Newcastle shock Tottenham as £40m man Joelinton scores first goal for Toon in massive win
TOTTENHAM fans cannot say they did not see this coming.
Poor for most of the game in their 3-1 opening day win at home to Aston Villa and undeniably second-best in their 2-2 draw at Manchester City last week, Spurs’ luck ran out as Joelinton’s first-half strike earned Newcastle their first win of the season.
The Tottenham striker and England captain was way below par – and he was not the only poor performer in a white shirt.
Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura did little to stave off the threat of new signing Giovani Lo Celso.
And questions will be asked of boss Pochettino for dropping Christian Eriksen to the bench when Tottenham desperately needed the Dane’s guile and creativity against a resolute Toon defence.
Eyebrows will also be raised at Jan Vertonghen being as unused sub.
He surely has to be a better option than Davinson Sanchez, who was left flat-footed when sub Christian Atsu crossed for Joelinton to drive a low shot past keeper Hugo Lloris for Newcastle’s winner in the 27th minute.
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Tottenham huffed and puffed but could not make a breakthrough with Moura blazing over from eight yards when it seemed easier to score.
The North Londoners were booed by their own fans at the final whistle.
While the future for Newcastle, in their orange away kit, is brighter than it was this morning.