EPL Index
·18 July 2024
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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·18 July 2024
Tottenham Hotspur began their pre-season campaign with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle. Under the watchful eye of new manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs showcased their depth and talent, setting the tone for their upcoming matches in Japan and South Korea.
The match started on a promising note for Spurs with Brennan Johnson opening the scoring, giving Tottenham a 1-0 lead at halftime. However, Emerson Royal’s error allowed Lawrence Shankland to equalise for Hearts just a minute into the second half. This early setback could have rattled many teams, but Spurs’ youngsters responded with poise and determination.
Photo by IMAGO
Sixteen-year-old Mikey Moore provided a glimpse of his burgeoning talent. Moore’s sharp work in the box resulted in a well-taken goal, demonstrating his potential to become a significant player for Tottenham. His goal was a highlight, showing maturity beyond his years.
Photo IMAGO
Archie Gray, a summer signing, was one of the standout performers. Starting at centre-back alongside Oliver Skipp, Gray displayed composure on the ball and a robust defensive presence. His timely challenges and ability to thwart Hearts’ counter-attacks were crucial in maintaining Spurs’ dominance.
Photo IMAGO
Spurs’ attacking prowess was evident throughout the match. Dejan Kulusevski’s exquisite flick set up James Maddison, whose cross was turned home by Johnson for the opening goal. Despite missed opportunities from Heung-min Son and Pedro Porro, the fluidity and creativity of Tottenham’s attack were undeniable.
Postecoglou’s decision to overhaul the lineup at halftime paid dividends. Djed Spence and Ashley Phillips found the back of the net, with Spence particularly impressive in his forward drives and precise passing. His assist for Lankshear’s goal showcased his vision and ability to create scoring opportunities.
Photo: IMAGO
Lankshear himself made an impact with a composed finish, highlighting the depth of talent in Spurs’ ranks. His 20-minute cameo was a bright spot, showing he could be a valuable asset in the upcoming season.
The travelling Spurs fans had plenty to cheer about as Moore added a third goal with a well-placed shot into the far corner, following a clever pass from Lucas Bergvall. Timo Werner, one of the few senior players in the second-half lineup, played a crucial role in the fourth goal, delivering a low cross that Spence finished with aplomb.
The fifth and final goal came from Ashley Phillips, who capitalised on a rebound from Dane Scarlett’s header. This goal capped off a memorable evening in Scotland, reflecting Spurs’ dominance and depth.
With this comprehensive victory, Tottenham now set their sights on their next pre-season match against QPR on Saturday. Following this, the team will embark on a tour of Asia, where they will face tougher challenges and continue to build on the promising start under Postecoglou.
The performance against Hearts not only highlighted the strength of Spurs’ squad but also the potential for the younger players to make significant contributions. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the blend of experienced stars and emerging talents could prove to be a potent combination for Tottenham.