Tottenham Hotspur opened their pre-season tour with a 2-0 win over Auckland FC, drawing a record 40,112 fans to Eden Park as Dane Scarlett and Richarlison scored the goals in damp conditions.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi rolled out an experimental side on the club’s tour of New Zealand while resting several top players recovering from international duty. The fixture surpassed the previous New Zealand football attendance record of 37,034 set during a 2017 World Cup qualifier against Peru, bringing a passionate crowd to the All Blacks’ famous rugby venue.
Youngsters and Standouts Shine in Auckland
With senior figures kept in reserve following a 30-hour flight across the world, academy talents and new arrivals seized their opportunity. Archie Gray captained the young side and provided the early spark in the 12th minute, floating a pinpoint curling pass that sent Manor Solomon into the box.
Although Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud parried Solomon’s initial attempt, Dane Scarlett pounced to slam home the rebound.
Seventeen-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett also commanded attention in the number 10 role.
Second-Half Changes Seal Victory as Richarlison Nets
De Zerbi introduced several senior players at the hour mark, shifting the momentum of the match. Mathys Tel injected fresh pace down the flank, tearing into the penalty area before pulling the ball back for Richarlison to sweep home for Tottenham’s second goal.
The comfortable win followed a narrow 1-0 victory behind closed doors against MK Dons at Hotspur Way earlier in the week. That match featured a spectacular long-range volley from marquee summer signing Mateus Fernandes just three minutes into the contest to mark an explosive start.
De Zerbi Offers Injury Updates on Maddison and Udogie
As Tottenham prepare for upcoming friendlies in Sydney against Sydney FC and Chelsea, supporters have closely tracked the fitness of key starters James Maddison and Destiny Udogie. Neither player featured in the opening friendlies, but De Zerbi delivered reassuring news after the final whistle in New Zealand, explaining that caution dictated their absence.
Archie Gray Highlights vs Auckland | Tottenham Pre-Season 2026 #COYS
“He’s not working the last five days, I think, like Udogie, but they have not a big problem, just to stay focused, don’t take any risks and then for the next game. The next friendly game against Sydney, maybe we play with Tonali, with other players, maybe, we’ve got to see.”
Roberto De Zerbi, Manager
De Zerbi also noted that big-money arrival Sandro Tonali missed the Auckland trip due to one small problem sustained before leaving London, while Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson were eased out of immediate action following the long journey Down Under.
Van De Ven Praises New Ambition Amid Contract Talks
The aggressive recruitment drive—featuring millions spent on new arrivals—has resonated through the squad. Centre-back Micky van de Ven, speaking publicly at the launch of the 2026 Sydney Super Cup at Hickson Road Reserve, highlighted the club’s shifting trajectory.
Photo: The Guardian
“It’s really good that you can see the club has made some changes. They have brought a really good new manager, in my opinion, and some really good new signings. You can see the club has new ambition. It’s something that’s really important for players that have been there for a long time.”
Photo: Yahoo Sports
Micky van de Ven, Defender
With three years remaining on his contract, Van de Ven is a priority for a bumper new deal alongside Pedro Porro following a difficult 17th-place finish last term. The defender emphasized that De Zerbi’s tactical preference for possession-based, offensive football represents a welcome departure from previous styles.
Off the pitch, the club’s commercial profile continues to evolve alongside its sporting ambitions. Tottenham maintains a fan token partnership on Chiliz Chain trading around $0.125 and a sleeve sponsorship agreement with Kraken secured in July 2024, though officials kept the focus in New Zealand strictly on building fitness ahead of the Premier League campaign.
