Newcastle 0-2 Tottenham LIVE: Alli and Davies on the scoresheet after Shelvey red card

78: Spurs just toying with Newcastle now. Rafa Benitez makes a final change with Dwight Gayle coming off and debutant Mikel Merino replacing him.

75: Dele Alli almost adds a third but Eliott is quickly out to smother at his feet.

70: NEWCASTLE 0-2 TOTTENHAM – DAVIES

And one becomes two…

Spurs start to pile on the misery now. Christian Eriksen bursts into the box and feeds Ben Davies, who calmly slots past Elliot.

This could be a cricket score now. I think we’re going to need a police escort for Jonjo Shelvey today.

68: Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at St James’ Park.

That goal was coming

Pochettino’s intentions are clear when he replaces Sissoko with the more attacking Son.

They pin Newcastle deep in their own half and after a sustained period of possession, Alli times his run to perfection meeting Eriksen’s delightful chip with an outstretched left leg, guiding the ball past Elliot.

There’s an air of resignation around St James’ Park at the moment.

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Stacey:The whole dynamics of the game has changed massively… Well done Shelvey you numpty!!

Richard:Sometimes you think Shelvey has turned a corner on his stupidity, but I think today proves that wrong!

Ciara:I put a bet on that Shelvey would get the most red cards this season, he’s doing me proud!

64: I didn’t think it would be possible to find a worse villain than Moussa Sissoko today, but Jonjo Shelvey has really outdone himself.

Incidentally, Since the start of the 2015/16 season, Christian Eriksen has assisted more Premier League goals than any other player with 29.

61: NEWCASTLE 0-1 TOTTENHAM – ALLI

It’s been coming… Dele Alli opens his account shortly after the Jonjo Shelvey’s dismissal, which has left Newcastle reeling.

Christian Eriksen plays a sensational ball over to the England international, who pokes home at the far post in typically clinical fashion.

Long 30 minutes for Rafa Benitez’s side now.

60: Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at St James’ Park.

Not a happy afternoon for Shelvey. Ineffective in the first half and now sent off early in the second.

And the midfielder can have no complaints after deliberately  walking on the grounded Alli. It was irresponsible, reckless and plain stupid.

Shelvey started the day as Newcastle captain – that’s likely to be the last time he wears the armband while Benitez is in charge.

He’s let his manager and his team-mates down and his expression of surprise when the referee brandishes the red card only makes things worse.

Loudest boos of the afternoon greet Sissoko’s substitution with Son replacing the ex-Toon midfielder.

The game is there for the taking for Spurs.

58: Moussa Sissoko collides with Elliot when challenging for a 50/50 ball, but Marriner keeps his composure and leaves his cards in his pocket. Rightly so.

The Frenchman then walks off to a wall of boos as Mauricio Pochettino replaces him with Son. He’s just the man to stretch a 10-man side.

One-way traffic now folks.

55: Shelvey is the first Newcastle player to be sent off at St James’ Park in the opening game of a Premier League season since Alan Shearer. Red.

Some pretty illustrious company there, Jonjo…

54: Clearly frustrated, Matt Ritchie goes in late on Alli, and receives a booking for his troubles. Is it possible that a second Premier league team will end the match with nine players?!

51: Kane! We would normally see the net rippling but Rob Eliott has made a cracking save to deny the England international from point-blank range.

48: NEWCASTLE 0-0 TOTTENHAM – RED CARD

What on earth are you doing?! Jonjo Shelvey is shown a straight red for clearly stamping on Dele Alli’s ankle.

Andre Marriner was left with no choice, but that didn’t stop Rafa Benitez from chewing the fourth official’s ear off.

That’s almost certainly the stupidest, and most pointless, dismissal you’ll see this season.

45: We’re back underway folks. No changes at the break, not that Rafa benitez can really afford to make any given the two enforced first-half changes.

HT: Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at St James’ Park.

Not a great opening 45 minutes but if Benitez’ gameplan was all about containing Kane and Alli, then his players are carrying out his orders to perfection.

Spurs’ deadly duo have barely threatened with Newcastle’s backline defending deep and defending effectively despite losing both Paul Dummett and debutant Florian Lejeune.

The visitors’ best chance fell at the feet of Dembele whose goalbound shot was blocked by sub  Lascelles.

Youngster Walker-Peters has done very well on the right, looking far from overawed on his senior debut.

Spurs are the better side but need to inject some urgency into their play if they are to leave St James’ Park with three points.

HT: Sky Sports have Graeme Souness, Alan Pardew and Thierry Henry in the stadio.

Frankly, they all look like this match is a hinderance, and stopping them from talking about Manchester United v West Ham later.

