Tottenham Hotspur

SPURSPLAY

Forced to play almost the entire second half a man down after Kevin Danso was controversially sent off just moments after his introduction, we were indebted to Antonin Kinsky for a handful of incredible saves as we hung in there in front of more than 80,000 fans at the Accor Stadium on Australia’s east coast.

We still carried a threat, Rio Kyerematen cracking a superb effort against the crossbar, but just as we seemed destined for a second penalty shootout in the space of four days, substitute Jamie Donley hit the post and Richarlison was on hand to slide home the rebound, making it a memorable conclusion to our trip Down Under for fans, players and staff alike.

Summer signing Sandro Tonali had earlier fired us into the lead as Roberto De Zerbi started with arguably our most senior XI of pre-season to date, but Estevao stole in to head home an equaliser for Xabi Alonso’s men just four minutes later. Tonali’s fellow new recruit Jan Paul van Hecke also played the first half for his first appearance in our colours since his summer move from Brighton.

All in all, it was a game that had a bit of everything. Challenges were flying in from the off, Conor Gallagher booked for one of them against his former side in just the 11th minute, but the quality of our play shone through and we took the lead after 17 minutes, Tonali playing the ball down the right to Manor Solomon before running onto the latter’s cut-back and firing in via a deflection off Chelsea skipper Levi Colwill.

Four minutes later, we won the ball in an advanced area and seemed well-positioned to make it 2-0 but Chelsea broke away and Jamie Gittens’ deflected cross from the left flank was nodded home at the back post by the arriving Estevao to draw the Blues level. Mathys Tel later sent a first-time shot over the bar while the retreating Ben Davies did enough to force Joao Pedro to fire off-target at the other end, Tel subsequently embarking on a dazzling solo run down our left that was only ended by Chelsea goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe at his near post.

The game changed four minutes after the restart, though, as the referee brandished a straight red card to half-time substitute Danso after he was deemed to have brought down Joao Pedro as the last defender. Chelsea had a handful of chances that followed but were unable to make any of them count – largely thanks to the brilliance of Kinsky.

After Cole Palmer flashed the resulting free-kick wide, our goalkeeper showed incredible reactions to tip Estevao’s deflected shot onto the crossbar and away before denying the same player from close range with his legs a few moments later. And on 65 minutes, Kinsky blocked with his legs once more, this time to deny Joao Pedro after the ball had hit Andy Robertson in the box.

The chances dried up for a while as both teams made changes, but we were always in the game despite the disadvantage in numbers and almost grabbed a sensational second on 84 minutes when Kyerematen – on for Robertson at left-back – finished off a great solo run by hitting the bar on his right foot from 22 yards out. Unfortunately, the 21-year-old was helped off the pitch with an apparent injury issue a few moments later, but the match ended on a positive note as we applied more pressure in the last few seconds through Archie Gray, Donley fired a low shot against the base of the post from distance and there was Richarlison to slide home the rebound and send everyone of a Spurs persuasion home happy.

Line-ups

Chelsea: Sharman-Lowe, Palestra (Watson 80), Fofana (Sarr 80), Colwill (c) (Acheampong 80), Hato (Anselmino 62), Essugo (Walsh 80), Lavia (Nicoll-Jazuli 46), Estevao (Satpayev 70), Palmer (Kellyman 80), Gittens (Adarabioyo 80), Joao Pedro (Delap 80). Substitutes (not used): Curd, Subuloye, Emenalo, Kavuma-McQueen.

Spurs: Kinsky, Gray, van Hecke (Danso 46), Davies (Takai 81), Robertson (Kyerematen 72 (Tingey 90)), Bergvall (Tye Hall 72), Tonali (Donley 81), Gallagher (Hardy 54), Solomon (Moore 67), Solanke (Richarlison 46), Tel (Williams-Barnett 76). Substitutes (not used): Dubravka, Scarlett, Tyrese Hall, Russell-Denny, Melia, Yang, Ajayi, Byrne.

