“NEW signings? Who needs ‘em, eh?”

At face value that would not be an unreasonable response to Tottenham’s opening day victory against Newcastle at St James’ Park yesterday.

Two first-half headers were enough to settle the match and the fact the scorers, Jan Vertonghen and Dele Alli, were both involved in World Cup semi-finals little more than four weeks ago only added to the initial sense that there was not a great deal to worry about for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

But the scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story. Both goals, and Newcastle’s reply courtesy of Joselu, came in the first 17 minutes of a game which became increasingly scrappy as it progressed. The Magpies can be obdurate opponents, particularly in front of their own passionate support, and as their manager Rafa Benitez suggested they arguably deserved a point.

However, this had more to do with obvious signs of tiredness Spurs showed in the second half and the visitors were clearly the better team, something Benitez acknowledged. 

“A difference of quality made the difference between the teams,” he said, before adding, in what seemed like a reference to his own travails in the transfer market over the summer, “When you have money and you buy players you buy quality.” 

Five of the visitors’ starting XI only returned to training last Monday following an extended post-World Cup break and after their bright start the effects of that hangover began to show as they allowed Newcastle a hat-trick of late opportunities, which were squandered. Mo Diame hit the post and new boy Salomon Rondon the bar while Kenedy’s touch let him down after a superb through ball from Joselu.

At the other end, Harry Kane, who incredibly is yet to score a League goal in the month of August, looked out of sorts, as he did towards the end of the World Cup. But Pochettino, his manager, bridled at the suggestion the England captain was not at his best. 

“I don’t have any doubt that he’s in his best form,” said the Spurs boss. “He worked a lot for the team and I’m sure that he’s going to score. But he can’t score three goals in every game.”

Yet Pochettino was clearly relieved to escape with all three points and start the season with some momentum. “Newcastle showed massive energy and it was difficult for us but I feel so proud. We deserve massive credit for the victory. It wasn’t easy to start on Monday and prepare the team and start to work like we did at the end of last season.”

Only time will tell whether Spurs can continue like last season despite their lack of signings.