Newcastle United ended their run of pre-season defeats with a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in Seoul, South Korea, as Harvey Barnes’ powerful strike cancelled out an early Brennan Johnson goal.
The World Cup Stadium was sold out for what proved to be Son Heung-min’s final appearance for Spurs. The South Korea captain was given a guard of honour before the game and left the field to tears after 65 minutes.
All square in Seoul. pic.twitter.com/gCAjPZ1YNn
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 3, 2025
The game began poorly for Newcastle,
with Brennan Johnson converting after just three minutes to give Tottenham the lead. Eddie Howe’s side responded with energy, especially through Anthony Gordon, who led the line in the absence of any fit or available striker—as if there were more than one, or maybe half of one.
Anyway, Newcastle equalised in the 38th minute with a sweeping and highly predictable move. Gordon slipped in Barnes, who cut inside (who would have thought!?) and fired a right-footed effort beyond the keeper.
I’ll say it again.
— EverythingNUFC (@Nufc2Everything) August 3, 2025
Harvey barnes is 10x the player that Anthony Gordon is. #NUFC
pic.twitter.com/qXUbtshpMC
Moments earlier, Gordon had volleyed home only to see the flag raised for offside. Though not a natural No. 9, the former Everton winger has been one of Newcastle’s brighter performers this summer, and we can at least rely on him in case Will Osula is the only nine available come Premier League time.
Tensions briefly flared before the break when Bruno Guimaraes and Cristian Romero clashed following a heavy challenge. Both players had to be separated after squaring up, while Joelinton was later involved in another altercation.
Bruno puts his hands on Cuti's neck here!#THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/PUsqLYMdYl
— Rush (@RushTHFC) August 3, 2025
Newcastle showed far more aggression and cohesion than in previous outings against Celtic, Arsenal, and the K League All-Stars, and earned the only “point” of the preseason to date in four games.
Anthony Gordon’s revival continues to be one of the few positives in a difficult summer, but here’s still hoping that the club can make up for all of their wrongs in the next few weeks and before it’s too late.
Eddie Howe is still unsure of Alexander Isak's future, and confirms that Newcastle are actively looking for players in the transfer market pic.twitter.com/rmnlvA1O05
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 3, 2025
Still, glaring issues remain and need to be fixed as soon as possible. Newcastle once again started without a recognised striker. Will Osula, who began the prior three matches, was benched, and Alexander Isak remains absent amid continued transfer speculation.
Benjamin Sesko remains the club’s top target, but uncertainty over his future has delayed progress. PSG’s Goncalo Ramos has emerged as an alternative, while interest also lingers in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Newcastle next face Espanyol and Atletico Madrid at St James’ Park on August 8-9 in their final pre-season matches before opening the Premier League season against Aston Villa on Aug. 16.
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