Match data

Goals: Chelsea – Estevao 21; Spurs – Tonali 17, Richarlison 90+2.

Yellow card: Spurs – Gallagher 11.

Red card: Spurs – Danso 49.

Referee: Alex King.

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney.

Weather: Partly cloudy, light winds, 13 degrees.

Attendance: 80,363.

SPURSPLAY

Here’s all you need to know ahead of our second Sydney Super Cup outing...

What time does the match start?

As was the case for the game against Sydney FC on Wednesday, kick-off is at 7.45pm local time in Australia, which is 10.45am in the UK.

How can I watch the game?

You’ll once again be able to watch the action live and in full on SPURSPLAY, subject to availability in your region* – find out more here.

We’ll also be bringing supporters live text updates via our Match Centre here on our official app and website as usual.

*Live match will not be shown on SPURSPLAY for users in Australia.

What is the team news?

Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that James Maddison will not be risked against Chelsea over a “small problem”.

The boss also won’t be taking any chances with Mateus Fernandes who has been feeling fatigue in his half muscle, while fatigue has also kept Micky van de Ven out of pre-season action thus far, with the defender not expected to feature against the Blues.

It remains to be seen when summer signing Jan Paul van Hecke will feature in our colours for the first time.

Which kit will the team be wearing?

We’ll be back in our 2026/27 home kit against Chelsea, having worn the new away strip for the first time against Sydney FC in midweek.

What will the weather be like?

Light rain earlier in the day is expected to have cleared up by the time we get the game underway. Clear skies and light winds are forecast, with temperatures at around 14 degrees.

SPURSPLAY

The centre-back played the most minutes of any player in the squad last season and was busy representing the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup over the summer, featuring in three of their four matches as they were knocked out on penalties by Morocco in the Round of 32.

Despite linking up with his Spurs teammates for our tour of New Zealand and Australia, the 25-year-old hasn't played a part in recent friendlies against Auckland FC and Sydney FC and has been left out as a precaution whilst feeling the effects of fatigue.

Speaking in his pre-match interview on SPURSPLAY, our Head Coach provided the latest update: "Micky van de Ven also feels fatigue, but nothing important."

As for summer signing Mateus Fernandes, the midfielder introduced himself in some style with a stunning strike in our 1-0 win over MK Dons in the pre-season opener back at base and came on as a second-half substitute in Auckland on Sunday 26 July.

However, the 22-year-old was left out of our second tour friendly against Sydney FC last time out due to also feeling fatigue in his calf muscle. Roberto confirmed on Friday (31 July) that the Portugal international could play against Chelsea but doesn't want to take any chances.

"Mateus Fernandes can be available right now to play but we don’t want to take any risks with him," added the 47-year-old.

Alongside VRU director, Lib Peck, the Mayor visited our Training Centre in Enfield where the Club was hosting the annual Godwin Lawson memorial tournament – dedicated to keeping alive the memory of a promising young footballer who tragically lost his life to knife crime in 2010.

The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has been working with the Godwin Lawson Foundation – set up by Godwin’s mum, Yvonne, to commemorate her son’s life and convey anti-knife crime messages – for the past 15 years. Every summer, a tournament has taken place as part of the Foundation’s programme of activities to keep local young people engaged through the school holidays.

The Mayor was greeted by Foundation CEO, Marc Leckie, and our Women’s First Team Head Coach, Martin Ho, to observe activities taking place around the tournament – including workshops focused on eSports and healthy lifestyles – and speaking to some of the young people involved.

The funding announcement marks a significant expansion of London’s youth safety plans this summer, bolstered by a new year-long partnership between the VRU, the Premier League and 11 professional London football club charities, including Spurs Foundation.

Together, the partnership will use the reach of professional football clubs to support young people through sport, mentoring and employability activities aimed at strengthening community relationships and reducing young people’s risk of involvement in violence and exploitation.

The partnership has leveraged almost £700,000 investment from across the VRU, the Premier League via the Premier League Foundation and London United, who represent the community trusts of all professional football clubs in the capital. The club charities will work with London’s VRU to provide positive opportunities for young people during the crucial holiday period.

