A good run out for Newcastle United against high-level Premier League opposition in humid conditions as Eddie Howe’s Mags ended our tour of Asia with a 1-1 draw against Spurs.
A tough start to the first half, which saw us go 1-0 down after three minutes, soon turned in our favour. We had 67% of the ball in the opening 45 minutes (62% overall), which ended with a brilliant Harvey Barnes equaliser.
It was a physical affair and anything but ‘friendly’ at times, even if most will remember it for Son Heung-min’s farewell outing for Spurs. For us, though, we have our own new South Korean star to get excited about.
Our energy levels were much improved on our midweek defeat to Team K-League, Anthony Gordon looked sharp, we controlled large parts of the game and will benefit from what was a competitive game played at a decent pace before it tailed off slightly late on.
Here’s our full match report, along with video highlights from our 1-1 draw in Seoul.
Newcastle 1-1 Spurs – Match report
Newcastle XI: Pope – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett – Miley, Bruno, Joelinton – J Murphy, Gordon, Barnes.
Tottenham XI: Kinsky – Porro, Danso, Romero, Davies – Bentancur, Gray, Sarr – Johnson, Tel, Son.
NUFC subs: Vlachodimos, Gillespie*, Ruddy, Thompson, Livramento*, Krafth*, Lascelles, A.Murphy, Tonali, Hernes*, Harrison, Elanga*, Seung-soo*, Osula*, Neave. (* = came on).
This XI, as things stand, felt very close to the side we’ll see at Aston Villa in just under two weeks, if you swap in Tino Livramento for Matt Targett and Sandro Tonali for Lewis Miley.
Absent were Joe Willock (ruled out for 4-6 weeks) and Sven Botman (groin) in the squad, although it’s hoped the Dutchman will feature in one of next week’s games against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid at St James’ Park.
In better news, Lewis Hall was in the squad again after returnign to full training this week, with new boys Anthony Elanga and Seung-soo Park on the bench, with the latter hoping to shine in his homeland on a day many were dedicating to departing Spurs legend Son Heung-Min.
Now for the action itself and we were second best in a fast start from Spurs, as an early Pope save was followed by a Brennan Johnson opener just three minutes in. Murphy was bullied off the ball, the Welsh international moved away from Miley and curled into the bottom corner from 20 yards via a big Dan Burn deflection. 1-0 Spurs.
Brennan Johnson scores after just THREE minutes against Newcastle 😮
Spurs caught them sleeping 😬 pic.twitter.com/4iq2hzsVAd
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 3, 2025
We settled after and started to see more of the ball, with it interesting to see Miley playing in a deeper No. 6 role as Joelinton (LCM) and Bruno (RCM) operating in slightly more advanced roles either side of the 18-year-old.
We could’ve made it 1-1 on the 15-minute mark. Gordon forced a Danso error, burst into the box down the right and almost squared for an outstretched Joelinton, before Schar let fly from range with a powerful strike that flew over.
Gordon was involved against 90 seconds later. This time it was good work from Murphy, who squared for our No.10. Gordon’s effort was well struck and deflected just wide, resulting in a corner that was cleared.
At the other end, however, it should’ve been 2-0 from the next attack. Targett got it all wrong on half-way and wasn’t strong enough against Tel, who burst clean through on goal before having his one-vs-one effort well blocked by Pope, who did well to stand up to the tricky Dutchman.
At the other end, Burn and Schar made a few key interceptions to cut out Spurs attacks. With Botman managing a slight groin issues
A HUGE chance for Tottenham! 🤯
Nick Pope comes out on top of an incredible one-on-one chance with Mathys Tel 🧤 pic.twitter.com/nYcLtDH5Pg
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 3, 2025
We’d been the better side since a slow start, having more of the ball and pushing Spurs back, but the lack of striker was evident again 22 minutes in. Again, it was another nice move, this time Bruno who whipped in a superb ball for big Joe, only for the Brazilian to head a brilliant chance wide after doing well to arrive in the box for the second time in seven minutes.
Then, after a slight lull and period of Spurs pressure, we equalised. Joelinton broke from midfield and Gordon moved it wide to Barnes, who cut inside past Porro and smashed a near-post strike in off the woodwork. 1-1 and a goal that was followed be ‘Local Hero’ blasting out across the Seoul World Cup Stadium!
🏹 Harvey Barnes with a brilliant finish!
⚫️⚪️ Newcastle 1-1 Spurs in Seoul 🇰🇷 #NUFC #THFC
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) August 3, 2025
We got away with Tel’s one-vs-one, but it was a goal we deserved after largely dominating since Spurs’ fast start, with Howe’s Mags ending the first half with 67% possession.
