Boost for Bruce as Newcastle win

Steve Bruce claimed a first victory as Newcastle manager thanks to Joelinton sealing a 1-0 win at Tottenham in the English Premier League.

Bruce found himself under pressure after losing his first two games, but Joelinton’s first goal since joining Newcastle for a club record £40 million (NZ$76 million) brought the club a welcome three points.

Newcastle were helped by a poor performance from Tottenham, who rarely threatened to break down a dogged Newcastle defence and undid all the good work of last weekend’s draw at Manchester City.

That point was as a result of VAR intervention, where Gabriel Jesus’ last-gasp goal was ruled out, but Tottenham did not get help from the technology this week after the decision-review system ruled not to award a penalty when Harry Kane had tumbled under a challenge from Jamaal Lascelles. It did little to lift the mood at Spurs, one which has been exacerbated by uncertainty over the future of Christian Eriksen, who only came on in the second half. Spurs had plenty of the ball but, with Eriksen on the bench, struggled to break down Newcastle.

Elsewhere, Sergio Aguero champions scored twice as Manchester City returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory at Bournemouth. Aguero and Raheem Sterling put City 2-0 up and though Harry Wilson scored from a free kick, Aguero grabbed his second on 64 minutes to seal the win.

‘‘It was a tough game, we knew it would be,’’ City manager Pep Guardiola said. ‘‘We have seven points. We should have nine, but it’s OK.’’

A late penalty from Raul Jimenez salvaged Wolves a 1-1 draw at home to Burnley.

Ashley Barnes’ 13th-minute goal looked to be enough but Erik Pieters fouled Jimenez and the Spaniard stepped up to convert the penalty himself.