Harry Kane scored a double even as Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 2-2 draw by Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Tottenham Hotspur spurned a great chance to move to fourth place in the Premier League standings as they played out a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
The game was off to an open start with both teams looking to create chances and it was Newcastle who took the lead with Joelinton scoring just his second league goal at St. James’ Park from close range after a defensive mishap. However, Tottenham struck back in less than 90 seconds through Harry Kane, who scored another two minutes later to make it 2-1.
Post the break though, it was Newcastle who were the better team and kept coming at Jose Mourinho’s men. However, the equaliser wasn’t forthcoming. Instead, Kane almost got his hat-trick but his effort hit the post and moments later the Magpies equalised through Arsenal loanee Joe Willock to salvage a point.
The point meant Tottenham moved into fifth place in the table but it was again a case of one step forward and two steps back following their win over Aston Villa in the previous game. And, here’s how we rated the performances of Mourinho’s men on a disappointing outing away at Tyneside.
Hugo Lloris: 7/10
Made a brilliant double save to deny Dwight Gayle in the first period, with the first one being absolutely top-drawer. Produced another good quality to stop to divert Miguel Almiron’s effort out of play early in the second half. Charged out of his line well on a couple of occasions to deal with threats. No chance for either goal though. Showed that he still has plenty left to offer amid talks of an exit.
Japhet Tanganga: 5/10
Not always comfortable at right-back, the Tottenham academy product didn’t offer much in terms of width going forward and had his troubles at the back. Played a part in the opening goal for the Magpies with a poor attempted clearance.
Davinson Sanchez: 3/10
The Colombian had been in top form recently but on Sunday he was back to his erroneous ways. Couple of miscued clearances early in the game created opportunities for Newcastle before he gave away the ball leading up to the opening goal of the game. Was all over the pace during the buildup to Magpies’ second goal as well. Terrible.
Joe Rodon: 7/10
??????? Joe Rodon (23) gives all he can, every time out for @SpursOfficial.
? Newcastle
☑️ 90 min
? 10 clearances
❌ 6 interceptions
? 4 blocked shots
✈️ 6 aerial duels won
⚔️ 9 duels won
? 76 touchesSpurs fans understandably expect more but Rodon is all heart, all the time. pic.twitter.com/Fp5lMyncXP
— Football Wonderkids (@fbwonderkids) April 4, 2021
One of the few positives for Tottenham on the afternoon, the Welshman made a couple of crucial blocks to deny Newcastle in the first half and wasn’t afraid of putting his body on the line. Unfortunately for him, his block late in the game fell straight to Willock who scored the equalising goal.
Sergio Reguilon: 4.5/10
Back from the injury he picked up against Aston Villa, Reguilon offered good energy going forward and did deliver some dangerous crosses. But Reguilon was poor defensively as Newcastle found much joy on his side. Was nowhere to be seen as Joelinton freely tapped home the opening goal and couldn’t deal with the cross in the build-up to the second goal either.
Giovani Lo Celso: 6/10
Played a role in Spurs’ equalising goal with a slightly overhit pass that fell kindly to Kane after Emil Krafth failed to deal with adequately. Offers good energy and worked hard off the ball. But often tended to cut inside regularly from the right which deprived Tottenham of any width as Tanganga wasn’t a willing forward runner either.
Tanguy Ndombele: 7/10
?Tanguy Ndombele's stats in todays disappointing game against Newcastle:
⏱️95 minutes played
?️1 assist
✅90.5% pass accuracy
?1 key pass
?️1 big chance created
✈️2 long passes
?♂️6 dribbles
⚔️10 duels won
?2 fouls won
❌2 tacklesGood performance today??#COYS #THFC pic.twitter.com/tJ4OdDOCRo
— NdombeleXtra (@NdombeleXtra) April 4, 2021
Looked in his elements from the off, showing some neat footwork and playing some catchy passes out wide for the likes of Reguilon to chase. Set Kane up for the second goal with a beautifully threaded pass, after having had a hand in the first. A brilliant run in the second period almost led to a chance. Could have done better to stop Allan Saint-Maximin in the lead-up to Newcastle’s equaliser late on.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 6/10
Started the move for Tottenham’s second goal with a good ball straight into Ndombele. But needed to do better in the buildup to Newcastle’s first goal of the game. Apart from that fairly solid in the centre of the park.
Lucas Moura: 5/10
Made a bright start, winning a couple of fouls in dangerous positions and delivered a dangerous free-kick into the box. Faded as the game wore on though, hardly making any notable contribution before being taken off near the hour-mark.
Harry Kane: 8/10
Harry Kane in the Premier League this season:
◉ Most goals (19)
◉ Most assists (13)
What a season he’s having. pic.twitter.com/BnlFNFB9JR
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 4, 2021
Got a tad bit fortunate for the first goal as the ball came straight to him and he made no mistake to draw Tottenham back on level terms. A fine run and an even better finish for the second goal. Started the move with a defensive header and ran all the way to the other end only to see his effort bounce off the post right before Newcastle equalised.
Carlos Vinicius: 5/10
Handed another Premier League start by Mourinho, the Brazilian started off on a bright note, putting Krafth under pressure. Wasn’t able to build on that though as failed to get involved regularly and was taken off at half-time.
SUBSTITUTES
Son Heung-min: 5/10
Marked his return from injury replacing Vinicius at half-time. Looked a tad bit scratchy and could not make the impact the manager would have hoped from him.
Erik Lamela: 5/10
Came on for Moura. Bright going forward and created the chance for Kane from which he hit the post. But was guilty of losing track of Willock for the equaliser.
Gareth Bale: N/A
Late substitute for Lo Celso. Fired a free-kick into the stands.
