Three things learnt from Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle United

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Tottenham Hotspur started the new season as they ended the last and ensured Newcastle United’s return to the Premier League began miserably.

Second-half goals from Dele Alli and Ben Davies helped Spurs to the three points after Jonjo Shelvey had been sent off for a petulant stamp on Alli while the game was goalless.

It was not the celebratory occasion Rafa Benitez would have wanted, but for Mauricio Pochettino this was the perfect way to start their campaign.

Here are three things we learnt…

No new signings? No problem for Tottenham

Much has been made of Spurs’ lack of transfer activity this summer – indeed, they are the only Premier League club yet to add to their squad. Nonetheless, on the evidence of this performance there is no reason for Spurs fans to be alarmed.

Kyle Walker’s switch to Manchester City and an injury to Kieran Trippier had left Pochettino dangerously short of options at right-back, but Kyle Walker-Peters turned in an assured display that earned him the Man of the Match award.

The Tottenham boss is never reluctant to throw in youngsters at the deep end and his faith in Walker-Peters was rewarded.

Spurs are certain to be active in the remaining two weeks of the transfer window, although Pochettino has stressed that he will not panic buy. With the talent already at his disposal, that appears to be a smart strategy.

Shelvey’s needless red card was the turning point

His chequered disciplinary record does a player of Shelvey’s talent no favours and it reared its ugly head again here, to the detriment of his team. The Magpies had been well in the game until Shelvey intentionally trod on Alli’s ankle while the Tottenham midfielder was on the ground.

Referee Andre Marriner made the correct decision and Spurs exploited their numerical advantage to full effect. Alli was subjected to jeers from the St James’ Park faithful and added insult to injury by breaking the deadlock.

From that point Newcastle were unable to get back into the game and conceded a second shortly afterwards. Playing against Spurs is difficult enough with 11 men, let alone 10. Benitez will now lose a key player for three matches, which is a serious blow to his plans so early in the campaign.

Kane and Alli will be Spurs’ key men once more

It’s hardly radical to suggest that Alli and Harry Kane will be key players for Spurs this season – and the initial signs are very encouraging. Although Kane failed to score (August does not seem to be his favourite month), the link-up play with Alli that has been such a feature of Tottenham’s success was once again in evidence.

Alli is a player who always makes things happen. As attacking midfielders go, he is up there with the best in the world and has a wonderful habit of finding himself in the right place at the right time.

Pochettino knows that keeping both Kane and Alli fit and firing will be crucial. Spurs have been written off by some pundits as title challengers, but with the England duo in their team they will always be in the mix.