Christian Atsu cameos as Newcastle suffer opening day defeat to Tottenham

Ghana winger Christian Atsu came on in the final 20 minutes of Newcastle United's defeat to Tottenham Hotspurs.

Atsu came on for Matt Richie in the 69th minute but it was a little too late as Newcastle United lost 2-1 at the Saint James Park.

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen's early header put Spurs ahead with technology confirming his effort had crossed the goal line by 9mm.

However, the advantage was short-lived as the hosts equalized two minutes later, when Joselu headed in Matt Ritchie's superb cross after being left unmarked six yards from goal.

Meanwhile Tottenham, fielding several of their World Cup stars including England's Harry Kane and Dele Alli, grew stronger as the game progressed.

And as Newcastle's early energy began to wane, Alli put the visitors back in front, timing a back-post run to perfection to meet Serge Aurier's cross with a textbook header past home goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.