Spurs suffer surprise home loss to Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Winks in action with Newcastle United’s Joelinton - Rueters

LONDON (Reuters): Tottenham Hotspur fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday with Brazilian Joelinton grabbing the winner.

Joelinton, the club’s record 40 million pound ($ 49 million) signing, finished off a 27th minute counterattack, keeping his composure to beat Hugo Lloris after being put in by Christian Atsu.

The win was a much-needed one for Newcastle manager Steve Bruce who had lost his first two games after taking over from Rafa Benitez in the close-season.

It was a back-to-the walls effort from Newcastle for much of the game but Tottenham, who started with Christian Eriksen on the bench, struggled to turn their possession into clear chances.

The home side felt they should have had a penalty in the 78th minute when Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles lost his footing and fell into the path of Harry Kane who went down but neither the referee nor the VAR review felt the incident merited a penalty.

Spurs should have got on level terms minutes later but Lucas Moura blasted over the bar after a low cross from the right by Moussa Sissoko.

After last week’s 3-1 loss at promoted Norwich City, Bruce came in for plenty of criticism from Newcastle fans who have struggled to accept his appointment, despite him being a boyhood fan of the club.