Shropshire Star

Shelvey sending off proves costly as Tottenham overcome promoted Newcastle

Goals from Dele Alli and Ben Davies earn Spurs victory at St James’ Park.

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Skipper Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for standing on Dele Alli as Newcastle’s return to the Premier League was ruined by Tottenham.

Second half goals from Alli and Ben Davies ultimately did for the promoted Magpies with the visitors coasting to a 2-0 victory, but it was Shelvey’s 49th-minute dismissal which opened the door after his side had scrapped its way to the break without major incident.

The 25-year-old, who was banned for five games last season after being accused of making racist comments towards Wolves midfielder Romain Saiss, saw red to the astonishment of his team-mates and the locals among a crowd of 52,077, although television replays suggested he had stood on Alli’s ankle as the Tottenham man lay on the floor.

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Star man – Christian Eriksen

Christian Eriksen was Tottenham’s heartbeat throughout and it was no surprise that it was he who provided the ammunition for Alli to open the scoring. Having gone close himself before the break, the Dane supplied an inch-perfect cross for the England international to fire home from close range.

Cause for thought

Mike Ashley watched from the stands as Newcastle were beaten
Mike Ashley watched from the stands as Newcastle were beaten (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley sat in the stands high above the pitch a St James’ Park knowing the club faces a big fortnight or so. Ashley has admitted he cannot compete with the Premier League’s big spenders despite manager Rafael Benitez’s pleas for further investment, but injuries could further deplete the Spaniard’s resources and increase the need for new faces.

Red mist

Jonjo Shelvey's dismissal proved costly for Newcastle
Jonjo Shelvey’s dismissal proved costly for Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Shelvey will probably argue that he did not mean to stand on Alli, but television replays suggested he did and a man who sat out five games through suspension at the end of last season is facing another three on the sidelines with the new campaign just one game old. He may consider himself unfortunate, but had he left referee Andre Marriner to deal with the situation, he would not have seen red.

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Who’s up next?

Huddersfield v Newcastle (Premier League, Sunday, August 20)

Tottenham v Chelsea (Premier League, Sunday, August 20)

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