Key Highlights
- Aaron Ramsdale received praise for his performance against Tottenham.
- Fabian Schär demonstrated his importance with a goal and booking.
- Joe Willock struggled but showed potential with a near-goal.
- Sandro Tonali had an exceptional second half after a slow start.
Newcastle United’s Defensive Lineoutshines in 2-0 Win Over Tottenham
Scott Howe’s Newcastle United secured their third consecutive victory over Tottenham Hotspur with a narrow but well-deserved 2-0 win on October 29, 2025. The match, played at St James’ Park, showcased the defensive solidity of the Magpies alongside some standout performances from Aaron Ramsdale and Fabian Schär.
Ramsdale’s Consistency Under Pressure
Aaron Ramsdale, in for a rare start after several months on the sidelines due to injury, was an unsung hero. He demonstrated not only his goalkeeping prowess but also his shot-stopping abilities with a crucial save from Sarr early in the match. “He might have to wait for his turn a bit longer, but any more performances like this in the games he does play in,” manager Scott Howe noted, highlighting Ramsdale’s growing importance.
Schär’s Dominance and Bookings
Fabian Schär was at the heart of Newcastle United’s defensive resilience. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt for the first time, Schär made an immediate impact with his distribution and tackling ability. “On a night when certain players had points to prove, Schär reminded us with a big dig in the ribs that he’s not done here yet,” Howe observed. His contribution was further highlighted by scoring the opener before receiving a booking midway through the second half.
Willock Struggles But Shows Potential
Joe Willock had an inconsistent game but delivered several positive moments, particularly in the first half. “Getting wrongly accused of getting stuck in a maze is one thing but getting stuck in a continuous fog of his latter day Newcastle career is another,” Howe commented on Willock’s performance. Despite the struggles, he showed flashes of brilliance with a near-goal and consistent effort.
Tonali’s Turnaround and Quality
Midfielder Sandro Tonali was a revelation after a slow start to the season, particularly in the second half against Tottenham. “First half he didn’t hit his usual heights, probably still feeling his way back after being ill,” Howe noted. However, Tonali’s performance improved significantly, demonstrating why he is considered one of the team’s key players.
Substitutions and Final Push
The Newcastle United bench provided a mix of solid performances and occasional lapses. Kieran Trippier, who came on for Emil Krafth in the 71st minute, showed his usual quality with some excellent deliveries from set pieces. Joelinton’s introduction saw him link up well but also faced scrutiny over a challenging play that might have warranted VAR intervention. Nick Woltemade continued to be Newcastle’s goal threat, while Anthony Elanga’s performance was underwhelming despite efforts.
Overall, Howe praised the team’s collective effort and individual performances, highlighting the importance of consistency and quality in every match as they aim for further success this season.
