Jonjo Shelvey’s moment of petulance was punished by Dele Alli and Ben Davies as Tottenham opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over 10-man Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Newcastle kept Tottenham, who finished runners-up last term, at arm’s length during a lacklustre first half, but Shelvey trod on Alli’s ankle three minutes into the second period and was shown a straight red card by referee Andre Marriner.
Rafael Benitez’s side, who had already lost Paul Dummett and debutant Florian Lejeune to injury, were unable to contain Spurs thereafter, with Alli making the breakthrough when he stretched to volley Christian Eriksen’s exquisite delivery into the back of the net.
Davies added Tottenham’s second with 20 minutes remaining, finishing a slick move with a composed finish beyond Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot, Eriksen again the provider.
Harry Kane, last season’s Golden Boot winner, could have added more gloss but struck the post late on and his wait for a Premier League goal in August continues.
