Dele Alli got Tottenham off to a winning start in the Premier League as they edged out a spirited Newcastle United 2-1 at St James’ Park.
Alli showed the aerial prowess that booked a World Cup semi-final spot for England last month as he steered a fine first-half finish across Martin Dubravka.
It concluded a frantic opening to the match, where Joselu’s 11th-minute header cancelled out a Jan Vertonghen effort that was shown to be nine millimetres over the line by the Goal Decision System.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs were rarely at their fluent best – fatigue possibly a factor for the five World Cup semi-finalists in his starting XI – and Mohamed Diame and new signing Salomon Rondon were denied by post and crossbar as Newcastle chased a second equaliser in vain.
Davinson Sanchez flicked on Christian Eriksen’s right-wing corner for Vertonghen to score, despite the best efforts of Dubravka.
The Spurs defence soon had a moment to forget, however, when Joselu pulled around the back of Sanchez to dispatch Matt Ritchie’s superb delivery from the right.
Rafael Benitez’s side were almost level in the 48th minute.
Diame was afforded room in the box to clatter a left-footed shot against the upright, while Alli should have done better at the other end when picked out by another delightful Eriksen ball.
Kenedy’s heavy 51st-minute touch allowed Hugo Lloris to preserve Spurs’ lead before opposite number Dubravka showed lightning reactions to deny ex-Newcastle man Moussa Sissoko.
More unconvincing set-piece defending left Lloris thwarting Ayoze Perez at close quarters and Tottenham just about hung on after Vertonghen deflected an effort from substitute Rondon against the crossbar.
Despite fan concerns over Tottenham’s lack of activity during the transfer window, Pochettino’s settled side are under way in their bid to continue the fine form that has brought top-three finishes in each of the past three seasons. Spurs can lift their performances a few levels above what they produced in the north east of England; how often Newcastle can perform in such a combative manner will have a key influence over their survival hopes.