Tottenham’s dreadful start to the new season continued as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Newcastle United.

Spurs had been the team in the ascendancy, but were stunned just past the hour mark when Anthony Elanga found the back of the net with a scuffed effort that went in off the post.

The hosts then quickly found themselves two down after Yoane Wissa hooked home from Nick Woltemade’s knockdown.

Sam Tabuteau was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players…

: Undone by two unconventional finishes, neither of which he could do too much about.

: Had to be replaced once the hosts started chasing the game, but had been solid up to that point, helping Pedro Porro double up down the right flank. Worked hard - no Spurs player made more sprints than the Englishman.

: His relationship with Micky Van de Ven understandably needs work, with the pair getting in each other’s way at times. Much improved in the air, though, and nearly broke the deadlock with a header from a corner.

Micky van de Ven 6: Showed some signs of rustiness early on, with this being his first start of the season. Grew into the game, though, and made an excellent clearance to deny Wissa in the first-half. Despite the scoreline, he showed why he makes Spurs a better team when he is in the starting lineup.

: An attacking threat throughout - only Mathys Tel took more touches in the opposition box than him in the first-half. His good work was undone, though, when he let Amar Dedic break in behind to set up Elanga.

: Moments of quality from Fernandes with his quick passes through the lines opening up space for Spurs to attack. Kept plugging away even as the game escaped the home side.

4: Anonymous for large parts as he was heckled intensely by the away fans. Had started to grow into the game until he let Elanga spin past him and fire home the opening goal.

: Some rash moments early on, but soon found his feet. Harried away at the visiting midfield and also showed moments of composure to open up the play with a few neat passes.

: Thrived in an unconventional right-wing role. Comfortable collecting the ball and working his way into shooting positions. Was guilty of not making the most of some promising positions.

6: A promising debut from the Egyptian, who was at the heart of a generally positive attacking display from De Zerbi’s side. His quick feet created openings, but he struggled to work many shooting opportunities of his own.

: His last action was to balloon a free-kick miles over the bar, but before that Tel had been a livewire. His end product, however, still needs work.

: Nearly set up Solanke for what would have been a late consolation. If fit, he has to start ahead of Robertson, who wile adding something in attack has looked suspect defensively since pulling on a Spurs shirt.

: Made his long awaited return from injury but could not provide the spark to get his side back into the game.

: Left on the bench as Porro started on the right wing. It is clear, despite his promise, that De Zerbi does not quite trust the youngster in the Premier League. A loan move seems to suit all parties.

: Nearly turned in Udogie’s cross but it would have mattered little in the end.

Dubravka, Senesi, Gallagher, Udogie, Bergvall, Davies