Tottenham player ratings vs Newcastle: Xavi Simons much improved as Spurs crash out of Carabao Cup | OneFootball

It was an underwhelming performance from Thomas Frank’s rotated side

Tottenham exited the Carabao Cup as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

The lead was doubled shortly after half-time when Nick Woltemade rose above Antonin Kinsky and Kevin Danso to head in.

Matt Verri was on site for Standard Sport to rate the Spurs players...

Antonin Kinsky 5

Brilliant distribution early on which drew applause from Frank on multiple occasions but a howler for Newcastle’s second goal. Came for cross, got nowhere near and left goal empty.

Pedro Porro 6

Captain for the night and produced a couple of brave early blocks. Cut an increasingly irritated figure though, both with the referee and his team-mates.

Joao Palhinha 7

Mr Reliable. Played out of position in defence but still so often in the right place to stick a foot in. Essential for Spurs’ season that he stays fit.

Nick Woltemade scored Newcastle’s second after Antonin Kinsky flubbed his lines

Action Images via Reuters

Kevin Danso 6

Frank called him “magnet head” in the pre-match press conference but he was too keen to head behind which led to Newcastle opener. Not as dominant as he was against Everton but still eight clearances.

Djed Spence 5

Didn’t look confident against Anthony Elanga and then out of position for the Newcastle goal after putting his boot back on. Form has dropped off slightly.

Rodrigo Bentancur 7

Isolated at times without Palhinha next to him but turned out of trouble nicely on several occasions. Felt like a one-man effort at times but did a decent job.

Pape Matar Sarr 6

Anonymous for much of the first half. Improved after the break and denied by a superb Aaron Ramsdale save. Not enough to force his way into the Premier League starting lineup.

Brennan Johnson 5

Too often he is hesitant when in good positions. Inconsistent with his final ball - some were dangerous, most wasteful. Ironic cheers from the away end when he went off.

Xavi Simons 7

Spurs’ most threatening player and much more like it. Picked up great positions, drove at the defence with confidence and tried to drag Spurs forward. Needed more from his team-mates.

Lucas Bergvall 6

Connected nicely as Spurs had their best spell in the first half. Powerful runner when he has the ball - just didn’t see enough of it. Never stopped running.

Richarlison 4

Frustrating once again. Booked for dissent and then not in the right place to finish off a couple of lovely Spurs moves. No real sharpness to his play and lucky to be on for as long as he was.

Substitutes:

Randal Kolo Muani (Bentancur 65’) 6

Just a more convincing presence up front than Spurs’ other options in attack. Should start against Chelsea.

Mohammed Kudus (Johnson 65’) 5

Loose on the ball when leading some dangerous counters. Late clash with Joelinton sparked a melee and he was booked.

Mathys Tel (Richarlison 78’) 5

Willing runner but limited opportunity to get involved on the left wing.