Son Heung-min signed off from his Tottenham profession on an emotional night time in his native South Korea.
The 33-year-old performed 65 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Newcastle at a sold-out World Cup Stadium within the capital Seoul.
Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for Thomas Frank’s facet earlier than Harvey Barnes levelled the scores with a superb end of his personal.
Our chief soccer reporter Craig Hope was in attendance, and listed here are his FIVE takeaways…
Son Heung-min bid an emotional farewell to Tottenham in a pre-season pleasant with Newcastle
The 33-year-old was in floods of tears as he obtained a hero’s ovation after being subbed off
Son steps apart
This felt like Son’s testimonial, and the Tottenham legend definitely didn’t overexert himself in what will likely be his final Tottenham look.
It was by no means actually about what he did on the pitch, although. Somewhat, his exit from it halfway by way of the second half was the spotlight of the night time.
Each units of gamers rushed to embrace him when his quantity went up, earlier than forming a guard of honour.
Son had not moved too rapidly all night – understandably, with a transfer to Los Angeles FC on the horizon – however he clearly needed his remaining moments in a Spurs shirt to final perpetually, savouring each final step in direction of the touchline.
It’s a mark of the respect for Son that every one of Newcastle’s bench and their supporters had been additionally on their toes and applauding in appreciation of a participant who has lit up the Premier League for the previous decade.
The response Son obtained as he made means is a testomony to his repute as some of the beloved males in soccer
Swiftly transferring Son
Who replaces Son? Johnson made his case right here with a beautiful, rolled end in simply the fourth minute.
The winger sought to select up the mantle final season with 18 objectives, together with the winner within the Europa League remaining, and he was once more a livewire. His aim was all about composure and precision when skipping by way of the center of the park.
However the Spurs participant who caught the attention greater than some other was Archie Grey. He spent an excessive amount of of final season in defence amid the squad’s harm disaster. Right here, in midfield, the 19-year-old was sturdy, quick and shiny on the ball.
That seems like no shock, as a result of Grey has all the time appeared extra like a midfielder. It could be good to see him given a run in that area this season. He seems like a future England worldwide, for positive.
Archie Grey appeared vastly promising after lastly being deployed in his most well-liked place
Maddison’s harm woes proceed
Tottenham’s night time ended on a bitter observe when James Maddison was carried off on stretcher. He had not lengthy been on the pitch when, after what appeared an innocuous collision with Anthony Elanga, he crumpled to the turf in apparent discomfort.
Medics had been rapidly on and help was referred to as for, with the midfielder’s knee showing to be the world of concern.
Following the sport Thomas Frank revealed Maddison had suffered ‘what seems like a nasty harm’ and referred to as it a ‘brutal’ second.
Frank added that the harm to the identical knee Maddison injured final season that noticed him miss out on the Europa League remaining.
James Maddison needed to be carried off on a stretcher simply minutes after making his return from harm
Watch for striker goes on
Whereas Eddie Howe would have been inspired by a few of what he noticed on the pitch, it’s excellent news off the pitch that’s most eagerly awaited.
And the longer they wait to be taught if Benjamin Sesko needs to signal, the extra likelihood there may be that the Slovenian is holding out for Manchester United, who’re but to formalise a suggestion to RB Leipzig.
Newcastle spoke to the striker’s camp on Sunday and it’s thought they want a response inside the subsequent 24 hours. With the Premier League season kicking off per week on Saturday, Newcastle’s recruitment staff must rapidly transfer on to different targets if Sesko prefers Outdated Trafford.
There’s nonetheless hope, although, and the membership are persevering with to barter the make-up of a £70million package deal along with his Bundesliga membership.
Within the continued absence of a striker, Anthony Gordon did effectively right here. He was Newcastle’s greatest participant and didn’t give Tottenham’s centre-backs a second’s relaxation. He isn’t the reply Howe needs in that place, but it surely was nonetheless a full of life cameo, together with a brilliant volleyed end that was dominated out by an offside flag.
Newcastle are ready for a response following their £70m bid for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko
Sesko various emerges
One new title on Newcastle’s radar to come back throughout my desk prior to now 24 hours is that of PSG striker Goncalo Ramos. I perceive he’s on the record of options to Sesko, ought to that deal not progress.
Newcastle appeared on the Portugal ahead three years in the past earlier than they signed Alexander Isak. He finally joined PSG from Benfica a yr later, the place he has scored 33 objectives from 86 matches, however the European champions are mentioned to be open to him leaving this summer season.
It’s a title to control, particularly if Newcastle are pissed off of their pursuit of Sesko and different targets reminiscent of Ollie Watkins.
