Tottenham sail past PSG
orlando — Harry Kane’s late penalty helped Tottenham Hotspur start their pre-season preparations in emphatic fashion as French champions Paris St Germain imploded in Orlando.
PSG were reduced to 10 men just moments into the second half when German goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who had endured an awful first 45 minutes, was sent off for handballing outside of the box.
And although Unai Emery’s side were difficult to break down, late strikes from Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld and Kane, both on as substitutes, sealed a 4-2 triumph in front of 33,332 fans at the Camping World Stadium.
It’s very early days in this preseason yet there was certainly enough on show from the London team to suggest a strong campaign in the Premier League beckons.
Both teams arrived at the Camping World stadium with tremendous uncertainty surrounding their transfer dealings this summer.
The French champions are reportedly poised to land Neymar from Barcelona in a world record 222-million euro ($256.8 million) deal, and also remain confident of landing Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez.
Emery was giving nothing away when asked about the potential transfers.
“We are always looking for players who can help the team,” he said. “Now for us the most important thing is to concentrate on the matches we have coming up,” added the coach, who on the evidence of Saturday’s game could use the infusion of talent.
Tottenham, meanwhile, were once again forced to contest claims that Eric Dier, their versatile England international, was the subject of a $50 million bid from Manchester United.
There is certain to be movement involving both teams as their respective domestic seasons draw closer, yet this was the first time Mauricio Pochettino’s side had played this pre-season. PSG beat Roma on penalties in Detroit last Wednesday after their exhibition game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes. —