Bruno Guimaraes gets in furious fight as Newcastle’s Son Heung-min gesture speaks volumes at the end

The Magpies delivered their most convincing pre-season performance yet in a fiery 1-1 draw against Tottenham that blended sporting competitiveness with poignant farewells.

While the match ultimately ended level, Newcastle’s display in Seoul’s World Cup Stadium offered promising signs ahead of their Champions League campaign, showcasing the trademark intensity that had been conspicuously absent during earlier summer defeats.

Bruno Guimarães embodied this resurgence, engaging in a heated first-half confrontation with Cristian Romero that saw the Brazilian midfielder momentarily grab his opponent by the neck an incident that required Joelinton’s physical intervention to diffuse.

These flashes of controlled aggression signaled Newcastle’s return to the combative identity that propelled them into Europe’s elite competition, even in this friendly context.

The altercation, occurring just days after Liverpool’s rejected £110 million bid for Guimarães, perhaps carried additional symbolism about the midfielder’s commitment to the cause.

Harvey Barnes’ exquisite equalizer seven minutes before halftime demonstrated Newcastle’s growing attacking cohesion.

The winger’s composed finish striking the post before nestling in the net capped a flowing move involving Joelinton and Anthony Gordon, offering a glimpse of the fluidity Eddie Howe has been striving for throughout pre-season.

Barnes’ celebration, set against the stadium speakers blaring “Local Hero,” provided one of those rare preseason moments that felt genuinely meaningful.

The match’s emotional core, however, belonged to Son Heung-min’s farewell. From the opening minutes, when thousands of smartphone lights illuminated the stadium during his first touch, to the guard of honor both teams formed upon his substitution, this was always about more than football.

The South Korean icon’s tearful departure after a decade at Tottenham marked the end of an era, with Newcastle’s players showing admirable respect while still competing fiercely—a balance that defines top-level professionalism.

Tactically, Newcastle displayed improved defensive organization after Brennan Johnson’s early opener exposed some lingering preseason sloppiness.

Kieran Trippier’s visible frustration at the goal conceded—jumping in anger at his backline—sparked the response Howe demanded. The introduction of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall in the second half added fresh energy, while Lewis Miley’s growing influence in midfield suggests the teenager could play a significant role this campaign.

Off the pitch, the spectacle underscored football’s global reach. K-pop stars and South Korean celebrities joined 60,000 fans in creating an atmosphere that transcended the friendly label.

For Newcastle’s hierarchy, the commercial opportunities in Asia became visibly apparent—an important consideration as they seek to grow the club’s brand to match its sporting ambitions.

As the final whistle blew, the result mattered less than the performance indicators. Newcastle’s players left the field with renewed confidence after ending their losing streak, while Tottenham bid farewell to their legend with dignity intact.

For Howe, the challenge now is translating these promising signs into Premier League results—and resolving the Alexander Isak saga that continues to loom over their preparations.

With the season opener approaching, this match may be remembered more for Son’s emotional exit than footballing quality. But for Newcastle supporters, seeing their team rediscover its competitive edge even in preseason offers genuine cause for optimism after a turbulent summer.

The fighting spirit that defined their rise under Howe appears intact; now they must prove it can propel them to new heights.