: The Start of a Great End of the Season

The Toons are finally showing some consistency after a bumpy season.

I’ll admit: For all of the pain Newcastle has inflicted on me (6-1 gives me war flashbacks), I actually quite like the team and have a bit of a soft spot for some of their players…bar Wilson. Apologies, but I’m a Richarlison defender, and I fear I haven’t forgiven him yet.

Newcastle knew Spurs’ weaknesses and exploited them to perfection - and probably could have done even more if Isak’s head could be as clinical as his feet. They caught Spurs off on the counter, pressed them hard and were quite physical (if you ask me, the referee lost a bit of control of the game very early on), got onto virtually every corner unless it didn’t beat the first man, and played a five back whenever the London team were on the attack.

Newcastle home and away are basically black and white (much like their kit), and this game proved how good they are at St James’ Park. I genuinely believe that they could lose every away game, concede ten goals every time, but still win ¾ of their home games. They also had a massive injury list, though it ended up with one less man as Livramento returned to the squad and even got some minutes, as expected from the scoreline. This is the kind of team Newcastle like to play against, and Howe got everything right.

Player Ratings

Dubravka (6): Had basically nothing to do and got a welcome, clean sheet.

Burn (7): He probably should have done better on set pieces, given he was marked by the 6’1” Johnson. Didn’t have much to do defensively, though he did get a high boot to Bentancur’s chin (he can thank his height for avoiding the yellow).

Schär (8): Unlike Burn, got the goal from a corner. Likewise had nothing to do otherwise.

Krafth (7): He had nothing to do defensively but got his clean sheet.

Murphy (6): He could have done more in the attack, but the out-of-position right-back did fine.

Anderson (7): An energetic showing and got close to scoring a few times. Personally, he surprised me.

Guimaraes (8): He did what he always does dutifully (though it wasn’t too hard) and got an assist to end the night.

Longstaff (6): Anonymous for me, but he didn’t have much to battle out on anyway.

Barnes (7): Energetic as ever, maybe unfortunate not to have left with a goal contribution.

Isak (9): He scored a brace and should have had more. A great night for the striker, whose home form remains spectacular.

Gordon (9): His form this season has been a joy to watch, even if he would prefer to play on the left wing. His corners were generally excellent, and most of Newcastle’s chances went through him.

Livramento (N/A): I didn’t watch long enough to see him subbed, but it was good to see him get some minutes after getting injured in the West Ham game.

Lewis Hall (N/A): With this win, the buy clause in his loan from Chelsea is activated, and Hall will remain with his boyhood club beyond this season.

Ritchie (N/A)

Dummett (N/A)

White (N/A)

Unused players: Karius, Gillespie, Murphy, Parkinson

Tottenham Hotspur: The 6-1 Demons Come Back To Haunt Them

I hate to quote Arteta, but this performance was a disgrace (and they aren’t getting away with this one).

I don’t want to talk about this performance from Spurs; I think I’ve said enough really. Van de Ven sums it up quite nicely in the photo.

However, I do want to add that I wish Postecoglou had made those changes at halftime instead of at the hour mark.

Player Ratings

Vicario (4): Technically, he wasn’t at fault for any of the goals, but he conceded four and should have probably done better despite a few good saves.

Udogie (4): Gordon bullied him far too easily for the first goal but was fine otherwise, although Spurs were flat anyway.

Van de Ven (3): Comical defending and his recovery pace couldn’t save Spurs from conceding the third.

Romero (4): Again, technically not at direct fault, but really should have done better. Started looking like the old, rash Romero and didn’t help the backline.

Porro (3): Didn’t provide much, but the assist for the second with a poor, poor backpass. He was subbed off for injury, and hopefully, it isn’t too bad.

Bentancur (4): I mean…he was okay but didn’t provide much in attack or defensive.

Bissouma (3): He gave me anxiety every time he had the ball. He should’ve provided more protection as a number 6.

Maddison (5): He occasionally created a few half-chances, but it felt like he lost his head early and was booed the entire time, as usual.

Werner (4): Had a chance, but the ball was at an awkward height. Otherwise quiet.

Son (4): He hasn’t been up to his performance-wise standards lately, and the decision to sub Son for Kulusevski was bold but welcome.

Johnson (4): Again, quiet but was slightly better in the central role after Kulusevski’s substitution, although the bar is very, very low.

Royal (4): Didn’t do much to help defensively and did concede 2 goals.

Sarr (4): Not the sort of game Sarr thrives in, but the midfield needed a change. At least he brought on some fresh legs.

Hojbjerg (4): I thought he’d start. Had a few nice ideas but poor executions, like most of the team. For me, this sort of game really highlights his weakness on a possession-based side. But he was better than Bissouma, although Newcastle stopped stepping on the pedal a bit.

Kulusevski (4): He brought a bit of life when he came on, even if it was temporary and very little, though he’s somewhat at fault for the last goal. Thought he should have been subbed on at the 45-minute mark for some control.

Lo Celso (N/A): I stopped watching at this point. It's not a game in which he’d thrive anyway.

Unused players: Austin, Dragusin, Davies, Gil

What’s Next

The North London Derby looms for Tottenham Hotspur…

Due to Manchester City’s involvement in the FA Cup semi final, Spurs have a two-week break until their next game, when they will host rivals Arsenal for the North London Derby. This marks a run of challenging games for Spurs, who play Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A), and Liverpool (A) next before playing Manchester City (H) not soon after. It’s very much possible that Spurs will get a fat zero points out of 12 in these games, especially with their recent form, with their away form in particular being a considerable concern. The Lilywhites’ final two games are against relegation-threatened sides Burnley (H) and Sheffield United (A), though points here may not save them on their way to a Champions League spot.

With their massive goal difference, Newcastle’s next few fixtures could bounce them above West Ham and Manchester United - as well as threaten Spurs - for good as they play Palace (A), Sheffield United (H) and Burnley (A) next. The Toons’ away form may be questionable (14 points from a possible 45), but that should be at least six points from those three games alone. Newcastle have one last home game against Brighton - another very winnable game considering the Seagulls’ similarly horrid away form this season. Otherwise, they play Manchester United and Brentford away. They could give Spurs a run for their money with these fixtures as they look to secure Europa football, especially if fifth place fails to guarantee Champions League football.

Newcastle and Spurs will meet again for a post-season friendly in Melbourne before their respective players and staff head off for a well-deserved summer break after a busy season - though less busy than usual for Spurs without European and many Cup games, hence this friendly.

Match Review

This photo hurts more and more.

Unless you’re a Newcastle or Aston Villa fan, I struggle to see the appeal of this game as it’s very one-sided, and the goals weren’t too impressive, given they were basically gifts from the Spurs players. It only felt like one team was trying throughout, and especially given the game's stakes, it felt like a major let-off.

Review: ★★☆☆☆ (⅖ stars)

#tottenham hotspur #newcastle united #premier league #match review

0 notes