Jan Vertonghen scored the opening goal in Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. Vertonghen’s header was instrumental in helping Tottenham open their English Premier League 2018/19 campaign with a win. In a close call, the header was given a goal after the assistance from goal-line technology. The header crossed the line by the slimmest of margins. Vertonghen netted the header from a close range. Though it appeared, Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka had cleared it.

However, the luck as on Tottenham’s side as referee Martin Atkinson felt a buzz on his watch to signal the goal. The visuals later showed that the ball had narrowly crossed the line, 9mm to be precise after it hit the underside of the bar. And thus Tottenham went into the lead in the eighth minute. Summer Transfer News 2018 Update: Top 5 Possible Transfers Ahead of La Liga, English Premier League and Other Football Leagues.

Vertonghen later said that he deserved it. “I think I deserved it and I was happy it went in! I’m happy I was on the lucky side. I’m a happy man with goal-line technology! In my head I score every season but (the Premier League) take them off me. Maybe I can score more than Dele?” The 31-year-old defender told Sky Sports.

Following Vertonghen opening goal, Newcastle fought back through Joselu's 11th-minute header to level the scores. However, seven minutes later, Dele Alli ensured that Tottenham gets back the lead.

Meanwhile, this was defender Vertonghen's first goal in 161 Premier League games, since March 2013 against Swansea. Newcastle will next face Cardiff City as they look to open their winning account. Tottenham, on the other hand, will host Fulham at Wembley.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2018 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).