Poch’s antidote to Newcastle away was a very well drilled and controlled performance which for the most part was devoid of excitement.
As per my post match feelings, this was very much a game that you didn’t go home cooing over, rather this was a job very well done and watching Spurs dish out a professional 0-2 performance away is very very close to as enjoyable as watching them dish out a mesmerising, unforgettable 0-2 performance away.
This AVB-esque game was a truly excellent start to the campaign.
The Shelvey business was beyond daft, but I’m unconvinced any Newcastle fans citing it as the seminal moment of doom are being entirely honest with themselves. Of course playing with 10 men didn’t do them any favours, but Spurs were just better in every department.
Dele Alli did what Dele Alli does and wasted everybody’s time until he popped up and slot the ball home.
Aside from Poster Boy, it really was a Villas-Boas kinda game with no one player dominating unless you didn’t understand how important Christian Eriksen was.
The Dane’s Modric-like performance was our subliminal satnav; the 25 year old was busy, bustling and brilliant. Over 60 passes, 4 chances created and an assist that wouldn’t look out of place on any world stage.
A word on Walker-Peters.
This was a leap for the boy and he did very well indeed. The only problem (and this applies equally with Trippier) is that Poch needs to rethink the strategy here.
Neither of our existing right backs are blessed with pace and sooner or later there will come a moment when Dembele or whoever won’t get back in time either and we will have our pantaloons pulled down.
Cracking start.
André lives!
