Tottenham player ratings at Newcastle: Spurs survive and advance

Serge Aurier-7

It was the full roller coaster experience from Aurier against the Magpies. Defensively, he was all over the place. He somehow managed to avoid getting booked despite making quite a few wild challenges. His positioning continues to be a work in progress. Aurier, more than perhaps any other Spurs players, needs continued instruction from Pochettino.

On the other hand, Aurier was a live wire on the other end of the pitch. His cross to set up Dele’s goal was an absolute work of art. It was the sort of ball that can make Kieran Trippier jealous. Time will tell whether or not this performance can help elevate Aurier above the English international.

Ben Davies-5

The Welshman suffered through a really poor preseason, but most assumed that was largely a product of playing out of position. Davies was forced to play centre back instead of his customary spot at left back. His performance at Newcastle may portend more significant problems for Davies.

Unlike Aurier, he wasn’t good on either end of the pitch. Defensively, he was a complete nightmare. Matt Ritchie made him look like a Sunday footballer on several occasions. The majority of Newcastle’s successful attacks came down the right hand side at Davies’ expense.

He didn’t do anything offensively to improve his rating either. He received the ball in dangerous areas on several occasions but he was completely unable to create any chances for Spurs. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Davies played bad enough today to make Pochettino rethink Danny Rose’s place in the squad.