Newcastle United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle United were beaten by a Dele Alli header, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side got off to the best possible start.

Newcastle actually started lively, with Matt Ritchie in particular looking up for the game. His lashed volley had all the power in the world, but not the accuracy.

A bizarre opener for the away side came courtesy of goal-line technology. Christian Eriksen’s corner was met by Davinson Sanchez, only for Martin Dubravka to make a fine stop. Jan Vertonghen was on hand to squeeze in the rebound, just.

The Magpies hit straight back though, and Ritchie was at the centre of it. His beautiful cross from the right was met by Joselu, who scored Newcastle’s first Premier League goal of the season once again.

Newcastle were in the ascendancy, but found themselves trailing again before too long. Serge Aurier played an exquisite cross to the back post, and there was Dele Alli to head into the far corner.

Rafa Benitez’s side worked to slow the game down, with Kenedy being used well to launch some dangerous counter attacks.

Ciaran Clark pulled a shot wide, with Ayoze Perez inches away from directing the ball towards goal.

Spurs looked threatening themselves however. Davinson Sanchez won another header from an Eriksen corner, but this time the ball flew past the post.

Newcastle raced out of the blocks at the beginning of the second period. Mohamed Diame found himself in acres of space in the box, and his powerful strike thundered against Hugo Lloris’ right-hand post.

Joselu then did fantastically well to find Kenedy on the left, but with the Brazilian bearing down on goal, his control eluded him.

Moussa Sissoko almost marked his return to St James’ Park with an unlikely goal. His first time shot was saved very well by Martin Dubravka.

Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Spurs began to take the sting out of the game by keeping the ball and winning fouls. A very professional performance from the North Londoners.

Salomon Rondon did make his debut, and he almost became an instant hero. Jonjo Shelvey picked him out brilliantly with a threaded pass, and the Venezuelan struck a firm shot, which deflected off of Jan Vertonghen... and onto the crossbar! Unlucky!

Tottenham introduced youngster Luke Amos in their bid to see out the final embers of the game.

Newcastle will now be sweating on the fitness of DeAndre Yedlin, after the American appeared to seriously damage his right knee. Probably the last thing Rafael Benitez would have wanted.