Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United: Spurs' player ratings

Tottenham Hotspur: How they rated

By Julian Taylor

Tottenham blitzed Newcastle United 5-1 on a very productive day in north London to move into the Premier League top four on goal difference ahead of rivals Arsenal.

Here's how we rated Antonio Conte's players at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hugo Lloris: 6

The Tottenham skipper was justifiably angry with himself and his team-mates when he let a Fabian Schar free kick squirm into the net as the Magpies opened the scoring n the 39th minute. Lloris may have got a hand to the effort but really should have kept the ball out. Disappointing, but had precious little to do thereafter.

Matt Doherty: 9

Spurs’ best player, with admittedly, plenty of other contenders for company. The Republic of Ireland international was fully committed in the first half and went close with a powerful header as the hosts pressed for a breakthrough. He went one better in 47 minutes, though, bravely piling in to head past Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka from six yards out. Another superb run and assist for Emerson Royal resulting in goal number four for Spurs.

Cristian Romero: 7

Helped avert an early concession when he deflected a net bound shot by Joe Willock from close range after Newcastle weathered some early Spurs’ pressure. Eddie Howe’s men failed to trouble him in the second half.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 7

Had the responsibility of nullifying the incursions of Magpies’ danger man Allan Saint-Maximin, but did well overall. Calm in possession with Antonio Conte’s side in control, protecting their second half lead.

Heung-Min Son: 8

A busy first half but should have done better with a chance presented to him on the edge of the penalty area, only to shoot straight at Dubravka. But this is Son we're talking about.

Led the fightback after Spurs went down, supplying an inviting cross for Ben Davies to head home the leveller three minutes before the interval. And, starting the second half with zest, the South Korean’s control and calmness in front of goal resulted in Spurs’ going 3-1 ahead.

Harry Kane: 9

Another excellent display from the Tottenham and England star, despite a booking in the 26th minute for impeding Saint-Maximin. Had a running feud with Newcastle henchman Dan Burn but kept his focus. Supplied an inviting cross – one of many on the day - from the right which was eagerly headed home by Doherty to put the north Londoners 2-1 ahead.

Emerson Royal: 7

Got his reward for an industrious showing, albeit fortuitously, forcing the ball into the net off the post at close quarters for Tottenham’s fourth, as Newcastle visibly wilted. It was his first goal of the season. Ready and willing to drive forward.

Eric Dier: 7

Up against the Magpies' £25m man, Chris Wood, and contributed to keeping him quiet throughout. Commanding presence and key to Tottenham taking full control in a vibrant second half.

Dejan Kulusevski: 7

Along with Rodrigo Bentancur, Spurs’ January signing from Juventus has settled very well in north London. Instrumental in the move which led to the team taking the lead just after half time as well as assisting Son to make matters comfortable.

Rodrigo Bentancur: 7

Started well and involved in key moments. The spiky Uruguayan is enjoying life alongside Hojbjerg in the Spurs’ engine room and merited a fine reception from the home support when replaced by Harry Winks in the 74th minute.

Ben Davies: 7

Terrific header from close range to drag Tottenham back into the game after going behind. Increasingly comfortable as Newcastle offered little in what was an especially taxing second half for the Tyneside club.

Substitutes:

Steven Bergwijn: 8

Responding to a manager's tough love?

A brilliant ten minute cameo after replacing Royal. Managed to get in behind the Magpies’ defence from Moura’s deflected assist to slide the ball past exposed Dubravka, capping a miserable afternoon for the Magpies. In the mood, the Dutchman then went for glory with a late volley which fizzed over the bar. Very encouraging for the player challenged by Conte to have more self-belief.

74: Harry Winks for Bentancur

74: Lucas Moura for Kulusevski