Tottenham vs. Newcastle: Player Rating from Spurs' 5-0 Blowout Win

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If there was anyone who had low expectations for Louis Saha going into Tottenham's clash with Newcastle United, the former Everton player put those to rest with his performance on Saturday night.

Scoring two goals—double his output from the last five months combined—in the first 20 minutes spun fans at White Hart Lane into a frenzy that probably won't die out until the church bells start ringing tomorrow morning in north London.

It was a much welcomed homecoming for manager Harry Redknapp, who has been cleared of all charges related to tax evasion.

The offense attacked unlike any other match this season, the defense allowed only three shots on goal and the midfield possessed the ball for more than 65 percent of the match.

The entire Spurs team was magnificent from top to bottom, showing they are as true a contender for league title as either club from Manchester.

Tottenham may have beaten Newcastle United by a score of 5-0, but how did the individual players do in the blowout win?

Check out my ratings and let me know if you agree.

Goalkeeper

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Brad Friedel: 7.5

Collected his 10th clean sheet of the year—incredible for any goalkeeper in any league—but this performance was special.

If Aston Villa can score against Manchester City's Joe Hart on Sunday, Friedel will be tied with Hart for most clean sheets this season.

Granted, Tottenham's defense protected Friedel and made it so the American only faced three shots on goal, but it will still count towards the 40-year-old's pursuit of this season's Golden Glove.

The save against Demba Ba in the 77th minute was a thing of beauty.

Defenders

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Benoit Assou-Ekotto: 8.5

How does this guy have the energy and stamina to do what he does?

He supported the attack superbly and was in the right place at the right time for the opening goal of the match—his second of the season.

Ledley King: 8.0

Great play from the veteran tonight.

He stayed true to the left center back position and was disciplined enough to stay on his line all night, which was probably the biggest reason Newcastle United only had three shots on goal all night.

Michael Dawson: 7.0

Getting back into the rhythm of things nicely with his Spurs squad.

He was at fault for a couple of chances late in the match, but just like King, he stayed disciplined to his position at center back and let Assou-Ekotto, Walker and the midfield support the attack.

Kyle Walker: 8.0

Like Assou-Ekotto, Walker was a menace on the right sideline the entire night, supporting several attacks.

He has been outstanding in the last couple of matches for Spurs and is cementing his place on the England international team.

Ryan Nelsen: 6.5

He came in for an outstanding Ledley King in the 75th minute. Did little more than to provide a spell for the oft-injured veteran, but did it well.

Midfielders

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Luka Modric: 8.0

As masterful a performance by the midfield maestro as ever this season.

He commanded the field like a general at war, and was the biggest reason Tottenham held the ball for nearly two-thirds of the match.

His brilliant cross in the 20th minute set up Saha's second goal of the match.

Scott Parker: 8.0

Dispossessed several Newcastle men when attacks from the opposition were mounting.

He also covered intelligently for Assou-Ekotto when the left back would go up and support the attack. Sensational play that made you wonder if he was trying to impress his future England boss.

Gareth Bale: 7.0

The night was unusually quiet for the Welsh standout, but he was able to string together several attacks for Spurs early in the match. Should have gotten an assist or two on flicks to Adebayor, but it wasn't meant to be.

Niko Kranjcar: 7.5

The rarely used Croatian international scored his first goal of the season after a superb set up from Adebayor in the 34th minute.

Aaron Lennon: 7.5

He came on as substitute in the 67th minute and did some nice cover work on some late Newcastle chances, playing more as a defensive midfielder.

Forwards

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Emmanuel Adebayor: 9.5

After a series of poor performances, the former Manchester City man turned in his best match of the season to date—netting a goal in the 64th minute and assisting on all four of Tottenham's other scores.

An absurdly superhuman performance from the Togolese international.

Louis Saha: 8.5

It was a brilliant evening for Saha as he scored two goals in the first 20 minutes of the match and showed manager Harry Redknapp to be an even smarter man than many already believed.

A return to international duty might be in Saha's future if the former French international keeps this up.

Jermain Defoe: 8.0

Defoe came on for Saha in the 68th minute.

He played aggressively in the little more than the 20 minutes he was given, combining with Adebayor for several attacks and nearly getting a score himself late in the match.