TWITTER ROUND-UP

David:Spurs can’t create many chances upfront but it is impossible to do so when the opposing team has closed everything down.

Mitchell:We need to start pressing not seen much of Dele Alli at all. Walker-Peters looking good though.

Andy:Can someone wake Spurs & Newcastle up and tell them the season has started, putting me to sleep here.

HT: NEWCASTLE 0-0 TOTTENHAM

46: Christian Eriksen lifts a free-kick into the area but it’s cleared and Newcastle break. Gayle plays the wrong pass and Lloris gratefully collects. Pretty standard stuff for this game.

THREE MINUTES INJURY TIME

This won’t make any highlights reels, but Newcastle will be very happy with how things are going.

42: Christian Eriksen looks to alleviate the boredom with an effort from distance but Elliot holds well.

Incidentally, Kane’s August curse has struck again. Only nine touches so far…

39: The pace of the match has slowed down significantly as we approach the break. A rather lacklustre match unfolding before our eyes here folks.

35: Yep, another change for Rafa. Mbemba, who’s actually played Champions League football for Anderlecht, replaces Lejeune.

34: Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at St James’ Park.

In the Championship last season, Newcastle spent most games on the frontfoot, dominating territory and possession. They’re finding it very different in the big league.

Spurs are stroking the ball from left to right and back again with their opponents struggling to keep them at bay.

But at last Newcastle are managing to keep dangermen Kane and Alli quiet so far. Last season’s Golden Boot winner has had a quiet opening half hour, managing just one weak header straight at Elliot.

Newcastle have created little. Key man Shelvey has been anonymous so far.

33: You don’t see that too often. harry Kane has been booked for a pretty bad challenge on Florian Lejeune. 

The debutant is down injured, and doesn’t look like getting up. Rafa could be forced into his second first-half change…

31: Christian Atsu. Is. Rapid. The winger runs the length of the pitch before cutting into the middle, where Vertonghen is able to clear.

Think Dwight Gayle should have gambled there.

Atsu wins another corner shortly after, but that’s cleared by the all-purpose Harry Kane.

28: Ironic cheers as Sissoko skews a volley over the bar. Would have been Goal of the Season if he’d pulled it off.

Atsu wins a corner at the other end. They play it short and Lloris claims easily. Enough of the nonsense, just stick it in the mixer!

25: Clark clumsily shoves Eriksen to the deck, and concedes a free-kick in dangerous territory. The Dane whips it in but Kane can’t connect properly and Elliot collects.

There’s a bit of afters between Lascelles and Alli that requires Andre Marriner to give them a ticking-off. Silly boys.

23: Well, 23-minutes on the clock and Rafa Benitez will be fairly happy with what he’s seen. Dwight Gayle looks alert, Shelvey is fizzing it around nicely and Elliot has been relatively untroubled.

Have I jinxed it?

20: Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at St James’ Park.

A bizarre moment here.

Christian Atsu sits down, arms raised as if requiring treatment.

Moments later, he’s up and away.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong – it was clearly a ruse to persuade referee Andre Marriner to stop play while Newcastle sort out their defence following the enforced withdrawal of Paul Dummett.

Ciarian Clark switches to the left with skipper Lascelles coming off the bench.

The Magpies have been in Spurs’ faces but the visitors have weathered the early storm and are on top.

Bloody love a good ruse, Ian!

17: Walker-Peters will NEVER be happier to see the offside flag. The youngster is caught sleeping as Shelvey takes a quick free-kick through to Gayle.

He’s clumsy in the challenge and the striker hits the deck, but the linesman flagged for offside. Very fortunate for the youngster.

15: Very impressive booing from the Newcastle fans at Moussa Sissoko. Perfectly-timed, and just as loud as in the first minute of the match. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the Spurs fans to be booing the Frenchman? #BooWatch

11: Spurs enjoy a sustained period of press that results in Dembele’s long-range shot being blocked before it could do any damage. Small signs that Tottenham are starting to shift gears.Small signs that Tottenham are starting to shift gears.

8: It’s been a positive start for Rafa Benitez, but there’s a problem here with Paul Dummett down injured. Yep, his hamstring’s gone.

Jamaal Lascelles replaces him, but Jonjo Shelvey takes the armband.

6: I’ve never had too many criticisms of Hugo Lloris, but his distribution isn’t on par with some of the elite Premier league goalkeepers. Maybe I’m being pernickety. In other news, Moussa Sissoko is being booed loudly and grass is green…

The flag stays down for Gayle, but the striker snatches at it and blazes it over. Seconds later, Harry Kane bursts through but doesn’t see Sissoko in acres of space centrally and wins the corner.

