Alexander Isak hands Newcastle 2-1 victory over wasteful Tottenham Hotspur

LONDON – Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak said “small changes made a big difference” as he helped secure a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur with a simple tap-in on Sept 1.

The Magpies weathered a second-half storm from the visitors to secure the points in an entertaining English Premier League clash at St James’ Park.

Harvey Barnes’ first-half opener for Newcastle was cancelled out by a Dan Burn own goal after the break as Spurs dominated the proceedings in the second period but squandered numerous openings and were beaten by a lightning-quick break from the hosts.

Joelinton’s excellent defence-splitting pass was perfect for Jacob Murphy who, after drawing out goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, laid the ball on a plate for Isak to secure the three points as manager Eddie Howe’s side remained unbeaten at home since January.

Adding to Newcastle’s delight, their Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali made his first league appearance since being

handed a 10-month ban

for a breach of betting rules and received a rapturous reception from the home supporters.

Newcastle now have seven points from their first three games, while Tottenham remain on four.

“Generally we weren’t expecting to have too much of the ball,” Isak told Sky Sports. “We wanted to be dangerous on the counter-attack. It wasn’t the most beautiful game from our side but we defended really well and scored two so that’s good.

“You always have to be concentrated. It’s easy to get frustrated. It was a tough game and tough for me – I wasn’t at my sharpest...

“We’ve always, at home, felt like we have that extra energy... In the second half, when we had a bit of a dip in our performance, we got some energy. Small changes made a big difference and really helped us get the win.”

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was left to rue the scoreline but not the performance as his side had complete control of the contest for long periods.

“It got away from us, unfortunately,” the Australian said. “We had the chances to win the game, probably comfortably, but we walk away with nothing, so it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

“The positives are that our football is good and has been in the past three games. We just need to get our rewards for our football. If we continue to play like that, I know we will get our rewards.”

Attacker Brennan Johnson, meanwhile, felt that Spurs have to be more clinical.

He said: “Really disappointed. I think in the first half we were decent and created a few chances. Our general play wasn’t too bad.

“In the second half, we came out well and pushed them back. It’s about doing what we can with the chances we created. We have to be more clinical.”

Isak struck the woodwork with an early chance, before Newcastle took the lead against the run of play after 37 minutes.

A quick throw-in allowed Lloyd Kelly to fire in a low cross from the left, which was superbly guided into the far corner by Barnes.

The visitors levelled when Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope failed to deal with a James Maddison shot and pushed the ball to Johnson, whose effort was cleared into his own net by Burn.

Tottenham continued to pepper the Newcastle goal but it was the hosts who found the winner thanks to the vision of Joelinton and composure of Murphy to set up Sweden international Isak. 
REUTERS