Tottenham Hotspur's difficult start to the Premier League season deepened as Newcastle United left north London with a 2-0 victory, a result that saw Sandro Tonali struggle badly against his former club while summer arrival Omar Marmoush endured a mixed introduction to life in a Spurs shirt.
For long spells at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the home side appeared the more likely to break the deadlock. Mateus Fernandes, making his first Premier League start for the club, offered composure and quality passing, while Pedro Porro, deployed in a more advanced role on the right, tested the visitors with a blocked shot and a dipping volley that flew narrowly over. Marmoush himself came close, striking the side netting from a volley and later teeing up Andy Robertson with a clever reverse ball, but Newcastle's defence, marshalled well by Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall, held firm.
The breakthrough arrived just after the hour when Anthony Elanga turned away from Tonali and fired a scuffed effort that deflected in off the post, continuing his fine recent form after also scoring in the previous match. The move was set up by a driving run from Amar Dedic, who won a header off Robertson before Elanga finished. Newcastle doubled their advantage soon after when substitute Nick Woltemade rose to knock the ball down, allowing Yoane Wissa to finish with an improvised overhead kick from Sean Steur's corner delivery.
Tonali, playing against Newcastle for the first time since his move to Spurs, had a torrid afternoon and was jeered throughout by the travelling supporters. He was implicated in the buildup to both goals and was withdrawn on 75 minutes, receiving an ironic cheer from the away end as he departed. Rated among the weakest performers on the pitch by observers, the Italian midfielder appeared to still be working his way back to full fitness.
At the other end, Newcastle's defensive unit impressed as a collective, with Dedic in particular catching the eye barely ten days into his spell at the club. His knockdown header for Elanga's opener was a standout contribution, and his overall display suggested Tino Livramento may now face stiff competition for a starting berth. Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek was also called upon to deny Tel, Robertson and van Hecke during a first-half spell of Spurs pressure, pulling off saves that drew visible frustration from his own bench.
Spurs introduced fresh legs as they chased the game, with Mohammed Kudus making a welcome return from a long-term quad injury that had kept him out since January, and Mikey Moore, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke all entering the fray. Udogie's late cross almost found Solanke for a consolation, but the finish did not come and Newcastle held on comfortably.
Despite the defeat, there were individual positives for the home side. Micky van de Ven made his first start of the season and grew into the game after a rusty opening period, producing a vital sliding challenge to deny Wissa in the box. Jan Paul van Hecke also caught the eye with improved aerial work and a header that went close from a corner.
For Newcastle, the win extended a promising start under head coach Matthias Jaissle, with Elanga's goal marking his second in as many matches and Wissa continuing to lead the line effectively in the continued absence of William Osula. The victory leaves Tottenham searching for answers as their difficult opening to the campaign continues, while Newcastle will take confidence from a performance built on defensive discipline and clinical finishing.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport and the Standard.