Tottenham Hotspur 1(4)-1(5) Newcastle United: Top 10 talking points
A post-season friendly wasn’t on anybody’s priority list as the season came to a close, but that’s what we got as Tottenham Hotspur took on Newcastle United in Melbourne.
James Maddison and Alexander Isak scored goals for both sides in the first half, before the benches were cleared in the second. Though Spurs dominated the match for last passages, the Lilywhites were unable to make a breakthrough, sending the match to penalties. Bryan Gil was unable to put his away, meaning Newcastle took the victory in front of a crowd consisting largely of Spurs support.
Here are my top 10 talking points from the match.
1. A huge turnout
You could argue that nobody wanted a friendly match only days after the season ended, but tell that to the supporters that turned out in force to the MCG. There were reportedly around 80,000 fans in attendance, and that speaks massively both to the popularity of the two clubs but more importantly to the far-reaching impact Ange Postecoglou taking charge of Spurs has had in Australia. It’s really been a big coup for the club, and great to see an Australian finally get a chance to manage in the Premier League.
2. Strong starting XIs
In what was something of a surprise, both sides named strong starting sides, preferring to keep their youth players for the second half. Spurs especially looked in sync, with Ange probably feeling both encouraged by the first half performance and frustrated that they didn’t make their first half dominance count.
3. Play the kids
It’s always exciting to get to see the youth players show their stuff, and we weren’t disappointed with both sides clearing their benches in the second half. There were bright showings from Yago Santiago and Tyrese Hall (who the Spurs commentary team would have you believe is the second coming of Moussa Dembele), but Alfie Devine was a bit disappointing.
4. Terrible tempo
I mean... what did you expect? Newcastle especially were really coasting in the first half, and things were only exacerbated when the youth players came on. It’s cool though, we got to see some good football in spurts.
5. Passing problems
Newcastle really struggled playing out of the back in the first half, with their center backs and Nick Pope in goal especially guilty; an errant Pope pass creating Spurs’ goal. That script flipped early in the second half, as Oliver Skipp and Alfie Devine struggled in midfield, especially without the outlet of Pedro Porro to assist. Things righted themselves though once Newcastle brought on more of their youth, with Spurs then often winning the ball high once more.
6. Maddison fit and firing
James Maddison has looked better and better in the final weeks of the season, and he looked sharp today. Quick feet, good runs, and incisive passing - and his goal was a brilliant finish. Here’s hoping he stays fit through the Euros and is raring to go next season.
7. Kulustriker
Once more, we saw Dejan Kulusevski line up in the #9 role, and I am here for it. Great movement and hold-up play, and some gorgeous touches. I am officially intrigued.
8. Bentancur at the 6
Some of the transfer links both incoming and outgoing have on the face of it seemed odd, with #6’s potentially exiting and an apparent glut of #8’s; but that’s without taking into account Rodrigo Bentancur potentially slotting into the #6 role going forward. He was strong here today, helping Spurs set their dominance in the first half before tiring late, and arguably fits there better than in a more advanced role. One to watch.
9. Set piece improvements
One that Dustin pointed out, but Spurs have looked less suspect on defensive set pieces in recent weeks, and that continued today. What’s harder to parse is whether that is due to some coaching and tactical tweaks, or Radu Dragusin’s impact in the starting XI. He was solid today.
10. Life without VAR
We got to see what life would be like in this match without VAR. VAR is terrible in numerous ways, but a number of missed calls (a penalty on Son, a handball by Maddison in the leadup to his goal, multiple offside calls) showed just how much referees have come to rely on it. That said - it possibly ends up a wash for this match.