Spurs start with win

Spurs start with win

Tottenham Hotspur beat the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the first match of the Barclays New York Challenge.

Spurs came from behind at Red Bull Arena after Thierry Henry had scored for the Americans on his debut.

The former Arsenal striker was a regular scourge of Tottenham defences during eight successful years in north London and needed just 25 minutes to make his mark in the Barclays New York Challenge match.

Joel Lindpere created the opening for the new arrival with a teasing low cross from the left channel and Henry reacted smartly to steer the ball beyond Carlo Cudicini.

 

The Frenchman was removed at the interval and with it went the home side's impetus as Harry Redknapp's Spurs got a foothold in the match.

The equaliser arrived on 62 minutes as New York failed to clear their lines from a corner and Robbie Keane had a simple task to tap home at the far post.

And 10 minutes later the fightback was complete as Gareth Bale latched onto a weak defensive header to slot the ball home.

good team

"I wasn't surprised (by Red Bulls), I knew it would be difficult and I thought they had some good players," Redknapp told Spurs' official website.

"The boy up front the, number 10 (Macoumba Kandji), was a very skillful player, he is from Senegal I think, he has got good ability.

"They have Thierry Henry up there as well now and the American kids at the back were quick, they were a good team.

"They are fit and they were bright. It was difficult but we stuck in there and got the result.

"We went to San Jose and I was impressed with them as well.

"They played well so certainly the league here looks in good shape. I've been really impressed with the two teams I have seen."

Barclays New York Challenge Fixtures

Friday 23th July - Sporting Lisbon v Manchester City
Sunday 25th July - Tottenham v Sporting Lisbon
Sunday 25th July - New York Red Bulls v Manchester City