Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Newcastle United: Harry Kane seals Champions League Spot For Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur secured a spot in the top-four of the Premier League when they defeated Newcastle United 1-0 at the Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night.
In what started out as a scrappy affair, the visitors enjoyed a dominant spell for most of the first half and looked the most likely to score. Spurs would count themselves lucky to have gone on level terms at half-time.
However, five minutes into the second period, Tottenham’s leading goalscorer Harry Kane unleashed a curling effort from the edge of the box to find the back of the Newcastle net and that goal was enough for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to take home all three points.
The win meant that Spurs moved to 3rd place in the table, 2 points above Liverpool and 4 above Chelsea with just a game to spare, meaning they will be playing Champions League football for the third season running.
Tottenham Player Ratings
Hugo Lloris – 8/10
Made a brilliant stop to deny Jamaal Lascelles’ header in the first period and keep the scoreline at 0-0. A well-timed tackle on Matt Ritchie in the second half was another moment that stood out. Looked much more assured than he has in recent weeks.
Kieran Trippier – 6/10
The England international charged up and down the right flank but wasn’t as effective as one would usually expect him to be. Crosses didn’t always look threatening and he wasn’t his usual self at the back.
Davinson Sanchez – 7/10
The Colombian centre-half stepped up for the Lilywhites when the whole defence looked shaky. Made several important blocks and interceptions to keep Newcastle at bay, although he was loose in possession at times.
Jan Vertonghen – 7/10
Did not look completely fit after the knock he picked up against West Bromwich Albion but stuck to his task at the back. Wasn’t afraid to put his body on the line, although his understanding with his partner looked suspect at times.
Ben Davies – 6/10
Returning to the line-up in place of Danny Rose, the Welshman had a solid performance defensively but did not offer much in terms of attacking service from the left flank.
Victor Wanyama – 6/10
Starting in the absence of Eric Dier, the former Southampton man fired a shot over the bar from a decent position. Broke up the play well but was too careless in possession at times. A mixed bag.
Moussa Sissoko – 6/10
Handed a start against his former club, the Frenchman did a decent job in the middle but failed to offer the drive and the impetus on a regular basis.
Christian Eriksen – 6/10
Forced Martin Dubravka into a save from a curling free-kick early in the game. Failed to hit top gear in what was an uncharacteristically ineffective display from the Dane.
Dele Alli – 6/10
Did not lack for efforts throughout the game but Newcastle did a good job in denying him the space in the final third. Had a shot saved by Dubravka.
Son Heung-Min – 5/10
The South Korean wasn’t off to the best of starts as he constantly ceded possession and was easily bullied off the ball. Got the assist for Kane’s winner but had little impact otherwise in what was a rather timid display.
Harry Kane – 7/10
Wasn’t in the best of forms as he hit an effort across the goal in the first period and missed another chance just before half-time. However, he won the game with a brilliant strike just five minutes after the break. Not his best game but stepped up when it mattered.
Substitutes
Erik Lamela – 6/10
Replaced Son in the 77th minute. Held the ball well and managed to set Danny Rose up for a chance late on.
Toby Alderweireld – N/A
Came on for the injured Trippier in the 83rd minute and did a solid job.
Danny Rose – N/A
Was thrown on for Wanyama with two minutes left on the clock. Missed a chance to make it 2-0.
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