Tottenham exorcise Newcastle demons: Spurs player ratings

Dele Alli-8

Let’s not beat around the bush here. Dele broke this match open for Spurs. First, he goaded Jonjo Shelvey into a brain-dead red card, and then he broke the match’s deadlock with a lovely goal. It was a vintage performance for Tottenham’s most controversial player.

Perhaps most importantly from the Spurs perspective is the fact that Dele didn’t retaliate in the slightest against any Newcastle player. He left Shelvey alone after being stamped on and didn’t lash out at Matt Ritchie after his horror challenge from behind in the second half. Last year, Dele would have seen red soon after Shelvey.

It’s too early to call it a trend, but it was an encouraging sign of maturity for the Tottenham talisman. He’ll have plenty more options to keep his cool as the Premier League season rolls on.

Christian Eriksen-8.5

The Danish maestro didn’t find the back of the net himself, but he did provide assists on both Tottenham goals. More importantly, he really controlled the match with his solid passing from the middle of the Spurs attack.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention his outrageous second half flick. Sometimes we forget the skill Eriksen is capable of and he reminds us by doing something so amazing. It’s interesting to think what he might try if he were flanked by two out-and-out wingers.

Moussa Sissoko-5

The French international had a big opportunity against his former squad. A solid shift against Newcastle could have secured his short-term future at Tottenham and put him in line for meaningful playing time.

Unfortunately, he put forth an anonymous showing during the first half before he was mercifully subbed off by Son Heung-Min in the second stanza. His first touch was awful which caused him to give the ball away on more than one occasion. His status at Tottenham is tenuous at best.