Newcastle United 0 – 4 Tottenham Hotspur - Spurs analysis

Article by e-Spurs Correspondent Ashley Caparelli

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Spurs managed to back up an excellent win against Everton with a fantastic result at St James Park. Two goals for Adebayor and goals from Pauliniho and substitute Chadli secured a 4-0 victory and a sense of payback after the terrible result in the reverse fixture. Tim Sherwood has started to answer the critics and show maturity in his team selection after been ridiculed for his use of the 'outdated' 4-4-2, and you have to say he got it absolutely spot on against a Newcastle side, keen to impress despite the loss of key player Cabaye to PSG.

Defending

A brilliant display from Lloris and the defence secured another clean sheet and Tottenham’s claim to the best away form in the league. Throughout the season the team has averaged 46 defensive actions per game (tackles, interceptions, blocks etc.), against Newcastle there was a greater defensive effort with the team making 67. Spurs showed the ability to deal with any threat Newcastle provided and even though Lloris made some excellent saves, Spurs' defensive never really looked like conceding. Tottenham have also improved upon their tackle success rate having made 63% of their tackles compared to an average of 51% throughout the season. The only worrying statistic is that the side only won 34% of headed challenges which could make life difficult against physical competition.

Kaboul's return will have impressed spurs fans as the big centre back looked as if he had been playing all season drawing many comparisons with the King himself. Kaboul made more tackles (3), clearances (11) and interceptions (3) than any other defender. Younes is a massive player for spurs and with 12 games left, his involvement may have a huge impact on where spurs finish this season.

Midfield

Many will be surprised by the possession statistics showing a 50/50 split. Despite this the Spurs midfield was just too strong for Newcastle's as the side created more chances (11>9), and a greater pass success rate (80%<74%). The game was won and lost in midfield with Pauliniho showing his class once again having provided more key passes (4) than any other player in the side, Bentaleb also impressed with a wonderful assist for Chadli's goal.. Demhele, despite playing in an unfamiliar role of right winger, was also vital to the game providing us a directness and causing the Newcastle defence all sorts of problems.

Despite Ferdinand’s admission of Tim's reluctance to play an out and out defensive midfielder and with Capoue seeming on the way out during the January transfer window, he had a vital role to play and had an undoubted impact on the game. Capoue made more interceptions and tackles than any other spurs player, he broke down many of the Magpies attack before they came too dangerous and allowed the players in front of him to play with greater freedom. Hopefully the inexperienced manager has learned a thing or two from Capoue's perfomance.

Attack

Spurs managed to score 4 goals, a stat that you cannot argue with. We hit the target with 73% of our shots which is a massive and hopefully continuing improvement on our season average of just 45%. We showed just how ruthless we can be and spurs fans will be desperate to see this performance more often. Ade once again spearheaded the attack having 4 shots, of with 3 were on target and 2 were goals. The big man up front has been like a new signing and hopefully stays fit and in form for the rest of the season with only Soldado as senior back up.

Another great performance, let's hope it continues.

COYS!!

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