3: Walker-Peters passes his first test when tasked with stopping Perez down the flank. Daunting afternoon for the youngster.

The Toon are pressing nicely in the early stages. They’re looking positive and aren’t afraid to take the game to Spurs.

1: NEWCASTLE 0-0 TOTTENHAM

We’re underway folks. Spurs are wearing their snazzy (I’ve turned into my dad) blue shirts, while Newcastle are in their familiar black and white stripes.

Now the fashion updates are out of the way, let’s get on with this!

12:28: The players emerge from the tunnel to the epic Local Hero. It’s packed to the rafters St James’ Park and the atmosphere is electric.

Not often you can say that for a 13:30 KO.

12:27: A quick reminder of today’s starting XI’s.

Newcastle XI: Elliot, Manquillo, Lejeune, Clark, Dummett, Shelvey, Hayden, Ritchie, Atsu, Gayle, Perez.

Subs: Merino, Murphy, Lascelles, Aarons, Mbemba, Darlow, Mitrovic.

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Walker-Peters, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Davies, Dier, Dembele, Sissoko, Alli, Eriksen, Kane.

Subs: Son, Janssen, Wanyama, Vorm, Wimmer, Winks, Carter-Vickers.

Referee: Andre Marriner.

12:25: Here’s some hope for Newcastle fans. Harry Kane has scored 99 goals for Spurs but only two of them have been in August.

13:20: Sky Sports are showing their exclusive interview with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.

He’s been pretty blunt about his time with the club, and admitted he was wrong to rename the stadium the Sports Direct Arena.

He’s also apologised to Chris Hughton, Alan Pardew and Sam Allardyce for pulling the trigger too quickly.

And now he’s said that he’s “not nearly wealthy enough to compete with Manchester City and other clubs…”

I’m sure it’ll appear on YouTube or an on-demand service in the near-future. Well worth a watch.

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Ben: Don’t normally do ‘2nd teams’, but hope Rafa’s Mags have a big season and take plenty of points of Spurs and the like.

Ted: Newcastle for an upset today? That fat Spanish waiter knows what he’s doing.

Tom: Huge day for Kyle Walker-Peters. Massively good luck. This is your chance, grab it! Careers turn on these moments.

13:10: Analysis from our reporter Ian Murtagh, at St James’ Park.

Rafa Benitez gives with one hand and little more than 48 hours later, takes away with the other.

On Friday, the Toon chief told defender Jamaal Lascelles, he’d been reappointed club captain after leading the Magpies to promotion last season.

But Lascelles could find himself watching a lot of his football from the bench this season with summer buy Florian Lejeune preferred alongside Ciaran Clark in defence – and on the evidence of his pre-season form, the Frenchman could take some displacing.

What do you do when you sell Kyle Walker? You replace him with Kyle Walker-Peters.

That’s what Mauricio Pochettino has done after the youngster’s impressive display in last Sunday’s friendly against Juventus.

There should be a raucous atmosphere inside St James’ Park at kick-off. The City Centre pubs were doing a roaring trade two hours ago!

Expect much of the noise to be directed against Tottenham’s No. 17 – a certain Moussa Sissoko, who can expect a “Sunderland-style” reception from the Toon Army.

13:00: Signings, signings, signings… Neither side have made enough.

The transfer window has been like strolling around an expensive department store for these clubs.

You know, where nothing has a price-tag but you heroically act as if you belong there.

But Rafa Benitez remains hopeful that Newcastle will get some business done before the window shuts.

He said: “When I decided to stay, it was because I wanted to go back to the Premier League with this massive club.

“Still the transfer window is open, and I think that we can bring maybe some players in, and we have to move some players out.”

12:50: OK, maybe this Danny Rose business has been blown out of proportion.

The England international has said sorry, and Mauricio Pochettino publicly accepted his apology.

But It was one of those acceptances that your girlfriend give you when you’ve apologised for not texting her when you’ve been out on the razz.

Do people say ‘out on the razz’ these days?

“Danny apologised to the club, chairman, manager, team-mates and fans. This was important and good,” Pochettino said.

“Sometime as a player you are frustrated for different reasons. But the players are calm and the club is calm. I forgive him.

“It was his opinion and then he understood that maybe he needed to apologise to us, and that is very good for him and the club. For me it’s not a big issue. Now we move on.”

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Jasper:Weak starting XI that, but it’s a canny bench. Sissoko playing for his career in a cauldron of hate. Going to be interesting.

Charlie:Sell Kyle Walker… upgrade to Kyle Walker-Peters. Couldn’t make this stuff up. They coming out of a factory line?

