Top News

Evening Standard

·29 July 2026

Evening Standard

·29 July 2026

Robertson impresses on Spurs debut as youngsters continue to prove worth

Tottenham defeated Sydney FC 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with their A-League opponents at Allianz Stadium.

Mathys Tel put Spurs ahead after 29 minutes in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly, curling in a superb right-footed free-kick from the edge of the box.

Tottenham had controlled the match for long spells, but they were pulled back after the interval when Kota Takai’s interception fell kindly for Takahiro Sekine.

With the score still level at full-time, the contest went to penalties, and Dane Scarlett converted the decisive spot-kick to seal the win for Spurs.

Was forced into a full-stretch save to keep out Rhys Youlley. He also came off his line smartly to deal with a couple of Sydney balls played in behind during the second half.

Produced an excellent stop to deny Alex Popovic from the penalty spot.

Showed some lively moments going forward and linked up well with Tel. He should have done better with a couple of attempts, and was almost punished for a loose pass when Mathias Macallister’s effort from inside his own half drifted wide of the goal.

Looked sharp in attack after being shifted to right-back.

It was a solid display from Davies as he helped organise Spurs’ young defence. He was replaced by Takai at half-time.

Another assured performance, though he allowed Macallister in just before half-time.

Steady rather than spectacular. These were valuable minutes for the young defender, even if he did not particularly stand out.

Handed the captain’s armband for the second match in a row, Gray turned in another confident display. He combined nicely with Bergvall.

Shop window: Lucas Bergvall started for Tottenham despite asking to leave the club

Getty

He dealt with the ball well under pressure and carried it with intent as Tottenham produced wave after wave of attacks. He was taken off at half-time for Tonali.

A difficult opponent for the Sydney defence, he wriggled free from pressure on several occasions and won the free-kick from which Tel opened the scoring.

Had ice on his left thigh after being substituted in the second half.

Could have scored twice in the first half, wasting a good chance when played in by Solomon before striking the post from outside the box. He was central to Spurs’ high press.

Spurs’ brightest attacking threat. He got the goal his display deserved when he struck a brilliant free-kick from the edge of the box. He was replaced at half-time.

On target: Mathys Tel scored Tottenham’s opening goal against Sydney FC from a free-kick

AFP/Getty

He pressed with purpose and forced Sydney goalkeeper Gus Hoefsloot into giving the ball away to Tel. He found it hard to hold the ball up and did not provide much in terms of a goal threat.

He stung the palms of Hoefsloot with a shot from the edge of the area. He scored his penalty calmly.

Made an almost instant impact as he rattled the bar with a fierce left-footed effort. It was a bright showing from the youngster, although his decision-making was rash at times.

He rounded off his performance with a Panenka in the penalty shootout.

Was unlucky to see his interception accidentally drop into the path of Sekine for Sydney’s equaliser. He had initially done the right thing by spotting the danger and moving across to cut out the ball in behind.

Showed his class with a dangerous cross to the far post, which Yang should have converted, before again setting up the South Korean teenager for a free header. He scored from the spot.

Making their mark: Archie Gray, Andy Robertson and Sandro Tonali

Getty

Missed a golden chance to put Spurs ahead from a Robertson cross. He also should have done better with a free header from another Robertson delivery.

He could not get involved in regulation time, but sealed the victory by scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout.

Came close to getting on the end of a late opening, but otherwise struggled to make much of an impression.

Kept asking for the ball and tried to move Spurs forward. He missed his penalty and allowed Sydney back into the shootout.

Had very little defensive work to do as Spurs pushed for the winner.

Like Tingey, his influence was limited as Spurs went in search of a second goal.