Newcastle United claimed their first Premier League victory under Matthias Jaissle with a convincing 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, as Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa struck in the second half to deepen Spurs’ early-season crisis.
Jaissle first EPL win came after Newcastle had shown promising signs in last week’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and this time the Magpies converted their opportunities to secure all three points.
For Tottenham, the result could hardly have been worse. Roberto De Zerbi made five changes to the side that suffered a 3-0 defeat at Brentford, but the reshuffle failed to produce a response. Spurs have now lost their opening two league matches without scoring a single goal.
Elanga goal vs Tottenham changes the contest
Elanga goal vs Tottenham came in the 62nd minute and rewarded Newcastle for a much-improved second-half performance.
Elanga had already scored his first Premier League goal for Newcastle against Liverpool the previous weekend, and he doubled his tally for the new campaign with another composed finish.
The move began with Nico Gonzalez, one of Newcastle’s summer additions, sending a searching pass towards Amar Dedic.
Dedic nodded the ball down into the path of Elanga on the right side of the penalty area, allowing the Swedish winger to turn sharply before firing a brilliant effort against the far post and into the net.
It was an excellent piece of attacking play from Newcastle’s new-look side, with Gonzalez and Dedic both playing important roles before Elanga supplied the finishing touch.
Elanga goal vs Tottenham also demonstrated the growing understanding between Newcastle’s summer recruits and their established attacking players.
Spurs create chances but Hornicek stands firm
Despite the eventual scoreline, Tottenham were not without opportunities during the opening half.
Newcastle nearly took the lead after only 37 seconds when Elanga’s cross-shot looped over Antonin Kinsky and narrowly drifted beyond the far post.
Spurs responded with two promising attacks after the quarter-hour mark.
Mathys Tel cut inside before seeing his effort pushed away from the far corner by Lukas Hornicek, while Pedro Porro appeared to have found a shooting opportunity inside a crowded penalty area before Lewis Hall produced an important last-ditch block.
Tottenham debutant Omar Marmoush also came close when his volley flew narrowly wide.
Newcastle’s defence and goalkeeper continued to frustrate the hosts, with Hornicek proving particularly impressive.
The goalkeeper blocked Andy Robertson’s first-time effort and then reacted quickly to tip Jan Paul van Hecke’s header into the air before punching the loose ball away at the second attempt.
The first half ended goalless, but Newcastle appeared increasingly comfortable as the match progressed.
Jaissle’s Newcastle find another gear
Jaissle first EPL win was ultimately secured because Newcastle found greater attacking purpose after the interval.
Tottenham had opportunities to break the deadlock, including a 20-yard attempt from Hall that lacked enough curl, but Newcastle began to take control.
Elanga had earlier been unable to keep his effort in play after knocking the ball past the advancing Kinsky, but he would not make the same mistake when the decisive opportunity arrived.
His goal gave Newcastle confidence, while Spurs appeared to lose belief.
Jaissle’s team then doubled their advantage just 10 minutes later.
A corner created another dangerous situation inside the Tottenham penalty area, and Nick Woltemade’s knock-down fell perfectly for Wissa.
The forward was completely unmarked and produced an acrobatic finish with his back to goal, hooking the ball beyond Kinsky to make it 2-0.
It was the kind of goal that reflected Newcastle’s growing confidence and Tottenham’s defensive problems.
Wissa strike seals Jaissle first EPL win
Elanga goal vs Tottenham gave Newcastle the breakthrough, but Wissa’s contribution ensured there would be no late comeback.
Spurs had already struggled to turn possession into clear chances, and the second goal effectively ended the contest.
Newcastle managed the closing stages without appearing seriously threatened, allowing Jaissle to celebrate an important first league victory since taking charge.
The win also provides a significant boost after the disappointment of dropping points against Liverpool last weekend.
Newcastle now have four points from their opening two matches and have climbed to third in the Premier League table.
Jaissle first EPL win represents an important early milestone as he attempts to establish his identity at St James’ Park.
Tottenham’s difficult start continues
Tottenham’s problems are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
De Zerbi made five changes following the heavy defeat at Brentford, but his team once again failed to score and suffered another loss.
Spurs are now bottom of the table without a point or a goal after two matches, leaving the manager with plenty to address before their next fixture.
The lack of attacking efficiency is particularly concerning. Tottenham created openings against Newcastle but repeatedly failed to turn them into goals, while Newcastle became increasingly dangerous as the match progressed.
For Newcastle, the picture is considerably brighter.
The arrival of players such as Gonzalez and Dedic is already beginning to influence the team, while Elanga has quickly established himself as an important attacking threat.
Elanga goal vs Tottenham was therefore more than just the opening goal of a 2-0 victory. It was another sign that Newcastle’s new era under Jaissle may be gathering momentum.
Jaissle first EPL win gives the Magpies an early platform to build on, while Tottenham must find answers quickly after another deeply disappointing afternoon.
