Newcastle United secured a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, with Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa scoring the goals. Amar Dedic was named man of the match, edging out debutant Nico Gonzalez for the award.
First-half struggles and Hornicek's saves
Manager Matthias Jaissle opted to start Yoane Wissa as the main striker, with William Osula ruled out for several weeks. Wissa had little impact in the first half, managing only a tame header into the side netting.
The first half ended goalless, with Spurs creating the better chances. Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek made crucial saves to keep Newcastle level, as the visitors failed to register a single shot on target in the opening period.
Second-half breakthrough and Gonzalez's impact
Newcastle's lack of shots on target continued past the hour mark before they broke the deadlock. Nico Gonzalez played a pass from his own half to Dedic, who set up Elanga for an excellent turn and finish.
Wissa doubled the lead with an overhead kick after Nick Woltemade's knockdown from Lewis Hall's corner.
Player ratings
Lukas Hornicek 8 - Kept Newcastle in the game with first-half saves.
Amar Dedic 9 - The full-back provided his third assist for the club and looks a bargain at £29.5m.
Malick Thiaw 8 - The skipper was composed in keeping Spurs at bay.
Sven Botman 8 - Looked more like his old self, growing in confidence.
Lewis Hall 8 - Played a part in the second goal with his corner and delivered an excellent all-round display.
Lewis Miley 7 - A steady performance.
Nico Gonzalez 8 - Showed elite quality with his passing, including a 40-yard pass for the opener. Completed 51 passes with a 94% completion rate.
Harvey Barnes 7 - Worked hard and provided good cover for Hall.
Joe Willock 6 - A disappointing night compared to recent displays.
Anthony Elanga 8 - Scored a fine goal and celebrated with the travelling fans.
Yoane Wissa 8 - Scored his first competitive goal for Newcastle since January.
Substitutes
Nick Woltemade 7 (for Willock 71), Sean Steur 7 (for Gonzalez 71), Jacob Ramsey (for Wissa 82), Jacob Murphy (for Elanga 82), Bazoumana Toure (for Barnes 90).
Substitutes must play 15 minutes to earn a mark.
