adminLONDON. — Tim Krul was Newcastle’s star as the Magpies won 1-0 away to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in the English Premier League yesterday.
On a day when goalkeepers dominated talk before kick-off and during the match, the Dutchman produced a string of brilliant saves as Newcastle followed up their win over Chelsea with another victory over a top London club.
Loic Remy scored the only goal of the game as Newcastle went ninth, three points behind Spurs, who would have gone level on points with second-placed Liverpool if they had won this match.
Tottenham went into the last international break on the back of a home defeat to West Ham and their players will join up with their countries this week with further doubts over the club’s top-four prospects.
For Spurs, France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was a frustrated spectator yesterday.
Lloris was knocked unconscious a week earlier at Everton and Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas was heavily criticised for letting him finish that game.
Portuguese boss Villas-Boas had insisted Lloris would play against Newcastle but the former Lyon goalkeeper was told to rest after medical advice.
Spurs’ head of medical services Wayne Diesel said: “We’ve continued to monitor Hugo all week and after discussions, Andre and the medical department have agreed to afford the player a couple more days rest.
“Hugo is naturally disappointed as he was keen to return to action however we feel this decision is in the players’ best interest.”
Brad Friedel started in goal and Lloris watched the game from the bench.
The American veteran was involved in the early action and had to tip away Mathieu Debuchy’s volley, then block Yohan Cabaye’s effort when he collected the rebound.
Remy had already gone close when he raced through, from Cabaye’s pass, and was tackled by Vlad Chiriches as he attempted to shoot.
But the French striker grabbed the lone goal of the game in the 13th minute.
Paulinho was robbed of the ball in dangerous territory by Yoan Gouffran, who then slid the ball through for Remy to breeze past Friedel and pass into an open goal.
Spurs were getting increasingly frustrated as they tried to get back into the game.
They were limited to long-range efforts, with Jan Vertonghen trying his luck unsuccessfully from open play and a free-kick.
Krul also saved superbly from Roberto Soldado’s backwards header after he met a free-kick.
And the second half saw Krul pull off more stunning saves to keep Spurs at bay.
Paulinho set up a chance by feeding Andros Townsend on the right, and when the cross was dummied for Christian Eriksen it needed Krul to save with his trailing leg. — AFP.
Online Reporter