AFTER A SOMEWHAT subdued opening goalless 45 minutes, today’s Premier League clash between Newcastle and Tottenham at St James’ Park came to life as Jonjo Shelvey was sent off.
The Magpies captain was given his marching orders having been caught by the referee stamping on Dele Alli’s ankle, after the England international held on to the ball to stop Newcastle taking a quick free kick.
The hosts were subsequently made to pay for this moment of madness from Shelvey, as Alli converted Christian Eriksen’s pinpoint delivery, before Ben Davies doubled their lead after some intricate interplay involving the influential Alli and Eriksen.
The game has featured two Irish internationals, with both goalkeeper Rob Elliot and centre-back Ciaran Clark starting for Newcastle.
1999-00 - Shelvey is the first Newcastle player to be sent off at St James' Park in the opening game of a PL season since Alan Shearer. Red.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 13, 2017
1-0 for #THFC. Alli from Eriksen's pass after a measured build-up. #NUFC have defended well, but Shelvey's stupidity has let them down
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) August 13, 2017
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