Tottenham Hotspur continued their 2014 pre-season with a clash against Schalke 04 on Saturday evening.
Spurs entered the break with a one-goal lead courtesy of a smart finish from Emmanuel Adebayor.
The home side continued to create chances in the second period, but had to wait until the 66th minute to add a second courtesy of a close-range header from Roberto Soldado.
Schalke had one back late on through Kevin-Prince Boateng, but Spurs held on for the victory.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's pre-season coverage continues as Tottenham Hotspur welcome German opposition in the shape of Schalke 04 to London. Spurs enter the match off the back of a thumping 6-1 win over Scottish champions Celtic in their last pre-season match, but Schalke were held to a 1-1 draw by Bochum. Right, let me bring you the confirmed team news from White Hart Lane.
Evening all! Sports Mole's pre-season coverage continues as Tottenham Hotspur welcome German opposition in the shape of Schalke 04 to London. Spurs enter the match off the back of a thumping 6-1 win over Scottish champions Celtic in their last pre-season match, but Schalke were held to a 1-1 draw by Bochum. Right, let me bring you the confirmed team news from White Hart Lane.
TEAMS:
SPURS: Lloris; Naughton, Dier, Kaboul, Rose; Bentaleb, Holtby; Lennon, Eriksen, Lamela; Adebayor
SCHALKE: Fahrmann; Ayhan, Matip, Santana, Kolasina; Neustadter, Aogo; Barnetta, Boateng, Meyer; Choupo-Moting
So there we have it. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino names an attacking lineup, with Aaron Lennon, Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Emmanuel Adebayor all in the XI. New boy Eric Dier also gets a start in defence. Schalke, meanwhile, have former Spurs midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng in their side. New signing Maxim Choupo-Moting leads their line and there is also a spot in the team for the highly-rated Max Meyer.
It has been a successful pre-season for Spurs thus far. The capital outfit opened their preparations for the new campaign with a 3-3 draw against Seattle Sounders on July 19, before beating Toronto and then Chicago Fire. Celtic were their next opponents at the start of the month and the Premier League side ran out comfortable 6-1 winners. The atmosphere is building at White Hart Lane it must be said.
It has been a summer of change for Spurs, with new boss Mauricio Pochettino active in the transfer market and implementing a new style of play. Transfers, both in and out, are still expected to occur up until deadline day, but Pochettino has started to put together a very strong squad. Tonight's clash will be another indicator of just how far along in terms of preparation Spurs are at this stage.
This is also Spurs' last pre-season clash before they open their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham United next weekend. The Hammers beat Tottenham three times last season and the rivalry between the two teams needs no introduction.
Schalke, meanwhile, have had a very active and indeed mixed pre-season. They beat Hordel and Hansa Rostock at the start of the month, before putting 11 goals past DJK Rosenheim. The quality of the opposition rose in their next match, but they managed to record a 2-1 win over Stoke City.
Two more Premier League sides arrived in their next two games, with West Ham United beating the German side on penalties, before Newcastle recorded a 3-1 win. Last time out, Schalke drew 1-1 with Bochum.
The Bundesliga starts one week later than the Premier League season, with Schalke due to open their domestic campaign away to Hannover on August 23. Following that match, they host Bayern Munich before travelling to Borussia Monchengladbach in what is a tough start for Jens Keller's side.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that it is a perfect early evening for a game of football. This match will be a real test for both sides.
Just a reminder that Spurs start their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham United next weekend. Schalke's domestic campaign, meanwhile, begins one week later. Right, Spurs get the action underway.
Possession football for Spurs in the early exchanges, with the likes of Holtby and Rose seeing plenty of the ball. Lamela, meanwhile, has looked bright and busy in the early moments. Rose delivers a low cross towards Adebayor, but Matip is on hand to clear in what has been a fast start from the home side.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening four minutes, but it has been one-way traffic, with Spurs in control of the possession. Lennon and Rose continue to stretch the play in wide areas, but the Schalke defence has been alert to the danger thus far. Good tempo to the early exchanges.
Lennon hits the post for Spurs following a low cross from Adebayor, but the offside flag had been raised and it would not have counted. Schalke are down the other end with Barnetta moments later, but the midfielder swings and misses before Spurs break down the other end. The tempo continues to rise in London.
Half-chance for Schalke as Choupo-Moting shows bright feet on the edge of the Spurs box before feeding Aogo, but his effort is blocked by Kaboul at the vital moment. Just a few signs that Schalke are starting to find their feet in the final third, with Barnetta seeing more and more of the ball.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening 10 minutes, but both sides are committing numbers in the final third, which is making for an open contest. Still goalless at White Hart Lane.
Just a reminder that Schalke finished third in the Bundesliga last season, but they are without a number of their key players for this match due to the World Cup. Spurs, however, are almost at full-strength. The referee has been called into action in the last couple of minutes due to a number of late and feisty tackles.
