Newcastle United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur - Shelvey sees red in first day disappointment

Dwight Gayle had a half decent chance when he was played in on the left, but his volley sailed just over the bar.

Newcastle lost Paul Dummett early on when he appeared to pull his hamstring when attempting to run back and defend. Jamaal Lascelles was introduced, and Ciaran Clark reverted to left-back.

Christian Atsu was by far the home side's most dangerous player. He beat his marker and pulled a ball back from the by-line, only for nobody to be in the Tottenham box.

In a nervy first half, Tottenham dominated much of the ball as you would expect. They came closest to scoring through Christian Eriksen, but he seen a couple of long range efforts saved by Rob Elliot.

Newcastle lost another defender, this time it was Florian Lejeune who was forced off after a nasty Harry Kane tackle.

The stop-start nature of the game did not really suit either side.

Then, controversy. Jonjo Shelvey was sent off after an altercation with Dele Alli. The former Liverpool man appeared to stamp on Alli's ankle as he attempted to retrieve the ball from him. It was unnecessary and silly.

It was always going to be an uphill struggle after that and the Tottenham pressure did result in them opening the scoring. Christian Eriksen fed Dele Alli and he volleyed home for the visitors.

The second half then became defense versus attack as you would expect. Tottenham had many chances.

Left full-back Ben Davies made it two after good build up play involving Eriksen yet again.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Eric Dier then came very close to making it three after his deflected shot sailed just wide of Rob Elliot's post.

Christian Atsu was still making himself a nuisance and seen a shot crash off of the side netting, but in all, Newcastle looked toothless, which you would assume with them being down to ten men.

The game come to an end and Rafa Benitez will no doubt be furious. His side looked relatively comfortable before the red card. Next week is a big game, Newcastle do not want to be propping up the table early doors.