Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United delivered an entertaining 1-1 draw in their pre-season friendly on August 3, 2025, at Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea. The match, kicking off at 12pm BST (7:30pm local time), marked a key moment in both teams’ preparations for the upcoming season.
Brennan Johnson’s early strike for Spurs was canceled out by a late Newcastle equalizer, keeping fans gripped until the final whistle.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The game burst into life early when Johnson scored for Tottenham in the 4th minute, capitalizing on a precise assist from Kevin Danso with a right-footed shot. Tottenham dominated the first half, holding 75% possession and creating several chances, but their finishing let them down.
Newcastle, under Eddie Howe’s guidance, grew stronger in the second half, spurred by tactical substitutions. The equalizer arrived late in the game, though live updates didn’t specify the scorer, leveling the score at 1-1.
The match saw yellow cards for Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma and Richarlison, adding tension, while Newcastle’s Joelinton made way for Travis Hernes, injecting fresh energy. Despite the draw, both teams showcased promising signs ahead of the season.
Team News and Injury Concerns
Tottenham fielded a competitive lineup with Nick Pope in goal, but injuries posed challenges. Djed Spence returned from suspension, boosting the defense, yet Destiny Udogie remained sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Dominic Solanke also missed out due to an ankle injury, raising concerns for Spurs fans as the Premier League looms. Newcastle faced their own setbacks, with Joe Willock ruled out after an ankle injury from their match against Team K-League, and Lewis Hall absent due to an ankle problem.
Star striker Alexander Isak, nursing a thigh injury, didn’t play and trained separately in Spain, sparking fresh transfer rumors linking him to Liverpool.
How to Watch and Global Fan Reaction
UK viewers couldn’t tune in on traditional TV, but Tottenham offered a live stream on SPURSPLAY for £6.99, while Newcastle provided access through their official website and app. The game, played at 07:30pm IST, drew a global audience, with fans staying up late to watch.
On X, excitement was palpable, with one fan posting, “Johnson’s goal was pure class! Great fight from both teams in Seoul!”. Another user added, “Draw’s fair, but Newcastle need Isak back!” The result left supporters buzzing, though many called for more signings to strengthen both squads.
Tactical Insights and Manager Comments
Tottenham’s Thomas Frank experimented with formations, giving young players like Mikey Moore a chance to shine. Frank praised the team’s effort but hinted at transfer needs, saying, “We need depth.”
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe focused on resilience, noting, “The second half showed our spirit.” The draw highlighted areas for improvement, with Tottenham’s attack needing polish and Newcastle’s defense requiring stability.
Both managers used the match to test strategies, making it a valuable exercise despite the lack of a winner.
What’s Next for Spurs and Magpies
This friendly underscores the importance of the pre-season. Tottenham, fresh from their Asia tour, face Villarreal on August 6, 2025, aiming to refine their approach.
Newcastle, buoyed by their fightback, take on Viktoria Plzen on August 5, a crucial Champions League qualifier. The transfer window adds pressure, with Isak’s future and potential new signings dominating headlines. Fans hope these games sharpen the teams for the Premier League kickoff.
Broader Impact
The match reflects the growing global reach of English football, with Seoul hosting top clubs. It also highlights the pre-season’s role in building team chemistry and testing fitness.
As the season nears, both Tottenham and Newcastle will look to turn draws into victories. Stay tuned for more updates as the football calendar heats up!