Aaron:Prepare for the Sissoko show. No doubt he will be incredible 2 weeks before the window closes and against his old club.

12:40: Hmmmm, a couple of surprises from Poch.

The Argentine tactician has included 20-year-old Kyle Walker-Peters in his stating XI, despite saying he wasn’t ready earlier this week.

There’s also a start for Moussa Sissoko against his former employers with Victor Wanyama and Son named among the substitutes having recovered from injury.

The familiar sight of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane will give the Toon reasons to be fearful, but there are chinks in the armour.

12:35: Right, let’s take a look at Rafa Bentiez’s selections.

Dwight Gayle has recovered from a minor injury to lead the attack with Christian Atsu, Ayoze Perez and Matt Ritchie in support.

Florian Lejeune and Javier Manquillo make their competitive debuts. Daryl Murphy and Mikel Merino have to settle for a place on the bench. Jamaal Lascelles is also named as a sub.

12:30: As promised, here’s the line-ups…

Newcastle XI: Elliot, Manquillo, Clark, Lejuene, Dummett, Ritchie, Hayden, Shelvey, Atsu, Perez, Gayle.

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Walker-Peters, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies, Dier, Dembele, Sissoko, Eriksen, Dele Alli, Kane.

12:28: The starting XI’s will be announced any moment now folks. I can’t imagine we’ll see too many drastic changes to Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but Rafa? Who knows.

12:25: I only mention that because Liverpool stumbled against Watford without Philippe Coutinho yesterday. Maybe the impact of a restless player is more important than we thought.

Although I suppose Everton, Arsenal and Swansea did alright without Ross Barkley, Alexis Sanchez and Gylfi Sigurdsson…

Actually, I’d like to withdraw my previous point.

Incidentally, if you have any comments, suggestions or just generally want to tell me what a superb job I’m doing, then you can comment at the bottom of the page or let me know on Twitter (@jamie_anderson3).

12:20: Newcastle might fancy their chances even more given Danny Rose’ revealing interview earlier this week.

Speaking to The Sun on Thursday, the England international said he had “one big contract left” and “time is running out to win trophies”.

He went on to implore Spurs to sign “well-known” players and relating to his contractual situation added: “I know my worth and I will make sure I get what I am worth.”

He’s apologised since, but will that have an affect on today’s result?

12:10: On the surface, a clash with Tottenham doesn’t look the nicest way to welcome you back to the top-flight.

But Newcastle boast a pretty decent record in this fixture.

The Toon did the double over Spurs in their relegation season, and have won four of their last seven meetings.

4/1 to get the job done today… #JustSayin’

12:00: Good morning folks, welcome to our LIVE coverage of Newcastle v Tottenham from St James’ Park.

How’s everyone feeling this morning? I sense a few of you are nursing chronic hangovers after deciding a whiskey nightcap would be a good idea at 4am.

No? Just me then…

I’m afraid I don’t have time to discuss last night’s antics (and I probably shouldn’t on a public forum) because we have the important business of Premier League football to attend to.

Let’s get going!

PREVIEW

Express Sport brings you LIVE coverage from St James’ Park

Newcastle v Tottenham: The Magpies have won just one opening league match in the last nine seasons

NEWCASTLE TEAM NEWS

Full-back DeAndre Yedlin will miss Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixture against Tottenham through injury.

The United States international could be sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring problem he sustained in pre-season.

Striker Dwight Gayle is fit after his own hamstring problem and manager Rafael Benitez otherwise has only a series of minor knocks with which to contend as he prepares to send out his team – which could include several of summer recruits Florian Lejeune, Javier Manquillo, Mikel Merino, Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy – for the first time since their return to the top flight.

TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS

Danny Rose continues his recovery from knee surgery and will miss today’s clash.

Rose, who has apologised for giving an interview criticising the club’s transfer policy on the eve of the season, is expected to be back in action in September.

Erik Lamela (hips), Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (foot) and Kieran Trippier (ankle) are also missing.

PROVISIONAL SQUADS

Newcastle squad: Elliot, Darlow, Manquillo, Dummett, Gamez, Lascelles, Lejeune, Clark, Mbemba, Hayden, Shelvey, Merino, Colback, Ritchie, Atsu, Murphy, Aarons, De Jong, Diame, Perez, Gayle, Mitrovic.

Tottenham squad: Lloris, Vorm, Lopez, Davies, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Dier, Wimmer, Wanyama, Shashoua, Dembele, Eriksen, Alli, Sissoko, Onomah, Lesniak, Winks, Edwards, Son, Janssen, Kane, Walker-Peters.

HISTORY

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Newcastle D L W W W; Tottenham Hotspur W L W W W