Gary Lineker believes that Tottenham’s 2-1 win against Newcastle United on Saturday proves that Mauricio Pochettino didn’t need to make a raft of signings in the summer to hit the ground running.
Spurs earned a narrow win against the Magpies thanks to goals by Jan Vertonghen and Dele Alli, but it could have been a different story as the hosts were close to getting a point with Kenedy and Salomon Rondon both having huge chances to score after Joselu’s header found the back of the net in the first half.
Lineker took to his personal Twitter account to give his instant reaction to the game, and while he believes Spurs’ lack of business may been justified, Newcastle’s wasn’t.
“Tottenham showing that you don’t need loads of new signings to have a winning start to the season. Meanwhile Newcastle showing that you do need loads of signings to have a winning start to the season,” the Match of the Day host said.
Tottenham showing that you don’t need loads of new signings to have a winning start to the season. Meanwhile Newcastle showing that you do need loads of signings to have a winning start to the season.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 11, 2018
OPINION
Lineker’s verdict on the game is perhaps a fair reflection for Tottenham, but it is harsh on Newcastle. Most of Rafa Benitez’s summer signings impressed in the game with Martin Dubravka pulling off some good saves and Kenedy causing plenty of problems for the away side. Salomon Rondon hit the crossbar after coming off the bench in what was a decent performance by Newcastle. If the Magpies had come up against a team from outside the top-six from last term, they probably could have won that. Their game away at Cardiff next week is not going to be an easy test though. The Welsh club will be buzzing in their first home game since promotion and could be dangerous. As for Tottenham, they now have the job of continuing this momentum. They had some passengers at St James’ Park with Moussa Sissoko and Serge Aurier both having poor games. Pochettino’s men must improve in the future and there is going to be increased pressure to prove that it was the right decision to avoid signing anyone in the summer.