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ON THE BALL: Christian Atsu, right, in action against Tottenham’s Kyle Walker-Peters

SUPER SUB Christian Atsu is hopeful that Newcastle’s shock 1-0 win against highly
rated Tottenham is a foundation that his team can build on.

Atsu, who replaced the injured Saint-Maximin in the early stages of the aforementioned fixture, was key to victory when he produced his first Premier League assist since December 2017, as £40 million man Joelinton, found the back of the net with a confident left-footed finish to silence the palatial Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Former Porto and Chelsea ace Atsu, 27, told The Voice: “I’m very happy that I had an assist in the game. I am most happy that we won the game which is very important. For me, I don’t mind if I’m starting or on the bench. I respect the decision of the manager.

“I will just give my best in a position, I’m going to work hard in training and then we’ll see what happens next.”

DEFIANCE

The Magpies’ first win of the Premier League season proved to be a performance of defiance. “Yeah, it’s always about trying to prove against the odds, you know, and nobody expected us to go to Tottenham and get a win. But we stick together.

“Congratulations to the manager and for us. We are beginning to understand him more. And we are going to work hard and give our best for this club and for the manager.”

The Ghanaian international gave under-fire manager Steve Bruce wholesome praise. “Even though when we lost our first two games he was important because he always encouraged us. We just need to understand how he wants us to play and work hard towards it.”

He continued: “We just need to continue to keep working hard stay behind him and fight for the fans.

“Like I said, we lost two games, a lot of criticism for the club. And against Tottenham we fought really hard to get a win. I believe the atmosphere is going to change. But I will say the fans were fantastic because we lost the two games and you can hear them still singing.

“This club is amazing. For me they are the best. Even in the Championship. I can’t forget, they are incredible, incredible fans.”

Atsu and Newcastle continued their campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Watford on Saturday.