Ange Postecoglou brought his Tottenham Hotspur side home to face Newcastle United and a crowd of 78,419 roared them on at the MCG on Wednesday night.
First-half goals from James Maddison and Alexander Isak saw the match tied 1-1 at full-time before a penalty shootout between those left on the field saw Newcastle win 5-4 with Aussie Garang Kuol among those to convert for the winners.
Ange Postecoglou and Son Heung-min when the Spurs captain was substituted.Credit: Getty Images
It was a proud homecoming for the former Socceroos, Melbourne Victory and South Melbourne boss who was cheered for his every move while Spurs captain Son Heung-min was also a huge drawcard judging from the volume of the stadium each time he came to the fore.
Son told media this week that his players had much improvement to make in year two of Postecoglou’s reign and they needed to drive that improvement themselves.
They showed some good signs in the first half as they pressed aggressively and made Newcastle uncomfortable, such pressing contributed to the first goal although goal-keeper Nick Pope would probably like his time again after a poor pass was intercepted by James Maddison at the top of the box and, after some tight dribbles, was smashed into the top corner of the goals.
James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur does his goal celebration.Credit: Getty Images
Maddison gave the crowd the thumbs up after his goal but, perhaps following some urging from Son, he pulled out his trademark “darts” celebration which the local fans would have gratefully appreciated.
That lead looked like it would be in hand for half-time but just before the break, Newcastle wide man Jacob Murphy powered a low cross across the box which stand-in Spurs keeper Brandon Austin battered away, only for it to fall right into the path of top-scorer Alexander Isak couldn’t have missed the tap in if he tried.
The second half saw a raft of substitutes as both coaches tested out their younger or less used players.
Australia forward Garang Kuol came on with 20 minutes left to play and he received a huge roar, he was almost presented with a tap-in goal soon after arriving but Spurs managed to intercept before it could reach the unmarked Aussie.
Garang Kuol.Credit: Getty Images
