A record 40,112 fans packed into Eden Park on Sunday to watch Tottenham open their pre-season tour with a 2-0 victory over A-League champions Auckland FC – the largest crowd ever to attend a men's football match in New Zealand, surpassing the 37,034 who watched a World Cup qualifier against Peru in 2017.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi rested most of his top players in damp conditions, handing the captain's armband to 20-year-old Archie Gray. Dane Scarlett opened the scoring in the 12th minute, pouncing after Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud parried Manor Solomon's shot. Richarlison sealed the win after half-time, tapping in from Mathys Tel's cross.
“Tottenham beat Auckland FC 2-0 before a record 40,112 crowd in New Zealand's largest men's football attendance.”
De Zerbi, who described the tour as a chance for young players, explained the absence of James Maddison and other key figures. "After a very long trip, we can't take a risk with the players who are not ready to play yet," he told TVNZ before kick-off. The only notable new signing to feature was former West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who came on with half an hour remaining. De Zerbi also revealed that record signing Sandro Tonali, the former Newcastle midfielder, was not considered after suffering "one small problem" before the team left London.
Spurs, who narrowly avoided relegation last season finishing 17th, have embarked on an aggressive summer of spending. Fernandes, 21, was described in a Premier League young players review as an "all-phases monster" who "immediately look[s] like they belong" – a midfielder able to do "a lot of everything."
Tottenham continue their tour with games in Sydney next week against Sydney FC and London rivals Chelsea, as De Zerbi prepares to integrate further new signings including Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson, both not yet up to speed.