Ten-man Tottenham beat Chelsea in Sydney to complete perfect pre-season tour
Tottenham Hotspur secured their fourth consecutive pre-season victory with a late winner against Chelsea in Sydney, capping a successful tour that signals strong momentum for Roberto De Zerbi's heavily invested squad.
Tottenham Hotspur defeated Chelsea 2-1 in the Sydney Super Cup on Friday, securing their fourth consecutive pre-season victory. Substitute Richarlison scored a 92nd-minute winner to seal the result for Roberto De Zerbi’s side despite playing the majority of the second half with ten men.
The result caps a successful summer tour for the club, validating the board's recent heavy investment in the squad. De Zerbi now heads into the final stages of preparation with strong momentum and an unbeaten record across four competitive fixtures.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a deflected effort, marking his first goal since his £100 million transfer from Newcastle United. Chelsea responded almost immediately, as winger Estevao leveled the match with a header just moments later.
The dynamic of the match shifted four minutes into the second half when Tottenham defender Kevin Danso received a red card. The center-back was dismissed for dragging down Chelsea forward Joao Pedro shortly after coming on as a substitute at halftime.
Xabi Alonso’s team struggled to exploit the numerical advantage during the remainder of the contest. Chelsea registered only four shots on target, matching the total of their opponents despite the extra player on the pitch.
Tottenham’s defensive reorganization limited the opposition's clear chances, aided by several key interventions. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky denied both Joao Pedro and Estevao, while the Chelsea winger also saw an effort strike the crossbar.
The match also provided valuable minutes for recent defensive acquisitions integrating into the starting lineup. Andy Robertson made his first start for the club, while Jan Paul van Hecke featured in his debut appearance for the side.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time following a rare counter-attack by the shorthanded Tottenham squad. After Jamie Donley’s attempt ricocheted off the post, Richarlison was positioned to tap the loose ball into an empty net.
Earlier in the contest, Rio Kyerematen had struck the woodwork with a curling effort that bounced off the bar. Tottenham now returns to Europe to conclude their preparations with behind-closed-doors fixtures against Getafe and Hoffenheim.
