Ange Postecoglou left confused by Newcastle United method of victory against Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou has joked he had no idea Tottenham Hotspur’s end-of-season friendly with Newcastle United would go to penalties.

Both Premier League clubs fielded strong sides at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of 78,419 supporters. The Magpies were on the back foot in the first half, conceding to James Maddison before Alexander Isak equalised against the run of play.

Eddie Howe was able to give several youngsters a chance during the second half - including Australian international Garang Kuol. Spurs did the same as the dead rubber appeared to fizzle out towards a draw.

That was until fans were stunned to learn a penalty shoot-out would take place to decide a winner. Ever Tottenham manager Postecoglou was confused once news broke to the dugout five minutes from time.

The 58-year-old - who grew up in Melbourne - laughed off his penalty shoot-out defeat and stressed the “importance” of fielding a good team for the international fans. Postecoglou told Spurs’ media channel: “I thought the boys were good. That was really important because 80,000 people turned up with the expectation of seeing Premier League sides play.

“It’s important we deliver that from our part. I thought the boys were outstanding in the first half. Second half, obviously we made a lot of changes, gave some young boys experience and, unfortunately, lost on the surprise penalties.

“I didn’t know they were coming! But it is what it is. The main thing to take out of this is we were representing one of the biggest clubs in the world. I hate to think anyone left thinking we weren’t taking it seriously.

“The people that came out tonight spent their money and, for a lot of them, it’s their only chance to see us play. I think we did that and represented the club well.”