premier-league

Spurs 0-2 Newcastle: Magpies show there's plenty of life after Tonali - BBC Sport

Newcastle United demonstrated their strength with a convincing 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, proving they can thrive without Sandro Tonali.

Newcastle United secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, showcasing their resilience following the departure of Sandro Tonali. The match marked a challenging reunion for Tonali, who had anticipated feeling "more nervous" about facing his former club. As the game drew to a close, away fans taunted him with the question, "Sandro, what's the score?" highlighting the disappointment of his first outing against Newcastle after joining Spurs for a fee potentially reaching £100 million last month.

Jaissle's First Premier League Win

This defeat was not the homecoming Tonali envisioned, but it underscored Newcastle's effective reinvestment of funds. The club has spent a similar amount on new signings, including midfielder Nico Gonzalez, defender Amar Dedic, and goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Under head coach Matthias Jaissle, who recently claimed his first Premier League win, players like Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa have shown renewed vigor. However, Jaissle remains grounded, stating, "We have our own goals and we are clear with that." He emphasized the importance of maintaining emotional stability and not getting carried away by early successes.

New Additions Making an Impact

Jaissle took on a significant challenge, stepping in just 30 days after Eddie Howe's departure, which followed a disappointing 4-1 friendly loss to Bristol City. During this transition, Newcastle sold Tonali and saw Anthony Gordon move to Barcelona, while captain Bruno Guimaraes was linked with a transfer to Arsenal. Despite these changes, Newcastle has made strategic additions, with all seven summer signings being 24 years old or younger. Notably, Dedic has made an immediate impact since his £30 million transfer from Benfica, and Hornicek has adapted well to the Premier League's physical demands after joining from Braga for £25.7 million.

Hornicek played a crucial role in the victory, making three vital saves in the first half, including a strong stop against a header from Jan Paul van Hecke. Jaissle's enthusiasm was evident as he celebrated Hornicek's performance, reflecting the positive atmosphere surrounding the team despite the challenges ahead. With a long season ahead, Newcastle is focused on building momentum and addressing future obstacles.

Source: bbc.co.uk