Son Heung-min signed off from his Tottenham career on an emotional night in his native South Korea.
The 33-year-old played 65 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Newcastle at a sold-out World Cup Stadium in the capital Seoul.
Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for Thomas Frank’s side before Harvey Barnes levelled the scores with a fine finish of his own.
Our chief football football reporter Craig Hope was in attendance, and here are his FIVE takeaways…
Son Heung-min bid an emotional farewell to Tottenham in a pre-season friendly with Newcastle
The 33-year-old was in floods of tears as he received a hero’s ovation after being subbed off
Son steps aside
This felt like Son’s testimonial, and the Tottenham legend certainly did not overexert himself in what will be his last Tottenham appearance.
It was never really about what he did on the pitch, though. Rather, his exit from it midway through the second half was the highlight of the night.
Both sets of players rushed to embrace him when his number went up, before forming a guard of honour.
Son had not moved too quickly all evening – understandably, with a move to Los Angeles FC on the horizon – but he clearly wanted his final moments in a Spurs shirt to last forever, savouring every last step towards the touchline.
It is a mark of the respect for Son that all of Newcastle’s bench and their supporters were also on their feet and applauding in appreciation of a player who has lit up the Premier League for the past decade.
The reaction Son received as he made way is a testament to his reputation as one of the most beloved men in football
Swiftly moving Son
Who replaces Son? Johnson made his case here with a lovely, rolled finish in just the fourth minute.
The winger sought to pick up the mantle last season with 18 goals, including the winner in the Europa League final, and he was again a livewire. His goal was all about composure and precision when skipping through the middle of the park.
But the Spurs player who caught the eye more than any other was Archie Gray. He spent too much of last season in defence amid the squad’s injury crisis. Here, in midfield, the 19-year-old was strong, fast and bright on the ball.
That feels like no surprise, because Gray has always looked more like a midfielder. It would be good to see him given a run in that domain this season. He looks like a future England international, for sure.
Archie Gray looked hugely promising after finally being deployed in his preferred position
Maddison’s injury woes continue
Tottenham’s night ended on a sour note when James Maddison was carried off on stretcher. He had not long been on the pitch when, after what seemed an innocuous collision with Anthony Elanga, he crumpled to the turf in obvious discomfort.
Medics were quickly on and assistance was called for, with the midfielder’s knee appearing to be the area of concern.
Following the game Thomas Frank revealed Maddison had suffered ‘what looks like a bad injury’ and called it a ‘brutal’ moment.
Frank added that the injury to the same knee Maddison injured last season that saw him miss out on the Europa League final.
James Maddison had to be carried off on a stretcher just minutes after making his return from injury
Wait for striker goes on
While Eddie Howe would have been encouraged by some of what he saw on the pitch, it is good news off the pitch that is most eagerly awaited.
And the longer they wait to learn if Benjamin Sesko wants to sign, the more chance there is that the Slovenian is holding out for Manchester United, who are yet to formalise an offer to RB Leipzig.
Newcastle spoke to the striker’s camp on Sunday and it is thought they would like a response within the next 24 hours. With the Premier League season kicking off a week on Saturday, Newcastle’s recruitment team would have to quickly move on to other targets if Sesko prefers Old Trafford.
There is still hope, though, and the club are continuing to negotiate the make-up of a £70million package with his Bundesliga club.
In the continued absence of a striker, Anthony Gordon did well here. He was Newcastle’s best player and did not give Tottenham’s centre-backs a moment’s rest. He is not the answer Howe wants in that position, but it was nonetheless a lively cameo, including a super volleyed finish that was ruled out by an offside flag.
Newcastle are waiting for a response following their £70m bid for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko
Sesko alternative emerges
One new name on Newcastle’s radar to come across my desk in the past 24 hours is that of PSG striker Goncalo Ramos. I understand he is on the list of alternatives to Sesko, should that deal not progress.
Newcastle looked at the Portugal forward three years ago before they signed Alexander Isak. He eventually joined PSG from Benfica a year later, where he has scored 33 goals from 86 matches, but the European champions are said to be open to him leaving this summer.
It is a name to keep an eye on, especially if Newcastle are frustrated in their pursuit of Sesko and other targets such as Ollie Watkins.
