Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou was welcomed home with open arms, but the Aussie’s homecoming was spoiled in the most brutal way. Newcastle United played the role of party-poopers for Postecoglou’s long-awaited return to his native Melbourne on Wednesday night. The Magpies secured a 5-4 victory in a penalty shootout against Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time in front of a staggering 78,419 fans at a drizzly MCG.
Despite the pedestrian pace of the game, there was an injury scare for Kieran Trippier that caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate. Although it was later revealed that the substitution was pre-planned and Trippier is not thought to be injured, the image of the defender icing his ankle on the bench will certainly raise concerns.
The match, which saw first-half goals from James Maddison and Alexander Isak, ended in a thrilling penalty shootout where Newcastle emerged victorious. The enormous turnout of 78,419 fans further emphasized the significance of this game, with Postecoglou receiving an enthusiastic welcome and Spurs captain Son Heung-min emerging as a major drawcard.
The significance of this match was not solely measured by the final score but by the magnitude of the turnout, showcasing the enduring appeal of football in Melbourne and the excitement surrounding Ange Postecoglou’s return home.
