Two 10s, a few 9s, several 8s and the odd 7 – Newcastle player ratings vs Spurs

Arguably our performance of the season and a stunning win for Eddie Howe’s Mags, as Newcastle United battered Spurs (again!) at St James’ Park in a 4-0 victory. Here’s our marks out of 10 and comments on a superb team display.

Dubravka – 7 – Back-to-back clean sheets and had very little to do. The only reason I’ve marked him down slightly (compared to others) is due to his lack of communication coming off his line and second half shot that he very nearly spilt into the path of a Spurs attacker.

Murphy – 8 – Thought he was brilliant and filled in impressively at right-back. Dealt the dangerous Udogie very well and supported attacks too.

Krafth – 7.5 – Another playing operating in an unnatural position but was rock solid after a slightly iffy start. Was tight to Werner, didn’t dive in and hit the post in the second half with an effort from the edge of the box!

Schar – 10 – A stunning display from the Swiss, who is aging like a fine wine! Man marked Son out of the game at times, made some smart tactical fouls, several exquisite passes into midfield to send us clear in attack and all topped off with a towering header to make it 4-0.

Burn – 8 – He’s been superb at centre-back in Botman’s absence but he was back to left-back today and was magnificent. Won a big header in the build up to Gordon’s goal, led by example and didn’t give Johnson much space, making up for the pace mismatch.

Longstaff – 7.5 – One lapse early on where he was robbed of possession in a dangerous area, but generally showed real discipline and tactical awareness to keep Maddison quiet and cut off passing lanes down Spurs’ left. A much improved display after a tough few months for the Geordie midfielder playing through the pain.

Bruno – 8.5 – Ran the show and showed such class on and off the ball. Superb through ball for Isak’s second to make it 3-0 and kept his discipline while working tirelessly, seeing him avoid his 10th yellow and escape a two-game ban.

Anderson – 9 – Set the tone for a stunning team display. Linked up superbly with Barnes, pressed relentlessly, added some much needed physicality to our midfield and was superb tactically, pulling wide when he needed to track Porro and breaking beyond him regularly. He was everywhere and such a thorn in their side, on and off the ball.

Gordon – 10 – Incredible display from a man who keeps on getting betting and better. One goal, two assists, worked tirelessly at both ends to stretch their defence and track the marauding Udogie. Also creates plenty from corners, with several of his deliveries met by a black and white head.

Isak – 9 – Up to 21 goals for the season in all competitions after another St James’ Park brace. His two finishes were ice cool and he nearly had more. Elite striker who made Romero and Van de Ven look silly at times.

Barnes – 8 – He and Anderson linked up so nicely in that first half. Ghosted past Porro a few times and nearly got a lovely late assist for Gordon late on. Creative, strong and really unlucky not to get himself at least one assist.

SUBS:

Livramento – N/A – Replaced Murphy with just over 10 minutes to play after the makeshift right-back was too fatigued to continue. Great to see Tino fit again after an ankle issue.

Dummett, Hall, White and Ritchie all came on for the final few minutes.

Eddie Howe – 10! – We don’t usually mark the manager, but he got it spot on today. Went to a man-for-man approach to stop their attacking threats and helped us be equally brave at the other end, with our high press and intensity too much for Spurs. Anyone who called for him to be sacked a matter of weeks ago should give their head a wobble!