Ange Postecoglou gets it wrong as Timo Werner starts for Tottenham v Newcastle United
Ange Postecoglou could regret starting Timo Werner against Newcastle United after the forward’s performance against Nottingham Forest.
Spurs will look to build on their 3-1 victory over the Reds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (7 April) when they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park (13 April).
Tottenham supporters won’t have happy memories of Tyneside, having watched their side concede five times in the opening half an hour on their way to an eventual 6-1 loss in this fixture last season.
However, both teams are in very different positions this time around, with Postecoglou’s men challenging for a place in the top four while Eddie Howe’s side sit eighth with just two wins from their last five matches.
As a result, those in the away end will feel confident of getting a result, although Postecoglou’s team selection, which was confirmed via the club’s official X account (13 April), might have dented that confidence.
Ange Postecoglou living dangerously as Timo Werner starts for Tottenham against Newcastle United
Werner made a bright start against Forest, forcing a Murillo own goal early in the first half to hand his side the lead.
However, as the match wore on, he once again proved to be rather ineffective.
As per Sofascore, he completed just 76 per cent of his passes, with only one of those key.
The German did create one big chance, but from his five crosses into the box, only two of those were accurate, a total of just 40 per cent.
He hardly threatened, registering just one shot which was blocked, and also completed just one of his three dribble attempts while giving possession away 15 times.
Defensively the winger wasn’t that much better, as he won just 40 per cent of his ground duels and was dribbled past three times.
Werner could afford to be wasteful against Forest at home, but Newcastle away is a different kettle of fish.
Despite the Magpies’ struggles, they are still dangerous at St James’ Park, and Spurs will need to take their chances.
Werner will therefore need to show much more than he did last time out, otherwise it could cost Postecoglou in the race for UEFA Champions League football.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs have been told to address an “aggressive” member of the squad after what he did recently.
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