Match Ratings Ratings vs Newcastle

Good result but again pitiful performance by most of our players, our full backs excepted.

Newcastle played with more cohesion and purpose, but I will take 3 points all day long even if we played ugly.

It was good to see that both of our substitutes before Kane went off set up the equalizing and winning goals.

Kane my MOTM for doing what he does best

COYS

3 goals scored by us, 1 conceded (wonder goal again), pretty much in total control of the game, but it's not pretty enough now?

That's exactly how you play in away games to pick up points.

Kane was terrible apart from his 2 goals, but hey, thats why hes our top goalscorer, and Im thankful for that

But that moment when he didnt pass to an obviously free Son only to lose possession was unforgiveable and amateurish. And for that alone, I cannot give him MOTM.

No one played well in particular, but I think Moussa was the best of an average bunch today.

ItsBoris said:

3 goals scored by us, 1 conceded (wonder goal again), pretty much in total control of the game, but it's not pretty enough now?

That's exactly how you play in away games to pick up points.

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No its not pretty. And playing like that is not the only way to pick up points. I dont fall for clichés

Son & Lucas very good in the first half but both faded in the second in terms of their impact.

Winks very tidy on the ball and constantly kept us ticking over. Lamela decent. Kane took goals well.

Davies, Sissoko and Aurier must be replaced for the starting eleven.

Bulletspur said:

No its not. And playing like that is not the only way to pick up points. I dont fall for clichés

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It's the best way to pick up points away from home when you don't have a financially doped squad like Man City.

We had more than our fair share of ugly wins under Pochettino, in fact aside from the good football we often played, one of the most pleasing things he did was instil a previously lacking grit required to win games where we weren’t great.

For work rate Son and Moura, with Sissoko also playing well. Lo Celso looks shattered. Kane scores two good goals but did little else... anyone else sense tension between him and Sonny?

Their goal was a very decent strike, but if you pass to an unmarked opponent in your own box you kinda deserve it when they score. Very similar goal to Sunday in that respect.

But, a decent away win against a team who don’t lose many at home (first home loss in 7 months?). Also, was amazed Jose had never won up there before. Another nice hoodoo to break!

Bulletspur said:

No its not pretty. And playing like that is not the only way to pick up points. I dont fall for clichés

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After the season or even the last year and a half we've had I'm just happy we are winning games. I have no time for people moaning about boring football at this point.

Thought lo Celso was alright

far from pitiful, come on man.

Really liked Winks today. The calmness he brings to the base of midfield is a joy.

ilikeost said:

After the season or even the last year and a half we've had I'm just happy we are winning games. I have no time for people moaning about boring football at this point.

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You responded, so contrary to what you wrote you do have time! And for the record no one was moaning, we were just stating the facts as it were. Do yo want us to lie and say we were awesome when we weren't? Like you I am just as happy that we got the three points despite the performance. That does not mean I cannot talk about how poor it was. Channel your self righteousness some where else.

One of those matches where even when they had the ball, we were in control. Wonder goal aside, they only had one massive chance that Shelvey headed over.

MOTM to either Harry or one of the defenders. HM to Sissoko + Winks.

Think winks was actually very good didn’t lose the ball at all.

Davies & Sissoko and moura and son very good

Lucas ran himself into the ground as did Sissoko.
Lo Celso got stuck in and played some nice stuff.
Son scored 1 and HK bagged a brace.
My MOM though is Serge Aurier for going above and beyond. Tough, tough night for him and he did pretty well.

We got ahead, we showed character after we were pegged back and we killed the game professionally to win it. 1970 Brazil it ain’t, but we defended well and restricted them to only one other clear chance besides their goal, we put together a few decent moves and our while we weren’t that cohesive, there were certainly a few good individual performances.

Lloris, aside from picking the ball out of his net (through no fault of his own), mainly just had to mop up hopeful hits when it came to making saves.

Aurier was our best player just for having the strength of character to play today, regardless of his poor clearance for their goal. Just showing up gets him a 10/10. Also our highest tackler and cleared the most out of our defenders.

Sanchez was focussed and dealt with a fair few balls into the box calmly and assertively. Several blocks.

Alderweireld was solid and passed out fairly well.

Davies seemed a tough sluggish on a couple of occasions and his passes out were never weighted quite right.

Sissoko makes energy in both blocking off Newcastle attacks but also in running the ball away from our defence was good, but his ability to make the right pass when in a good position was lacking.

Winks had his best game in a while I felt, felt like he was involved in everything, used possession well and made a few tackles.

Lo Celso was our most progressive midfielder on the ball and worked hard off it. Seemed very involved in our most positive play.

Lucas had another good game on and off the ball with a lot of tackling and tracking back but also taking the pressure off his teammates by dribbling away from danger. Didn’t seem to get into dangerous positions himself however.

Son scored a lovely goal and looked both sharp and confident. He worked hard off the ball and showed for the ball constantly.

Kane stayed up apart from a couple of firsts into midfield but when he was involved he passed well (including the build up for his second) looked threatening and came alive in terms of energy. No issues for me. Also, lovely to see him scoring twice with his head, and both lovely headers in their own way. I really loved the way he through himself at the last goal with no care for his own personal safety.

Bergwijn played a beautiful cross for the winner and overall used the ball intelligently and shielded well when he had it.

Lamela seemed to play purely Cm as one of three when he came on and I liked it, very like for like with the man he replaced with good aggression and protecting the ball and a lovely array of skill and determination to make Harry’s second.

Vertonghen allowed Kane to get 18 second of rest.

They were tired today, but fair play, more clinical in taking chances.

ItsBoris said:

3 goals scored by us, 1 conceded (wonder goal again), pretty much in total control of the game, but it's not pretty enough now?

That's exactly how you play in away games to pick up points.

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total control? They had a slight edge in possession, equal shots on target and 3:1 advantage in total shots. I only saw the second half but more of it was spent in our half. our finishing was the difference but I didnt see total control.

No pleasing some of you