Tottenham player ratings vs Newcastle: Brandon Austin solid on debut but Timo Werner wastes another chance | OneFootball

Teenagers Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall impress in losing effort, but Radu Dragusin off the pace

A depleted Tottenham squandered another lead at home to lose 2-1 to Newcastle in a spirited but futile display.

Newcastle equalised controversially two minutes later when Anthony Gordon fired home after Lucas Bergvall’s pass struck Joelinton’s hand.

Alexander Isak turned in from close range to make it 2-1 before the interval, when Radu Dragusin was replaced to leave Spurs with a makeshift back five for the second half.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players…

Brandon Austin 7

Might have got closer to Gordon’s controversial leveller but generally acquitted himself well, playing out confidently and coming for a number of balls into the box. Saved from Harvey Barnes late on.

Pedro Porro 7

Made Solanke’s goal with a brilliant first-time cross but given a tough examination by the lively Gordon.

Radu Dragusin 5

Turned the ball into Isak’s path for Newcastle’s second goal and slow to react for Gordon’s leveller. But the fact that he was replaced at half-time suggests he was still feeling the effects of the illness which further depleted Postecoglou's options in the week.

Archie Gray 8

Continues to do an impressive job for the team in the circumstances, playing with composure beyond his years at the heart of defence.

Djed Spence 7

Nutmegged by Jacob Murphy’s cross for Newcastle’s second goal but gave his all for the team, first at left-back and then at centre-back in the second half.

Lucas Bergvall 8

Played very well at the base of midfield. Drove forward with the ball – including ahead of Solanke’s goal – and was positive.

Pape Matar Sarr 6

Looked a threat when in space at the edge of the box and added energy to the middle of the park against a robust Newcastle midfield.

Dejan Kulusevski 7

Always a threat on the counter-attack and full of his usual running. Final ball wasn’t always there but made a late chance for Solanke.

Brennan Johnson 5

Struck the post from close range after Sarr’s shot was saved but struggled to get into the game from the right wing.

Timo Werner 4

Ineffectual again on his first start since Postecoglou criticised his performance against Rangers. Lasted an hour but did little to suggest he will keep getting chances.

Dominic Solanke 8

Opened the scoring with a brilliant diving header and twice nearly equalised in stoppage time. Led line tirelessly, pressing from the front and holding up the ball intelligently.

Subs

Sergio Reguilon (Dragusin 46’) 7

Was involved in a slick move which nearly led to an equaliser and played his part in a spirited second-half display.

James Maddison (Bergvall 62’) 7

Went closest to an equaliser with a curling effort which just evaded the far post.

Heung-min Son (Werner 62’) 6

Added a threat behind Newcastle’s backline for the final half an hour but his passing was erratic.

Yves Bissouma (Sarr 62’) 6

Added fresh legs to the midfield battle but the weight of his passing was occasionally off.

Not used: Whiteman, Lankshear, Dorrington, Olusesi, Hardy.