Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak scored a simple goal to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 as they overcame a second-half storm from the visitors to claim all the points in a thrilling Premier League clash at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Harvey Barnes’ first-half opener at Newcastle was cancelled out by a Dan Byrne own goal after the break as Spurs dominated their second-half chances but squandered numerous opportunities and were beaten by the home side.
After tearing through Joelinton’s defence, it was perfect for Jacob Murphy, who after picking out goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, laid the ball off to Isak to secure victory for manager Eddie Howe’s side, who have not played at home since January.
Their Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali was given a 10-month ban for betting violations and received a standing ovation from the home fans.
Newcastle now have 7 points from their first three games, while Spurs remain on 4 points.
“Overall, we didn’t expect to have too much ball,” Isak said. Sky sports“We wanted to be dangerous on the counterattack. It wasn’t our best game, but we defended very well and scored two goals, which is good.
“You have to be focused all the time. It’s easy to get frustrated. It was a very tough game for me, I wasn’t at my best. Jacob Murphy had a great assist, very selfless, so he was right in the right place.”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will be worried about the scoreline but not the job as his side dominated the game for long periods and kept Newcastle in their own half.
But when chances fell away, the home side always had the opportunity to use their pace to break away and did so after a couple of bookings to secure the points.
Isak had an early chance before Newcastle took the lead in the 37th minute.
A quick throw-in allowed Lloyd Kelly to fire in a low cross from the left which Barnes headed superbly into the far corner.
Spurs winger Wilson Odobert should have equalised when unmarked in defence but volleyed the ball over the bar before the visitors equalised minutes later.
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope was unable to keep out James Maddison’s shot from the edge of the area and pushed the ball towards Brennan Johnson, whose effort was headed in by Burn.
Tottenham continued to target Newcastle but it was the hosts who grabbed the winner thanks to Joelinton’s vision and Murphy’s composure in setting up Sweden’s Isak.
