Photo: Acabashi / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Tottenham Hotspur defeated A-League champions Auckland FC 2-0 at Eden Park on Sunday, with Dane Scarlett and Richarlison scoring in a controlled pre-season performance.
The match drew a record crowd of 40,112 for men's football in New Zealand, surpassed only by Women's World Cup fixtures at the same venue in 2023.
Scarlett opened the scoring on 12 minutes after Archie Gray intercepted a defensive pass and found Manor Solomon at the far post. Solomon's volley was parried by goalkeeper Michael Woud, and Scarlett tucked the rebound into an empty net.
Roberto De Zerbi named Gray as captain of a young side that included eight Academy graduates: Brandon Austin, Tye Hall, Malachi Hardy, Rio Kyerematen, Jamie Donley, Luca Barnett-Williams, Mikey Moore, and Scarlett.
Austin was required at both ends of the first half, turning away Daniel Normann's effort after three minutes and blocking a clear-cut chance from Sam Cosgrove before the break.
De Zerbi introduced more senior players just after the hour, bringing on Ben Davies, Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel, and Richarlison. Tel was particularly effective on the left and created the second goal on 70 minutes, driving to the byline and cutting back for Richarlison, who finished from six yards.
Tottenham's next pre-season fixture is against Sydney FC — the side Auckland FC beat in last season's A-League final — at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday at 10.45am UK time.