PLAYER RATINGS: Tottenham’s backline endured woeful afternoon, with one defender scoring just THREE… as Newcastle’s front three impress in another dominant victory over north London side

In a whirlwind afternoon at St James’ Park, Newcastle carved through Tottenham to secure a dominant 4-0 victory. 

A blockbuster first-half saw Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon strike within 95 seconds to hand them a lead, following slips from Spurs’ Micky van de Ven. 

The Magpies duo, along with Harvey Barnes, ran riot in Tyneside and things picked up where they left off in the second-half as Isak picked up his second. 

Eddie Howe‘s side wrapped up the victory in the final moments of the match as Fabian Schar rose highest from a corner to grab their fourth of the afternoon.

Here, Mail Sport’s DAVID COVERDALE provides player ratings for both sides. 

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NEWCASTLE (3-4-3)

Martin Dubravka – 6.5

Could not have anticipated such an easy day. One shaky moment when he inexplicably rushed off his line but barely had a shot to save.

Emily Krafth – 7.5

Hit the post with 10 minutes to go. Would have been a deserved goal for a defender growing in confidence in a rare run in the side.

Fabian Schar – 7.5

His late header capped a memorable day for the home team. Kept Son at bay in the middle of a back three. Not that he was really tested.

Dan Burn – 7

Has had some difficult days this season but this was one of his better performances. Was lucky to escape an early booking against Maddison, but his header led to Newcastle’s second goal.

Jacob Murphy – 7

Another promising performance from the Newcastle workhorse. Kept Tottenham’s left flank quiet and offered a threat going forward.

Sean Longstaff – 7

A quote from the Geordie was displayed in the Gallowgate End before kick-off. ‘I love representing the city. Representing the people that are me.’ Well, he did his people proud again here, not giving Tottenham’s midfield a sniff.

Bruno Guimaraes – 8

The Brazilian’s brilliant raking ball sent Isak clear for Newcastle’s third goal, which put the game to bed. His long pass to Gordon also got the Toon going for the opener.

Elliot Anderson – 7.5

Another impressive showing from the local lad on his return to the starting line-up. Strong and direct on the left of midfield

Anthony Gordon – 8.5

There is no stopping the Newcastle forward at the moment. A goal and two assists. Surely he will be making England’s plane to Germany.

Alexander Isak – 9 – STAR MAN

Put Micky van de Ven on his backside for his brilliantly taken first goal, then raced clear of the Premier League’ fastest player for his second. There were shades of Thierry Henry with the way he took that goal.

Harvey Barnes – 7.5

Appears to have grown in confidence since his late heroics against West Ham. Always looked lively although final product could have been better.

Subs:

Tino Livramento – 6.5 (78′)

Lewis Hall – 6 (88′)

Matt Ritchie – 6 (89′)

Paul Dummett – 6 (90′)

Joe White – 6 (90′)

Manager:

Eddie Howe – 8

Went to a 3-4-3 and got his tactics spot on. Allowed Tottenham the ball and then had his players primed on the break. His team looked back to their best.

TOTTENHAM

Guglielmo Vicario – 5

His weak clearance led to Newcastle’s second goal. Didn’t know whether to come out or track back when Isak was sent clear for the Toon’s third. Chose the latter and it didn’t work.

Pedro Porro – 4

Criminal defending for Gordon’s goal, playing the ball back blind into his own box blind, where the Newcastle forward was lurking. Hooked after 49 minutes.

Cristian Romero – 4.5

Left Isak unmarked as he pressed Gordon for Newcastle’s opener and paid the price. A horror day all round for Tottenham’s backline.

Micky van de Ven – 3

One of Tottenham’s players of the season but this was a chastening day for the Dutchman. Left on his backside for Newcastle’s first two goals. ‘I think he might have rollerblades on!’ said Ally McCoist on commentary. The speedy centre half was then left for dead by Isak for the Toon’s third.

Destiny Udogie – 4.5

Too easily outmuscled by Gordon in the build-up to Newcastle’s opener. Made partial amends with a fine challenge to deny Isak in the first half.

Rodrigo Bentancur – 4.5

One of four Tottenham players subbed before the hour in a damning indictment of his anonymous performance. Newcastle overran him.

Yves Bissouma – 4

Also hooked after 57 minutes with Ange Postecoglou clearly furious with the lack of control his central midfielders gave his team. Not a patch on his opposite number Bruno Guimaraes.

Brennan Johnson – 4.5

This should have been his time to shine, coming up against arguably Newcastle’s weak link, left back Burn. But he failed to seize his chance.

James Maddison – 5

Tried to get things going for Tottenham, particularly in the first half, and looked their most lively player. But faded after the break and could have seen red for ‘kicking Jacob Murphy in the back. Booed by home fans – and called a ‘greedy b******’ after turning the club down last summer.

Timo Werner – 4.5

His volley high and wide in the opening minutes pretty much summed up his day. Looked back to the Werner of his Chelsea days.

Son Heung-Min – 4

The Tottenham captain will not have had many worse performances than this. Led the line for Spurs but rarely received the ball. When he did, he gave it away – including for Newcastle’s third goal. Subbed before the hour mark.

Substitutes:

Emerson Royal – 6 (49′)

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 5.5 (55′)

Pape Matar Sarr – 6 (57′)

Dejan Kulusevski – 6.5 (57′)

Lo Celso – 5.5 (81′)

Manager:

Ange Postecoglou – 5

A day the Tottenham manager will want to forget. Tactics did not work, not that he could legislate for the performance of his defence.