Tonali struggles but Gonzalez impresses - player ratings for Tottenham v Newcastle
August 29, 2026 18:26
Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Anthony Elanga opening the scoring and Yoane Wissa adding a second with an improvised overhead finish. Elanga’s goal came from a headed knock-down by Amar Dedic, and Nico González played a key role in the move with a long cross-field pass.
Tottenham’s new signing Sandro Tonali struggled in his first match against his former club, with the report saying he was involved in the build-up to both goals and is still building match fitness. Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek produced several important saves in the first half but could not prevent the two strikes after the interval.
KEY CONTEXT
- Tonali joined Tottenham from Newcastle earlier this summer in a deal reported to be worth up to £100m.
- Several players were making early impressions: Omar Marmoush was handed a debut start for Spurs; Amar Dedic is little more than a week-and-a-half into his Newcastle career; and Nicolas (sic) González was awarded for an impressive debut.
- Tottenham’s Kudus returned to play after a long lay-off, coming on as a substitute having been sidelined since January with a serious quad injury.
WHY IT MATTERS
- Tonali’s fitness and form are immediate concerns for Spurs given his high-profile summer move and his involvement in both goals conceded. That could affect midfield stability while he regains full sharpness.
- Newcastle’s attacking personnel are settling quickly: Dedic’s headed assist and Elanga’s clinical finish underline the immediate impact of recent signings and selections, while Wissa’s overhead kick confirmed the win.
- Spurs created chances and had shots saved, but Hornicek’s first-half saves and Newcastle’s decisive moments after halftime proved the difference.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Tonali can regain fitness and confidence in coming matches, and how Tottenham adjusts his role while he builds match sharpness.
- If Tino Livramento will be displaced, as the report noted Amar Dedic’s form presents a selection challenge.
- How Newcastle’s attacking momentum under head coach Matthias Jaissle develops after two goals from recent contributors and strong performances from Hornicek and his defensive partners.
KEY FACTS
- Final score: Tottenham 0–2 Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Goals: Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa.
- Nico González received high marks for an impressive debut and a decisive cross-field pass in the build-up to Elanga’s goal.
- Sandro Tonali was described as at fault in the build-up to both goals and "still building up fitness."