It could’ve been 2-1 before the break, too. After Bruno and Romero locked horns (and grabbed each other’s throats!) in some off-the-ball antics, Barnes almost scored again after cutting in again, but this effort was blocked
The second half started with another half chance Gordon couldn’t convert, then he did minutes later – only to be denied by the offside flag after firing home Murphy’s cross.
Bruno went down from an awkward slip and didn’t look 100% comfortable after, then it was Archie Gray in the wars after Joelinton smashed into the former Leeds youngster. Next to be flattened by big Joe was half-time sub Djed Spence, with a scrappy start to the second 45 not lacking in physicality!
Howe then made a few changes on the hour mark, with Tino Livramento and Will Osula coming on for Matt Targett and Anthony Gordon; a pair who had contrasting displays at opposite ends of the pitch!
MLS-bound Son Heung-min then came off to a standing ovation, tears and plenty hugs from both sets of players after an incredible stint at Spurs, although from our perspective we were all keen to get a glimpse of our own South Korean star; Seung-soo Park!
We’re not crying, you are 🥹
Heung-Min Son waves goodbye to Tottenham Hotspur after an incredible 10 years with the club 🤍 pic.twitter.com/co4oBSPkQt
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 3, 2025
Osula was full of running, with mixed success, but did get Yves Bissouma in the book after bursting past the former Brighton midfielder before being blatantly tripped.
More changes came and they were great to see. Lewis Hall on for his first outing since February, wearing all-black boots and immediately marking his return with a smart interception to cover Burn.
Seung-soo Park also entered the field, seeing the 18-year-old South Korean enter the match moments after Asian superstar Son had departed. If Park can make even half impact on Tyneside that Son had in North London, he’ll be some signing!
Nick Pope also made way, giving Mark Gillespie a rare cameo, while Swede’s Anthony Elanga and Emil Krafth were also introduced alongside Norwegian youngster Travis Hernes, who came on for human battering ram, Joelinton.
Seung-soo made an impact once again. He didn’t see a huge amount of the ball, but was direct and decisive whenever he did. Quick feet and a sharp pass set up Bruno, who fired just over, and the teenager also whipped in a wicked ball that was well cleared.
And that was that. A solid display after a poor start, although it’s clear new signings are needed, with a lack of out-and-out striker evident, our midfield looking light and the lack of pace at centre-back obvious despite steady displays from Burn and Schar.
Pre-season results so far:
- Celtic 4-0 Newcastle
- Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle (Elanga, Murphy)
- K-League XI 1-0 Newcastle
- Spurs 1-1 Newcastle (Barnes)
Next up, Espanyol at St James’ Park on Friday, followed by a Sela Cup clash with Atletico Madrid next Saturday in our final pre-season outing before the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off at Aston Villa on 16th August.
Howay the lads.
What I want to know is, with 53 substitutions and Maddison being stretchered off, how did we end up with only 2 minutes of extra time?
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
A poor start but it turned into a decent watch. Definitely not very friendly 😬😂😂.
We definitely need reinforcements though. Very clear to see.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
It felt more like a testimonial for Son in the end, but decent enough run out in the end.
It felt to me like we need a couple of centre forwards & a couple of centre half’s to me though.
A minor thing, but I don’t get bringing Gillespie on when young Max Thompson is there to develop 😡.
With Ramsdale about to join up with the squad and only a few friendlies left, it felt like his last chance this summer.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Max Thompson got some good experience playing in the lower leagues over the last eighteen months . I wonder why he has been , and still is, on a year to year contract.
I would like to see us go for Mycael , another young goalkeeper about the same age as Thompson .
sidekick(Quote)
The way things are going, I can see us not signing another player now and ending up with just Elanga and Ramsdale. 😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
The media really seem to have a hate campaign against us for some reason. I know we are making things difficult for there beloved Liverpool – but the tone of the articles for us is just ridiculous.
They now claim our bid for Sesko isn’t enough – not true.
The total has been accepted – it’s the structure of the payments and addition of a sell on clause that needs ironing out – but that’s pretty standard in these negotiations.
Man Utd took an age to get Mbuemo done because they need to structure payments for their benefit – as such they end up paying more than the asking price as a sweetener.
But not once did I read how their deal has fallen down.
Yes we have our issues – no disputes.
But Man Utd are a total 💩 show, yet the media still talk as if they are hijacking deals and still this super power.
I don’t get why we are such a target for the media.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy I think it’s because the business model of the EPL is based on having half a dozen highly identifiable teams with massive worldwide fanbases. If any of those teams fail for a few years, then they will lose their fan base and hence their product. These clubs are the lifeblood of the EPL, in their eyes, and must be protected at all costs. The media supports this. A one off story like Leicester is great, but not an expansion to include Us, Villa et al would dilute the product rather than grow it. I don’t agree with their logic, but they are consistent with this approach.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I get it to a degree, Man Utd & Liverpool have such a rich history in English football & are institutions.
