FRIENDLY MATCH
SATURDAY 26TH JULY, 2025
(3PM)
LUTON TOWN 0(0) TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0(0)
Attendance:- 10,871
Referee:- Tom Nield
Teams:-
Luton (4-2-3-1):- 12. Keeley (sub 1. Shea, 84); 2. Walters (sub 29. Holmes, 71), 28. Makosso, 5. Anderson (sub 34. Luker, 84), 3. Naismith (Capt.) (sub 30. Kodua, 71); 7. Alli (sub 36. Phillips, 84), 17. Lonwijk (sub 37. Nelson, 61); 26. Baptiste (sub 20. Walsh, 61), 18. Clark (sub 44. Nordas, 71), 23. Saville (sub 27. Richards, 84); 21. Wells (sub 10. Woodrow, 71)
Subs not used:- 6. McGuiness
No bookings
Spurs (4-3-3):- 1. Vicario (Capt.), (sub 31. Kinsky, 46); 24. Spence (sub 76. Roswell, 78), 4. Danso (sub 67. Byfield, 64), 37. Van de Ven (sub 18. Yang, 80), 43. Donley; 14. Gray (sub 45. Devine, 77), 8. Bissouma (sub 53. Russell-Denny, 83); 20. Kudus (sub 57. Kyerematen, 79), 47. Moore (sub 52. Olusesi, 78), 22. Johnson (sub 42. Lankshear, 79); 11. Tel (sub 44. Scarlett, 77)
(Armband to Van de Ven)
Subs not used:- 46. Gunter (GK)
No bookings
Stalemate at Kenilworth Road
Thanks to Andy Park for the picture
If you were looking for sporting thrills today, then the climax of the British Lions' victory over Australia; Stokes' century and Woakes' first over against India offered more than did Spurs' two friendlies against League One opposition.
Having said that, marquee signing Mohammed Kudus did offer skill, pace, and excellent close ball control in this game. He also came closest to scoring for Spurs in the first half, but former Spurs academy keeper Josh Keeley was hardly bothered between the sticks.
James Maddison has only just returned to training and was not involved today. Dominic Solanke had a minor ankle injury and also did not take part. Jamie Donley was aa late replacement for Destiny Udogie and played the left back position "Udogie-style."
Thomas Frank is clearly seeking to get minutes into his players' legs before he takes a squad to Hong Kong and South Korea. He is also experimenting with formations and variations in the team. Kudus, Moore, and Johnson played right to left behind Mathys Tel. Kudus impressed (although he did concede potentially costly fouls just outside his own area). Johnson is clearly more suited to the right, and Mikey Moore would probably be better on that left flank.
Luton have suffered back-to-back relegations, and their team bears virtually no resemblance to that of the Premier League. They gave Spurs a decent test and should do well this season.
The Spurs fans gave an early rendition of "Champions of Europe - we know what we are" and no doubt that will be a staple for the season. We used to deride West Ham for singing the same song, but at least we have won the second most important European club trophy.
Spurs kicked off and played away from their fans. Tel threatened with a couple of early corners, before providing the pass for a Kudus shot from the right side of the box which was blocked in front of goal. Kudus then conceded one of those dangerous fouls, but the free kick was blocked.
Luton had a corner on the left, after which Saville's shot was just wide of the far post. There was also a chance for 35-year-old Nahki Wells (signed from Bristol City). That passed just wide, but he had been offside in any case.
Spence passed to Bissouma just outside his area. Bissouma made a storming run, feeding Johnson, who missed the target, but head also been offside.
I said regarding the earlier friendly against Wycombe that there had been no sign of last season's play-out style. With Vicario, I'm afraid this was most evident. Keeley's distribution was far better, in my opinion. Keeley and Donley had successful seasons with Leyton Orient last term.
I was also not happy with Spence at right back and after a poor bit of defending Millenic Alli hit a shot from a sharp angle wide across the goal. Makosso headed over from a corner, and the largely uninspiring first half was over.
The second half was no more exciting. Kinsky replaced Vicario and Van de Ven took over as captain. Spurs did enjoy a short spell of possession, but this ended with a poor effort by Bissouma. It could have been a shot or a pass.
Kinsky was called into vital action to save from Wells after a cross from the left, and he also scrambled to clear danger at his right-hand post. Wells had another shot but was off target.
Kevin Danso was replaced by 16-year old Junai Byfield, who impressed with a block of a Walsh free kick, which had been conceded by Kudus. Spence hit a very good long ball which reached Johnson on the left. He hit a cross which passed to the right of the area. That was returned by Kudus, but the defence got the better of Johnson.
After a raft of substitutions, the youngsters represented Spurs and put together some expansive exciting forward play. Byfield was involved in that before Olusesi (who also played against Wycombe today) provided a ball for Lankshear, who pulled his shot wide.
It's minutes and fitness that counts, rather than thrills and entertainment. Spurs now face tougher opposition (Arsenal and Newcastle) in Asia, before a trip to Bayern Munich and the August 13th European Supercup against PSG.
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