At times, it looked like Tottenham Hotspur had an extra man in this friendly, though that was not because they were so superior to their Australian opponents Sydney FC.
Rather, it was owing to our referee, Adam Kersey, wearing a shirt scarily similar in style and colour to those being sported by Spurs. He was picking up nice pockets of space in midfield, at least.
So too was Lucas Bergvall, whose inclusion was not entirely expected, considering he previously informed Spurs of his preference to leave this summer. Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are among those who have shown interest in the 20-year-old midfielder.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi had promised to speak with the Sweden international because he only wants players who are ‘proud’ to wear this shirt – and he was not referencing our referee while making those remarks earlier in this pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Bergvall is a terrific talent at 20, but it is said he wants to be used as a No 8. De Zerbi’s preferred system is 4-2-3-1, and Spurs have already spent £185million on adding to their midfield with Sandro Tonali, who came on at half-time here, and Mateus Fernandes, whose minutes are being managed. Conor Gallagher also lasted an hour in this draw.
Much like when Chelsea started Liam Delap against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, Bergvall starting would suggest no move is immediately imminent, otherwise he would not have been risked. He was handed 45 minutes before being replaced.
Lucas Bergvall started for Tottenham against Sydney – despite the midfielder wanting to leave
While we must wait to see what happens with Bergvall, Spurs are not done trying to add to their squad this summer, despite their ambitious spending spree. They are now focusing on attackers in particular, and could indeed do with adding goals.
Spurs starlets spot-on
This friendly finishing 1-1 meant we had a penalty shootout to decide the winner of this Sydney Super Cup clash. Martin Dubravka and his goalkeeping coach took it serious enough to run through some instructions before the big showdown.
Spurs’ scorers were Luca Williams-Barnett, the 17-year-old graduate who chose a cheeky Panenka, delicate as you like, straight down the middle. He had been shooting for fun during this match as if desperate to grab a goal, and so was allowed to step up first.
From there, Tonali, Andy Robertson and Dane Scarlett likewise scored for a 4-2 shootout win.
Robertson’s steady debut
Robertson received the captain’s armband when the 32-year-old Scot came on for his first pre-season minutes, and Spurs’ new left back should have secured his first assist for the club.
Two of them, in fact. Min-Hyeok Yang was twice on the receiving end of crosses from Robertson – and twice the 20-year-old attacker failed to send the ball into the back of the net.
When Yang later failed to cross at the end of one flowing move, De Zerbi was jumping up and down on the spot in his technical area in frustration. The South Korea international has had three loans to Championship clubs since signing for Spurs upon turning 18 in January 2025.
Robertson continued to fly down the left flank in a highly attacking role, and only the fingertips of Sydney goalkeeper Gus Hoefsloot denied him a late winner here at the Allianz Stadium.
Andy Robertson made his first Spurs outing since joining and put in some good deliveries
Injury worry for one player
De Zerbi selected a young starting line-up for Sunday’s 2-0 win over Auckland FC in New Zealand, resting his senior stars aside from Archie Gray. That was partially due to their 30 hours of travelling from the other side of the world, and following a few training sessions which have been described as gruelling under this demanding coach.
But a few of their first-teamers were back for this friendly versus Sydney FC, including Richarlison and Mathys Tel. However, when Manor Solomon was substituted, he was spotted with a pack of ice on his left thigh.
Rivalry resumed Down Under
There was a little awkwardness earlier this week when Tottenham and Chelsea sent representatives to an event on the Sydney shoreline to tee up this Australian tour. Spurs sent De Zerbi and Micky van de Ven, while the Blues sent Xabi Alonso and Robert Sanchez.
That saw De Zerbi briefly reunited with Sanchez, his former goalkeeper from Brighton who he essentially demoted before he left to join Chelsea. Not the nicest reunion, then, and Spurs will face Chelsea this Saturday in a friendly before they both leave Australia.