I just think there should be an honesty in their writing. Things aren’t all that bad at NUFC and they aren’t all that good at MUFC.
Journalists and pundits spin these lies and the likes of NUFC just sit back and take it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Man U still have the biggest turnover in the EPL and therefore can splash vast sums of cash. Average wages are at least double ours. They can buy an entire new team over a couple of windows, therefore, they are never more than a season or two away from Europe. Equally, if they don’t get back soon they will lose sponsors etc and it will unravel. We don’t have that financial clout under the current restraint of trade rules.
PremAndUp(Quote)
The way they’ve written about this whole Isak situation.
Liverpool have clearly continued to negotiate with Madrid over Rodrygo.
They clearly never had any real intention of going hard after Isak.
They could have had him!! If they really wanted him he was there for the taking!!.
Instead they bought Ekitike and are going for Rodrygo.
A real journalist or pundit should be asking – where is Liverpools ambition?!.
They had their hands on the best CF in Europe and instead of focusing on landing him have played this stupid game instead.
Don’t get me wrong, they might still get him – but the fact they came with such a low starting offer may also have Isak thinking they aren’t that bothered.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Have we had any confirmation that we have actually appointed our new CEO and DoF yet??
It would be nice to have them in place for the remainder of this transfer window at least
Sharpy17(Quote)
Anyone would be interested in Mitrovic back? Apparently he’s been offered to both Leeds and the Mackems. 30 years old now, but I’d take him as a back up. 🤷🏻♂️
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Suggested it a week or so back Gilly
PremAndUp(Quote)
I think he’d be a good back up, especially with Eddie as his manager now.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
According to Mark Douglas we are checking out Jack Rudoni of Coventry.
kimtoon(Quote)
Apparently Bobby Clark is available and being touted around prem clubs. Loan with obligation to buy at £5m. A Geordie and ex academy player. 20 now. Was he any good? I know he went to Liverpool and now with RB Salzburg .. for that price surely worth a punt?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly it could be yes, my only concern is that Liverpool normally do a good job with the kids so surprised they are letting him go that cheap.
kimtoon(Quote)
Apparently we have increased offer for Sesko to 80m euros, they should be snapping our hand off.
kimtoon(Quote)
The £110m for Isak looks very lowball when you see the sesko fee
kimtoon(Quote)
Gilly – I only saw Clark a few times for Liverpool but he seemed to have a great engine on him & got stuck in.
He’s still very young, but could be a good replacement for Longstaffs squad place.
Klopp took him from our academy so he obviously had/has something about him – loan to buy deal could be a decent deal while we spend our money on the needed positions this season (CF and CB).
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – the fee was always that. It’s being reported that we’ve increased our offer but we haven’t. Our first offer was high enough they just wanted but structured differently & a sell on added
Sharpy17(Quote)
Clark is having a medical at Derby.
Sharpy, I thought it was 75m euro we bid ?
kimtoon(Quote)
Man u have bid for Sesko he will go there .
kimtoon(Quote)
Yeah I also think Sesko was just waiting for Manure to bid. 🤬
Gilly Toon(Quote)
And now Guehi has said his preference is Liverpool, please do not waste our time on him as well. He isn’t that good anyway.
kimtoon(Quote)
This window has not helped my mental health one bit. I should of done what I originally intended and stay away from transfer gossip and news .
kimtoon(Quote)
I’m absolutely sick to death of these septic 6 clubs stealing our transfers … they seem hell bent on destroying us and have a bottomless pit of money to keep spending, no matter what. 🤬🤬🤬
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I can see us going for DCL on the last day of the window and that will be that. 🤷🏻♂️😂
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I’m not going to be heartbroken if Sesko doesn’t come off.
I think he’s a good player but we are buying potential rather than a guarantee and there is always risk with those signings.
I don’t blame the club for any of these issues this summer – I think we have made fair offers for all the players we’ve shown interest in – and none more so that Sesko.
I’m still confident Wissa will happen for around £35m and that will be a good signing.
It’ll be interesting to see how this week progresses with Isak – though I fully expect him to move on.
I think the club have plans & back up plans in place – whilst we STILL don’t have a CEO or DoF in place, I trust Howe & Steve Nickson completely.
I’m happy with the other names being mentioned – Ramos and Samu for example, so I still feel confident we will be just fine.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think Ramos would be an excellent alternative, maybe even better than Sesko… I wonder which of the septic 6 he will end up at … 🤷🏻♂️😂😂
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Don’t like these links to Chelseas Jackson one bit.
kimtoon(Quote)