Delivery will take place through Premier League Kicks, the Premier League’s longest-standing community programme that recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary, providing targeted interventions, including one-to-one mentoring for young people at risk of exploitation, and support with life skills and employability.

In addition to the Godwin Lawson Tournament, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation is delivering a diverse programme of activities throughout the summer, providing young people with opportunities to stay active, develop new skills, and build positive futures. Through initiatives including Shape Up with Spurs fitness sessions, football camps, one-to-one employment and careers support, and girls’ football festivals across Haringey and Enfield, the Foundation is helping young people improve their wellbeing, grow in confidence, strengthen community connections, and access pathways into education, training, and employment.

A dedicated £600,000 pot from the VRU’s Stronger Futures programme will provide structured holiday activities for young people aged 8-18, with all funded organisations including food for young people to take home to their families.

A further £130,000 investment will expand summer sports and activities in key areas that typically lack provision. Alongside this, operating across nine neighbourhoods, the VRU's community-led MyEnds programme will bolster its holiday schedule to engage up to 18,000 young people with youth clubs, mentoring, trips, sports and creative arts.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “My mission is to ensure London is the safest and best city in the world for young people to grow up in, offering them the same support and opportunities this city gave to me.

“I am incredibly proud that my Violence Reduction Unit has joined forces with the Premier League and London’s football club charities to scale up activities and positive opportunities for young people this summer.

“This partnership is a vital component of our wider £1.5m summer funding package, designed to give young Londoners a helping hand as we work together to build a fairer, safer city for everyone.”

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “The summer holidays shouldn't be a time of risk, yet we know that without the safety and structure that school provides, many young people are more vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Providing safe spaces and activities they want to be involved in during these months is absolutely vital to keeping them safe.

“I am really pleased that our ongoing work with London United has paved the way for this powerful new team-up with the Premier League. Together, we are securing crucial investment for the capital and expanding the reach of the Premier League Kicks programme.

“This initiative will work hand-in-hand with our broader VRU holiday programmes and City Hall funding, ensuring that young Londoners aren't just protected over the summer, but are actively supported to thrive.”

Marc Leckie, CEO, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: “It is vitally important that young people in our local communities are provided with the opportunity to take part in free, organised sporting activities during the school holidays. Not only does this keep our young people safe and off of the streets, it is also a huge driver of positive physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“Football clubs have a huge role to play during school holidays – we are at the heart of our communities and young people look to us for inspiration – and I speak on behalf of all clubs involved with London United that we are delighted to be receiving support from the Mayor of London, the VRU and Premier League to further our vitally important work collectively across the capital.”

Yvonne Lawson, Founder of the Godwin Lawson Foundation, said: “For the last 15 years, the Godwin Lawson Foundation and Tottenham Hotspur have proudly hosted this tournament in honour of Godwin, using sport as a powerful platform to educate young people about the devasting consequences of knife and violence.

“Held every summer, the tournament brings young people from diverse backgrounds, creating safer environments where young people can build positive friendships, team build, and receive vital messages about staying safe during the school holidays.

“This event reflects the Foundation’s enduring commitment to transforming lives through hope, opportunities and prevention.

“We welcome the Mayor’s funding boost, recognising that the summer holidays can be a particularly vulnerable time for young people with increased risk of exposure to violence and exploitation. Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe environment free from violence and full of hope.”

Here's what he had to say...

How does it feel to see the level of support you have in Australia?

Conor: “It's amazing, I didn't quite realise how popular Spurs were in Australia. The fans have been incredible, they've showed a lot of support since we've been here, and even today in training it was great to have them watch training and it's really enjoyable, so tomorrow will be really exciting for them and for us. I know there will be a lot of Tottenham fans there and hopefully it will be an exciting match.”

The club have bought two number eights, it feels like you've been playing as a number 10, certainly through pre-season and at the end of last season as well, obviously you're very adaptable, you can play in both, does that feel like it's going to be your role going into the season as a 10?

