Tottenham Hotspur's difficult start to the season continued as Newcastle United came from nowhere to claim a 2-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, condemning Roberto De Zerbi's side to a second successive Premier League defeat.
Despite dominating for long periods in the first half, Spurs found themselves picked apart after the interval by two well-taken goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa, as Newcastle's new head coach Matthias Jaissle secured his first Premier League win in England.
The hosts had entered the match looking to bounce back from a chastening 3-0 loss at Brentford in their opening fixture, while also unveiling new signings Savio and Omar Marmoush, both arrivals from Manchester City. Sandro Tonali, meanwhile, faced his former club for the first time since his £100million move to north London last summer.
Tottenham started brightly and were the better side throughout the first 45 minutes, forcing several chances through Pedro Porro, Mathys Tel, Marmoush, Andy Robertson and Tonali himself. Jan Paul van Hecke also had a header saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from a corner, but despite their control of possession and territory, Spurs went in at the break unable to find a breakthrough.
Newcastle, who had arrived at the stadium following a turbulent summer of departures and failed transfer business, showed far greater conviction after the restart. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Amar Dedic picked out Anthony Elanga with a driven pass following a swift move down the right. Elanga skipped past Tonali and drilled a low effort that cannoned in off the far post, sending the away end into raptures.
The Swedish winger's goal was his second in as many league appearances, already surpassing his tally from the entirety of last season. Newcastle doubled their advantage 11 minutes later through Wissa, who reacted quickest after Nick Woltemade, introduced from the bench, headed a corner down into a dangerous area. With his back to goal, Wissa produced an acrobatic finish, hooking the ball over his shoulder and beyond Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
Tottenham tried to respond, with substitutes Mohammed Kudus, Destiny Udogie and Mikey Moore introduced in search of a way back into the contest, while Dominic Solanke also came on for Tonali, who was jeered off by the travelling supporters. However, Spurs' final ball repeatedly let them down, and their best chance of the closing stages fell to Marmoush, whose volleyed effort lacked the power to trouble Hornicek.
Speaking after the match, Wissa reflected on the significance of the result for the travelling Newcastle fans. "These fans, they are so lovely," he said in an interview with Sky Sports. "They love their club, they love their players. What they want is for us to give them everything we have in our bodies. We try and it's been difficult today but they never stopped singing, shouting. So today is for them today. Today is for them."
The result means Newcastle have now beaten Tottenham in three consecutive meetings at their own ground, further souring the mood around a Spurs side that had entered the campaign with high expectations following a busy summer in the transfer market. For Newcastle, the win represents a promising early sign under Jaissle, whose side had drawn 2-2 with Liverpool in their previous outing.
Tottenham will now have a fortnight to regroup before their next Premier League fixture, while Newcastle will look to build on this victory as they continue life under their new manager.
Based on reporting from The Guardian, The Independent, and Evening Standard.