Newcastle United 1-1 Tottenham (5-4 pens): Magpies win controversial Australia friendly

Newcastle United overcame Tottenham on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Wednesday’s controversial friendly in Melbourne, just three days after the end of the Premier League season.

A crowd of 78,419 packed into Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch two of the Premier League’s top seven face off in a post-season game which had been criticised on player welfare grounds.

James Maddison celebrated being named in England’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad by firing home Spurs’ opener after 32 minutes, before his Three Lions team-mate Kieran Tripper was substituted after just 36 minutes.

Alexander Isak levelled from close range on the stroke of half-time, and the game went straight to spot-kicks after neither team was able to force a second-half winner.

Bryan Gil was denied by Mark Gillespie from Tottenham’s first kick, with the nine subsequent attempts all successful as the Magpies triumphed 5-4.

United in Australia.

Thank you for your wonderful support at the MCG today! pic.twitter.com/p7z2aS1K7o

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 22, 2024

After the game, Newcastle boss Howe moved to allay fears over Trippier’s condition, saying his withdrawal was planned.

“We spoke with Kieran and thought the best thing to do was for him to start the game,” Howe said.

“He’s still in the early stages of recovery from his calf problem, we didn’t want to take risks with him so half an hour was the aim. No injury there.”

Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, immediately turned his attentions towards the transfer window after failing to oversee a win in his native Australia.

“Last year, it certainly benefited us having a couple in early and having all the whole squad for pre-season,” he said.

“Everyone wants to do business early, everyone is keen to bring players in but the reality of it is it usually takes a little bit of time.

“But the good thing for us is we know what we need to do, we’ve had the plan in place for quite a while and it’s just about now going through that process.”