Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United played out a 1-1 draw in a high-intensity preseason friendly at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, but the spotlight was firmly on Son Heung-min, who made his final appearance for Spurs after a decade of unforgettable service.
Son’s Farewell: A Moment for the Ages
In front of 64,773 fans, Son led Tottenham out as captain in his hometown, receiving a guard of honour from both teams and a standing ovation upon his substitution in the 64th minute. Tears streamed down his face as he embraced teammates and opponents alike, marking the end of a legendary chapter that began in 2015.
“I need a new environment,” Son said ahead of the match, with a move to LAFC in Major League Soccer reportedly on the horizon.
Key Match Moments
| Minute | Event |
| 4’ | Brennan Johnson scores with a low finish after intercepting a loose ball. Celebrates with Son’s trademark gesture. |
| 18’ | Mathys Tel misses a golden chance one-on-one with Nick Pope. |
| 40’ | Harvey Barnes equalizes for Newcastle with a powerful right-footed strike. |
| 54’ | Anthony Gordon has a goal ruled out for offside. |
| 64’ | Son substituted to emotional scenes and applause from the crowd2. |
| 85’ | James Maddison suffers a serious knee injury, casting a shadow over the closing minutes. |
Tactical Takeaways
- Tottenham’s pressing game under new manager Thomas Frank showed promise, especially in the opening 20 minutes.
- Newcastle’s wide play through Gordon and Barnes created consistent danger.
- Squad rotation in the second half disrupted rhythm but allowed fringe players to gain valuable minutes.
Maddison Injury Update
Tottenham’s midfield maestro James Maddison was stretchered off late in the game with a suspected recurrence of a knee injury that had previously sidelined him. Manager Thomas Frank described the moment as “both beautiful and brutal,” referencing Son’s farewell and Maddison’s setback.
What’s Next?
- Tottenham will conclude their preseason with a clash against Bayern Munich in the Telecom Cup.
- Newcastle continue their preparations with friendlies against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.
Bet Bigger, Win Smarter with Bangbet!
Enjoy unbeatable odds, exciting bonuses, and fast payouts all in one place.
With Bangbet, every game is a chance to win and every bet brings the thrill.
Join the winning team — Bet the Bangbet way!