Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 in 90 minutes with Sydney FC at the Allianz Stadium. Mathys Tel stood out with a brilliant first-half free-kick, but Spurs Academy graduate Dane Scarlett scored the winning penalty during the shootout to finish a valuable 90 minutes in Australia.
Roberto De Zerbi used the match to give playing time to both first-team regulars and promising academy players. Tel, Luca Williams-Barnett, Malachi Hardy, and new signing Andy Robertson all gave fans a glimpse of excitement during a lunchtime game down under.
Tottenham lined up with Martin Dúbravka in goal and a young back line of Tye Hall, Malachi Hardy, Ben Davies, and Rio Kyerematen. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall took charge in midfield, while Tel, Manor Solomon, and Conor Gallagher played behind Richarlison in attack.
Spurs controlled possession early but struggled to create clear chances. Tel was the biggest threat, forcing Sydney goalkeeper Gus Hoefsloot into a save after picking off a loose pass.
After 29 minutes, the French forward broke the deadlock with a brilliant free-kick. Tel curled a right-footed shot over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Hoefsloot with no chance.
Tel delivered another strong performance, having also impressed as a substitute against Auckland FC by assisting Richarlison's goal. In Sydney, he showed his skill and technical ability once again.
Tottenham had opportunities to extend their lead before halftime. Gallagher hit the post after a pass from Solomon, and Tel sent a shot wide from inside the box. On the other end, Dúbravka made a solid save to deny Rhys Youlley, while Mathias Macallister's long-range shot narrowly missed.
At halftime, De Zerbi made changes, bringing on Williams-Barnett, Sandro Tonali, and Kota Takai for Tel, Bergvall, and Davies. Williams-Barnett immediately brought more creativity to Tottenham's play.
The young midfielder almost put Tottenham ahead again when his left-footed shot hit the crossbar. He also set up Tonali for a chance that was saved, and later found Robertson, whose shot was stopped by the Sydney keeper.
Williams-Barnett played with confidence under pressure, pushing the ball forward and attempting forward passes whenever he could. His style is a big reason he's getting so much playing time this pre-season. Rather than just keeping possession, he always looked to spark the attack.
Sydney levelled the score ten minutes into the second half thanks to Takahiro Sekine. Takai tried to intercept a pass but accidentally sent the ball to Sekine, who ran through and scored past Dúbravka.
Despite conceding, Hardy can view this senior appearance as another positive step. The young centre-back played 78 minutes, looked comfortable alongside Davies, and continued to perform well after Davies was substituted. Having also impressed against MK Dons and Auckland, he is starting to look more at home with the senior squad. Tottenham now faces a decision: keep him close to De Zerbi's group or arrange a loan for more first-team experience.
Robertson entered the match after 65 minutes and quickly made an impact at left-back. The former Liverpool player delivered two excellent crosses for Yang Min-hyeok, but the South Korean couldn't convert either opportunity.
Robertson also pushed forward into the box, combining well with Williams-Barnett before his shot was saved. His energy, crossing, and overlapping runs gave Spurs a new dimension late in the game and highlighted how valuable his experience could be for De Zerbi. Although Spurs were disappointed not to finish their chances, especially after Gallagher and Williams-Barnett both hit the woodwork, pre-season is mainly about building fitness, working on tactics, and giving players opportunities.
With the score still 1-1 after 90 minutes, the Sydney Super Cup match went to a penalty shootout.
Tottenham won 4-2, with Dane Scarlett scoring the decisive penalty. The win gave Roberto De Zerbi's side a second straight victory on their pre-season tour, even though they couldn't turn their dominance into a winning goal in normal time.
Tel delivered the game's standout moment, Williams-Barnett boosted his reputation, Hardy showed maturity in defence, and Robertson gave a glimpse of the quality and experience he brings. De Zerbi will take several positives from this match as Tottenham prepares for their next Sydney Super Cup game against Chelsea.