Conor: “To be honest, I'm happy to play anywhere the manager wants to play me, the 10 or number eight in the double pivot, it's fine, I enjoy playing anywhere in midfield. I found myself in the 10 more often, and it's nice to run forward and I can do what I do best and press well and try and lead from the front. I don't really mind.”

It felt like you were hitting your stride towards the end of last season, how important is it to take that momentum into this one?

Conor: “Yeah, massive. Obviously, a big reason why I started to perform better was because of the gaffer coming in and it gave me a bit of confidence back and physically I was feeling stronger. Pre-season is really important for me, I want to push on from that and kick on and hopefully help the club to a good season.”

How important has it been to have a positive mindset, positive environment and how do you think Tottenham are going to go into the season?

Conor: “Yes, obviously we have made some great signings already which is really good for the club. They are great lads too, not just good footballers, which I think is really important, to have the right characters and people with us. It's only going to make us stronger. I think we went through a really tough season last season, and we're so determined and hungry to improve as a team and everyone's really excited. It's hopefully going to be a really good season for us.”

Is it exciting to have the competition around you, to have as many quality midfielders as Tottenham does this year?

Conor: “Yes, I mean when you play for a club like Tottenham, if there's not competition for a starting XI spot then something's wrong. Obviously, that's what comes with playing for such a top club and all the new signings are great lads, like I said, so it's been great so far.”

You spoke about how the manager lifted you up at the end of last season, you obviously also worked with Diego Simeone, he had quite a big impact on you - can you just talk about how both managers impacted you?

Conor: “Yeah, obviously Diego was an amazing manager and what he's done at Atletico is incredible. In football, confidence is a massive, massive thing and every player needs to have confidence if you're going to perform well and that's what the gaffer realised with me. I thought I wasn't playing very well, but he knew what I can do. Obviously, when he was at Brighton and I was at Chelsea, we played against each other a lot and he thought I was a good player, so he knew what I had to do to improve and to get that belief back and that's the main thing that has helped me.”

In terms of that confidence, does any of that inside you come from the way it ended at Chelsea?

Conor: “No, no. Confidence can come and go in a game, but when you get a run of games and you're playing well, you feel fit, you feel strong, you get confidence back and that's the way it was.”

Can I just ask you about the feeling in training at the moment for the team?

Conor: “It's a lot more enjoyable, not being in the situation we were last season, obviously, like we spoke about, it's a fresh start, fresh players, faces, a new way of playing, and trying to get everyone on the same page to understand how we play and what the manager wants us to do. In pre-season, that's what it's all been about, just understanding the way we want to play, so we're ready for the season.”

Can you see that on your team-mates' faces, the way they feel?

Conor: “Yes, of course. Everyone's so happy. We've had a great time in Australia. Training's been great, the games have been good. Everyone's in a great mood and we're really looking forward to a big game tomorrow.

Does it feel like a different club compared to last season?

Conor: “No, because there's a lot of the same people, which is great. Like I said, it's just a fresh start and everyone's just very excited to make things better.”

What lasting impact would you like to have on the club's youth prospects?

Conor: “It's weird because it only feels like the other day when I was 18, 19 and in the same position. So, I completely understand where them boys are at and I try and do what I can to set the standards on and off the pitch and show how professional you've got to be, and just try and help them as much as I can.”

Here's what he had to say...

Can I ask you about Franco Baresi (legendary former Milan and Italy defender who passed away today)…

Roberto: “I grew up in Milan academy, when I was 15, 16, I worked a lot with the first team, he's from my city also - I think he was the best defender in the world, great captain, great player, and I'm really, really sad.”

It's a bit of a shock, he was so young…

Roberto: “Young, yes, but I think he had in the last period many, many problems. He was the captain of Milan, but also in the national team, and for the people, I spoke with many players today and they don't know him, they've never watched him as a player, but he was incredible, maybe better than Maldini, and Maldini was another top, top, top, but he was incredible, yes.”

