adminMatthias Jaissle has every reason to be pleased with Newcastle United’s start to the new Premier League season.
The Magpies followed their dramatic 2-2 draw against Liverpool on the opening weekend with an impressive 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in North London, giving Jaissle four points from his first two Premier League matches in charge.
More importantly, Newcastle have now taken points from two sides widely expected to challenge near the top end of the Premier League.
That has made the early signs under Jaissle increasingly encouraging.
Newcastle were forced to settle for a draw against Liverpool after conceding a late penalty, despite having twice taken the lead at St James’ Park.
Against Tottenham, however, the Magpies showed greater composure and punished their opponents in the second half.
Anthony Elanga opened the scoring before Yoane Wissa doubled Newcastle’s advantage, securing Jaissle’s first Premier League victory as Newcastle manager.
The result also made Chris Sutton’s pre-match prediction look particularly poor.
The former Premier League striker had backed Tottenham to win the encounter despite admitting that he “couldn’t tell you why.”
Sutton had also described Newcastle as potential “counter-attack kings” this season, pointing towards the pace in Jaissle’s squad.
But after Newcastle walked away from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with all three points, the Magpies had the perfect response on the pitch.
And Jaissle has now made it clear that Newcastle should not be underestimated.
Speaking after the victory, the German manager emphasised that his side are still developing but already have the qualities required to trouble some of the Premier League’s biggest teams.
Reconstructed quote — not a verified direct quotation:
«“We know there are people who will look at Newcastle and think we are not ready yet, but that is not something we can spend energy on. We have a clear idea of how we want to play, and when we play with this intensity and belief, we can make life very difficult for any opponent. We have four points from two difficult games, but this is only the beginning.”»
That message perfectly reflects the early signs of Jaissle’s Newcastle project.
The Magpies have already faced Liverpool and Tottenham in their opening two league matches and have come away with four points.
Against Liverpool, Newcastle showed their attacking threat and ability to hurt a top side in transition.
Against Tottenham, they demonstrated something equally important: discipline and patience.
The victory was particularly impressive considering the amount of change Newcastle have experienced during the summer.
Jaissle inherited a squad undergoing a major rebuild, with several established stars departing and a number of new players arriving.
Yet the early results suggest that the new manager is already beginning to establish his identity.
Newcastle’s performance in North London was not simply about sitting back and hoping to catch Tottenham on the counter. They remained competitive, absorbed pressure when necessary and eventually punished Spurs when the opportunities appeared.
Elanga’s opener was a perfect example of the pace Newcastle possess, while Wissa’s second goal ensured there would be no late Tottenham comeback.
The result also means Newcastle have now taken four points from their opening two Premier League fixtures — a highly encouraging return given the difficulty of their opening schedule.
And that is why the early criticism and doubts surrounding Jaissle’s appointment are already beginning to look premature.
There is still a long way to go this season, and Newcastle will face much tougher tests in the months ahead.
But the Magpies have sent an early warning.
They may be rebuilding.
They may have lost several important players.
And they may still be viewed by some as outsiders when compared with the traditional Premier League heavyweights.
But after drawing with Liverpool and beating Tottenham, Newcastle have shown that they are capable of competing with the teams at the top end of the division.
admin
Abdulhafiz Teslim
