It was an underwhelming performance from Thomas Frank’s rotated side
Diamond in the rough: Xavi Simons
Action Images via Reuters
Matt Verri
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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Tottenham exited the Carabao Cup as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Fabian Schar opened the scoring with a header from a corner, leaving Spurs furious with the referee for not allowing Djed Spence to get back into position before it was taken.
The lead was doubled shortly after half-time when Nick Woltemade rose above Antonin Kinsky and Kevin Danso to head in.
Matt Verri was on site for Standard Sport to rate the Spurs players...
Antonin Kinsky 5
Brilliant distribution early on which drew applause from Frank on multiple occasions but a howler for Newcastle’s second goal. Came for cross, got nowhere near and left goal empty.
Pedro Porro 6
Captain for the night and produced a couple of brave early blocks. Cut an increasingly irritated figure though, both with the referee and his team-mates.
Joao Palhinha 7
Mr Reliable. Played out of position in defence but still so often in the right place to stick a foot in. Essential for Spurs’ season that he stays fit.
Nick Woltemade scored Newcastle’s second after Antonin Kinsky flubbed his lines
Action Images via Reuters
Kevin Danso 6
Frank called him “magnet head” in the pre-match press conference but he was too keen to head behind which led to Newcastle opener. Not as dominant as he was against Everton but still eight clearances.
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Djed Spence 5
Didn’t look confident against Anthony Elanga and then out of position for the Newcastle goal after putting his boot back on. Form has dropped off slightly.
Rodrigo Bentancur 7
Isolated at times without Palhinha next to him but turned out of trouble nicely on several occasions. Felt like a one-man effort at times but did a decent job.
Pape Matar Sarr 6
Anonymous for much of the first half. Improved after the break and denied by a superb Aaron Ramsdale save. Not enough to force his way into the Premier League starting lineup.
Brennan Johnson 5
Too often he is hesitant when in good positions. Inconsistent with his final ball - some were dangerous, most wasteful. Ironic cheers from the away end when he went off.
Xavi Simons 7
Spurs’ most threatening player and much more like it. Picked up great positions, drove at the defence with confidence and tried to drag Spurs forward. Needed more from his team-mates.
Lucas Bergvall 6
Connected nicely as Spurs had their best spell in the first half. Powerful runner when he has the ball - just didn’t see enough of it. Never stopped running.
Richarlison 4
Frustrating once again. Booked for dissent and then not in the right place to finish off a couple of lovely Spurs moves. No real sharpness to his play and lucky to be on for as long as he was.
Substitutes:
Randal Kolo Muani (Bentancur 65’) 6
Just a more convincing presence up front than Spurs’ other options in attack. Should start against Chelsea.
Mohammed Kudus (Johnson 65’) 5
Loose on the ball when leading some dangerous counters. Late clash with Joelinton sparked a melee and he was booked.
Mathys Tel (Richarlison 78’) 5
Willing runner but limited opportunity to get involved on the left wing.
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