Back to Tottenham, we couldn't see James Maddison out there, is he getting anywhere close to returning to training?

Roberto: “James has a small problem, and like I said, I don't want to take any risks, especially in this part of the season, and especially for James, because he suffered a long injury last season. He’s an important player for us, but for him and for Mateus Fernandes, the same, it's not the right moment to take risk, and we'll work again when we're back in London.”

What's the realistic goal, what goal do you have in mind and how ambitious are you looking to be in 2026/27?

Roberto: “I can answer your question after the transfer market closed. To be honest, I think we are a very strong team, very good players. We are waiting for the players who finished the World Cup in the last period, whether it’s Senesi, Bentancur, Pape Sarr, and then we start to work, like I said, on two things, in soul and in style of play because this season is different than last season. This season we have to play with a clear idea, a clear organisation and then inside of the clear organisation, the best players can show their qualities. We have a lot of big, big players and for that we have to improve in the style of play.”

How much of an inspiration was Franco Baresi to you?

Roberto: “Not as a position on the pitch, no, because he was a defender and I played as an attacker, but as a personality, yes, as a leader. I think his leadership was, with or without words, he was an incredible personality, very strong.”

Spurs fans are very excited about news of you saying there's going to be a Bomba incoming in the transfer window. Are you able to provide more details about this story?

Roberto: “Yes, but Bomba in Italian is different than Bomba in English, I think. You can write what you want, no problem, no pressure, but I said we have to complete the transfer market. I think we have some other players to complete the squad, and the players will be here in the next days. For me, top players, I don't know if their expectations are bigger than two days ago, but we have to go forward and to think to the good of the team, of the club, of the squad, but in Italian it's a different world.

What's the definition in Italian?

Roberto: “I think Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Senesi, Robertson are Bomba. For me, they are top players for us.”

You said you were about 60% done in the window, so since you've signed six players already, can we expect four more?

Roberto: “I think two, maybe three.”

Is there more pressure?

Roberto: “We have zero pressure. You know why? Because one day the taxi man in London stopped me to make the congratulations for the transfer market, and he said, ‘hey, you are spending a lot of money’. I said, 'who are you a fan of?' Arsenal - you have spent the money for a long time in the last three or four years. I think Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, to stay on the top of the table, they have spent money. If you want to compete now for the top of the Premier League and to put Tottenham in the high level, I think we need to bring top players like we are doing.”

Where do you think Conor Gallagher can develop and become an even better player than he already is?

Roberto: “I consider Conor a top player, a top guy, because sometimes you don't know the people, but inside the dressing room, I think it's more important to be a good guy, a right person than a good player. He is both a good player and a good guy. Maybe in the last third of the pitch, he has more quality than he thinks, or maybe than he is showing now. He can score more goals. But when Conor is good, in a good condition, I said last season, and I repeat, we play with one player more, because he is like two players.”

We've seen the inclusion of multiple youth prospects during the tour, how important is it for you to nurture them in a professional environment like this?

Roberto: “For a club like Tottenham, our level is crucial because when you go in the Champions League, Europa League and European competitions, to complete the list for the financial fair play is very, very important. Sometimes people forget the rules of the financial fair play, but it's very important to produce players from the Academy. Now, we are working on three or four, I think, potential very good players, like Luca Williams-Barnett, like Malachi, Mikey Moore, even if he's older. It’s part of my job and I work with the same passion, with the same details, with the same behaviour, because they are important for now and for the future of the club."

Keen not to take any chances, especially considering the midfielder missed almost the entirety of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Madders will be rested as a precautionary measure for the rest of the tour.

The same applies to Mateus Fernandes, who, on Tuesday, Roberto reported had fatigue in his calf.

"James has a small problem," he confirmed in his press conference after our open training session in Sydney, "I don't want to take any risks, especially in this part of the season and especially for James because he suffered a long injury last season. He's an important player for us. The same for Mateus Fernandes. It is not the right moment to take risks. We will work again when we are back in London."