Harvey Barnes opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Spurs levelled shortly after half-time through Dan Burn’s own goal. Alexander Isak then scored the winner inside the remaining quarter of an hour against the run of play.
The win marks the first time Newcastle have won their two opening Premier League home games since the 2000/01 campaign.
The visit of Spurs was Newcastle’s first game since the summer transfer window closed and Lloyd Kelly was the only new face to feature in the starting XI with Will Osula on the bench while Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy were left out of the matchday squad.
In attack, Howe unleashed Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon for the first time at St James’ Park since his side hammered Ange Postecoglu’s men 4-0 in April.
Both Isak and Barnes went close to breaking the deadlock in the opening stages but their momentum was halted following a long stoppage that saw fourth official Darren Bond become the linesman. Nick Pope twice had to deny Pape Sarr from distance.
United grew back into the game and got their noses in front in the 37th minute when Kelly’s cross was directed home by Barnes. That saw the home side take a 1-0 lead to half-time.
Spurs dominated much of the second-half and equalised in the 57th minute when Brennan Johnson’s shot was turned into his own net by Dan Burn. The visitors looked more likely to win but Newcastle claimed a winner through Isak.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’ Park - and here are his Newcastle player ratings:
1. Nick Pope - 6
Didn’t fully deal with James Maddison's shot and was punished as Spurs equalised. Later pulled off an excellent save to deny the same player. | Getty Images
2. Tino Livramento - 7
Carried the ball forward well to set Isak away on a couple of occasions. Made a vital clearance at the back post to prevent a certain Spurs. | Getty Images
3. Emil Krafth - 7
Used to his body well when put into some difficult defensive situations. Solid again in place of the absent Fabian Schar. | Getty Images
4. Dan Burn - 6
His quick & clever thinking from a throw-in led to Newcastle's opener before his own goal, which looked preventable on the replays, levelled things up. Reacted well. | Getty Images