Tonali struggles but Gonzalez impresses - player ratings for Tottenham v Newcastle

Tottenham’s encounter with Newcastle produced a range of individual performances, as reflected in the player ratings released after the match. Antonin Kinsky, the Spurs goalkeeper, differed from his compatriot Lukas Hornicek by having little to do in the opening period. He could only watch as Elanga’s strike hit the post after the break before Wissa’s improvised effort made it 2-0. Kinsky earned a rating of 5. Archie Gray’s contribution was questioned, with the analysis noting he never seemed to take responsibility for his efforts and leaving doubt about whether he is operating at his best at right‑back. He also received a 5. Micky van de Ven marked his first start of the season as captain. Although he picked up an unnecessary early booking, he recovered to make a crucial sliding tackle that denied Wissa inside the box, earning a 6. Jan Paul van Hecke recovered to make a tackle that stopped Willock. His composure in possession helped Tottenham bypass Newcastle’s pressing game, and he was competitive in aerial duels, also rated 6. Andy Robertson pushed forward in the first half, creating a threat, but he could not prevent Dedic from winning a header that set up Elanga’s goal. Robertson was rated 5. Rodrigo Bentancur’s work often went unseen; he repeatedly broke up play and won the ball back on several occasions, meriting a 5. Sandro Tonali’s start was shaky as he faced his former club for the first time. He appeared still to be building fitness and was deemed at fault in the build‑up to both goals. Ironically, away fans cheered when he was substituted off, and he received a 4. Mateus Fernandes made his first Premier League start for the club. He looked positive throughout, and his deliveries from corners caused one or two problems for Newcastle in the opening half, earning a 5. Pedro Porro, a World Cup winner, played further forward on the right flank. He created a couple of chances, seeing a shot blocked by Hall and a dipping volley just over the bar, and was awarded a 5. Omar Marmoush, thrust into the starting line‑up as a debutant, had previously troubled Newcastle while at Manchester City. He hit the side netting with a volley and a smart reverse pass set up Robertson for an opportunity, earning a 6. Mathys Tel forced one strong effort that was well saved, but he also frustrated supporters by giving the ball away too often, resulting in a 4. Among the substitutes, Kudus came on in the 68th minute for Tel, marking his return after a serious quad injury that had sidelined him since January; he was rated 5. Moore replaced Gray at the same minute and also received a 5. Udogie entered for Robertson at 68 and was rated 5. Dominic Solanke came on for Tonali in the 75th minute and earned a 5. The unused substitutes were Dubravka, Senesi, Gallagher, Bergvall and Davies.