Roberto De Zerbi’s side continued their perfect start to pre-season as Tottenham eased past Aukland in a 2-0 victory.
Dane Scarlett opened the scoring before Richarlison completed a composed victory in front of 40,112 supporters.
De Zerbi named a youthful starting side containing eight academy graduates. Archie Gray captained Tottenham from midfield, while Brandon Austin, Kota Takai, Manor Solomon and Mikey Moore also started.
Spurs broke the deadlock after 12 minutes following an excellent pass from Gray. The 20-year-old released Solomon behind the Auckland defence before goalkeeper Michael Woud saved his initial effort.
Scarlett reacted first to the loose ball and converted the rebound from close range. It was the striker’s first goal of pre-season after featuring in the opening 1-0 victory over MK Dons.
Auckland created their best chance through Sam Cosgrove. The former Birmingham City forward raced beyond the Spurs defence, but Austin left his goal quickly and made an important one-on-one save.
The Evening Standard’s match report confirmed Tottenham carried their narrow advantage into half-time after largely controlling the opening period.
Auckland FC 0-2 Tottenham after Richarlison goal
De Zerbi added greater senior experience shortly after the hour mark.
Ben Davies, Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel and Richarlison were among those introduced as Tottenham looked to increase the tempo.
The changes produced the second goal after 70 minutes. Tel found space on the left before delivering a low cross towards Richarlison, who applied a simple finish from inside the penalty area.
Sky Sports confirmed Scarlett and Richarlison scored in the 12th and 70th minutes respectively.
Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke did not make their Tottenham debuts despite travelling to New Zealand. Sandro Tonali was also left out as De Zerbi continued to manage his squad’s workload.
ReadTottenham’s Auckland match preview outlined how several senior players had only recently joined the touring group after receiving additional rest.
De Zerbi explains James Maddison absence
James Maddison was another notable absentee at Eden Park.
De Zerbi explained that the midfielder had not trained fully during the previous five days. Destiny Udogie was managed for the same reason, with neither issue considered serious.
The Tottenham boss did not want to take any risks following Maddison’s recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered last summer. He could return against Sydney FC alongside Tonali.
De Zerbi also praised Gray after handing him the armband. The Italian believes Gray possesses experience and maturity beyond his age, adding that young players will receive opportunities if they prove they are ready.
Tottenham now move on to Sydney with two victories and two clean sheets from their opening pre-season fixtures.
Tottenham starting XI
Austin; Tye Hall, Hardy, Takai; Kyerematen, Gray, Solomon, Donley; Williams-Barnett, Moore; Scarlett.
Goals
- Auckland FC 0-1 Tottenham: Dane Scarlett, 12 minutes
- Auckland FC 0-2 Tottenham: Richarlison, 70 minutes
