Spurs lose Melbourne penalty shootout to Newcastle

James Maddison marked his selection for England’s Euro 2024 squad with a goal, but it wasn’t enough as Newcastle United defeated Tottenham Hotspur on penalties in a post-season friendly attended by 78,000 fans in Melbourne on Wednesday. Despite playing just 48 hours after a long journey from London following the end of the Premier League season, both teams put on an entertaining display at the vast Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Maddison put Spurs ahead in the 32nd minute, but Alexander Isak equalized for Newcastle just before halftime. After numerous substitutions during the interval, neither team could find a winner, resulting in a 1-1 draw and an unexpected penalty shootout.

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Tottenham’s winger Bryan Gil’s first penalty was saved, while Newcastle converted all their attempts to win 5-4.

“It was a decent game, the first half was all good and the second half did feel like a friendly,” said Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou. “But I think there was enough there for the punters to get something out of the game.”

The match was a solid effort on a chilly night, considering both teams had boarded a plane just hours after the season ended on Sunday and effectively lost Monday due to the 24-hour journey.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe started eight players from the team that beat Brentford on Sunday, while Spurs also fielded eight of the players who played against Sheffield United. Among them were Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier and Maddison, who both came through the game unscathed, much to the relief of England manager Gareth Southgate.

Both players were included in England’s provisional Euro 2024 squad this week, along with Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon, who did not travel to Australia as he is recovering from a calf injury.

Spurs enjoyed most of the early possession, but clear chances were limited. The first serious effort came in the 21st minute when Maddison sent a long-range strike wide.

However, Postecoglou’s side kept pressing, and the opener came after a sloppy clearance by Newcastle keeper Nick Pope. Maddison took advantage, dribbling past two defenders before firing into the top corner. Pope redeemed himself minutes later with a point-blank save to keep Newcastle in the game, and they equalized just before halftime, with Swedish striker Isak tapping in from close range after Jacob Murphy’s low cross.

The second half saw a string of substitutions, which affected the game’s quality as both teams searched for a winner. Spurs had most of the possession but couldn’t find the decisive goal.

While Tottenham’s season is now over, Newcastle has another friendly lined up against an A-League All Stars side on Friday, also in Melbourne.