Newcastle and Tottenham met in a friendly in Melbourne, Australia a few days after the end of the Premier League season.
Both the teams played on Sunday and had to get used to each other quickly before taking to the converted Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Spurs and Magpies hit hard to start with James Maddison opening the scoring with a quick foot before slotting home with his weaker left foot.
But Newcastle responded just before the break through Alexander Isak, who was on hand to tap in a cross from Miguel Almiron.
The Paraguayan forced Brandon Austin into a narrow save and it was the Swedish striker who responded quickly to tie the game.
In the second half, both teams made many changes that killed the game.
It ended 1-1 but the fans got a penalty shootout, which the Tynesiders won after Bryan Gil was missed by Spurs.
How it happened
Although it was a friendly match between two Premier League teams, it had the feel of an intense league game.
Both teams named a strong XI and it was clear that they were going to win and it was on point for the first 30 minutes.
Spurs captain Heung-Min Son was in fine form on the outside left, more than once picking up the ball and driving past his teammate Kieran Trippier.
On his side, Maddison looked back to his best after struggling in the last few months of the season and was pulling the strings at the heart of Tottenham’s midfield.
Postecoglou’s team had an early penalty when Son took a shot that seemed to hit Newcastle’s hand, but the referee was not convinced and let the game continue.
Maddison then went close, striking from outside the box but just missing the goal, although Nick Pope’s stance suggested the Newcastle keeper had already covered him.
Finally, the North London club found success.
Melbourne magic from @Madders10 🪄
– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 22, 2024
Maddison intercepted Pope’s poor pass into his box and danced through a number of challenges from opposition defenders before firing into the roof of the net with his left foot.
Newcastle were looking for a free-kick as they thought the England player had hit it with his hand during the move, but the goal was stopped.
It was almost 2-0 seconds later when Son fired in a cross that was met by Brennan Johnson but Pope redeemed himself by making a great save to deny the Welshman’s easy pass.
The Magpies equalized just before the break through Isak.
The in-form Swede was on hand to slot the ball into an empty net after Almiron’s first attempt was pushed wide by Austin into his path.
There were many changes for both teams in the second half, including Son, who was embarrassed by his disappointment before the Melbourne crowd finally cheered him on.
Emerson Royal did well to play Yago Santiago down the right and his cross found Dane Scarlett, but the young striker’s header just missed the target.
The Englishman had another chance moments later but again he couldn’t keep his shot on target, this time it was Alfie Devine who cleared him.
Most of the chances came to Spurs through Royal and Jamie Donley, while Newcastle looked dangerous on the counter attack.
Since neither team was able to find a winner, the game ended in a draw but then a penalty shootout was held to decide the winner.
Bryan Gil missed Tottenham’s first penalty and everyone scored, meaning Newcastle took over Down Under.
Mags win Down Under in the first game of World Football Week! 😍🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/eNIbC0rD8J
– Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 22, 2024
What’s next?
With Newcastle and Spurs’ season finally over, some of their players can get a well-earned rest in the summer.
But most of them will be running to join the national teams.
Euro 2024 is less than a month away while the Copa America also takes place this summer.
The players will return to their clubs in July to prepare for the 2024-25 Premier League season.
It will be an interesting campaign for both teams, with Spurs competing in the Europa League and Newcastle in the Europa Conference League unless Manchester United win the FA Cup final.