CHANCE! First real chance for Spurs as Eriksen slides a beautiful pass into Lennon, but Fahrmann just does enough to clear at the vital moment. There is plenty of space for Spurs to exploit outside the Schalke box, with Holtby and Eriksen just starting to take up dangerous positions.
Probing football from Spurs once more as Rose twice delivers dangerous balls into the box, but Matip and then Santana are on hand to clear the danger. Schalke attempt to break down the other end with Boateng, but the former Spurs midfielder cannot find the run of Meyer and the danger is cleared once more.
Half-chance for Adebayor as the Spurs forward beats the offside trap before finding space outside the Schalke box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Spurs have looked the most likely in the opening 20 minutes, but clear chances at White Hart Lane have been few and far between.
Better from Schalke in the last couple of moments as the German outfit force the issue with a period of pressure, but Kaboul and Holtby take it in turns to clear from corners. The atmosphere inside the stadium has dropped following a fast opening and that is reflecting matters on the field.
Half-chance for Spurs as Bentaleb meets a corner outside the Schalke box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Another sight of goal for the home team in what has been an open 24 minutes.
Not too much for either side to get too excited about at the moment, with the majority of the play occurring in the middle of the park. Schalke are a threat on the counter, but their final pass has been poor thus far. The same can be said for Spurs, but the home side have been the better team in the opening 27 minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Spurs as Holtby finds some space inside the Schalke box before turning and firing towards goal, but Fahrmann makes a point-blank save. Super goalkeeping.
GOAL! Spurs 1-0 Schalke (Adebayor)
Spurs have the lead with 29 minutes on the clock as Adebayor collects a low Holtby cross before turning and arrowing his effort into the top corner. It was fine work from Lamela in the build-up, who searched out Holtby in a small gap. The home side break the deadlock in front of their own supporters.
Pochettino will certainly be the happier of the two managers at this stage of proceedings, with his side in control for long spells of this first period. Spurs look dangerous again through Lamela, but this time Matip is across to clear at the vital moment. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced into action to deal with a couple of late challenges. The home supporters are enjoying what they are seeing, however.
Boateng threatens for Schalke after driving into the Spurs box, but Rose just does enough to clear at the vital moment. Choupo-Moting continues to look the most likely for the German outfit, but the forward has been left isolated thus far. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at White Hart Lane.
Just a reminder that both managers are expected to make a host of changes this evening. That could well happen at the interval, which is always fun for me! The match has become slightly scrappy in the last couple of minutes due to a number of late challenges from both sides.
Adebayor continues to work the channels for Spurs, but the experienced forward has been caught offside twice in the last couple of minutes. Schalke have a half-chance as Barnetta finds some space outside the box, but Dier, who has been impressive on his home debut, is across to make a fine last-ditch challenge.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking play from either side in the latter stages of the half. On the whole, Spurs will undoubtedly be the happier side at this stage of proceedings.
HALF-TIME: Spurs 1-0 Schalke
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Spurs leading 1-0 courtesy of a fine finish from Adebayor. The home side have been in control for long spells, with Schalke really struggling to create chances in the final third. It has been an entertaining pre-season clash in London.
Celebrations. @E_Adebayor takes the plaudits after giving us the lead. #COYS #THFC pic.twitter.com/hc9q2agIfT
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 9, 2014
BENCH WATCH: Just a reminder that both managers have plenty of options on their respective benches this evening and changes are expected to occur at the interval and as the half advances. For Spurs, the likes of Townsend, Kane, Soldado and Sandro will be keen to make their mark. Schalke also have plenty of experience in reserve, but are without World Cup stars Huntelaar, Draxler and Howedes.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. The home supporters are in fine voice as Schalke get the second period underway on this warm evening in north London.
SUBS! Four changes for Spurs at the break with Davies, Soldado, Townsend and Kane entering the field in place of Lamela, Rose, Adebayor and Lennon.
CHANCE! Almost the perfect introduction for Kane as the Spurs forward beats the offside trap before attempting to roll his effort into the bottom corner, but the Schalke stopper makes the save. Schalke have also made two changes at the break and I shall bring you up-to-speed as soon as possible.
Changes at half time for #S04: #Höger and @FuchsOfficial on, #Matip and #Kolasinac make way. We're back underway. #TOTS04 1-0
— FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) August 9, 2014
Opportunity for Schalke to threaten from a free kick as Holtby brings Barnetta to the ground in a wide position. The resulting set piece is delivered by Boateng, but Davies is on hand to head clear. End-to-end football in the early moments of the second period as Spurs break with Townsend moments later.
Half-chance for Schalke as Aogo finds some space in a wide position before meeting a cross from Meyer, but Naughton is on hand to make a wonderful block at the vital moment. The resulting corner comes into the Spurs box, but Bentaleb clears once more. Plenty happening with 52 minutes on the clock here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Spurs as Townsend drives down the left before picking out Soldado inside the Schalke box, but the Spanish forward fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Wow!
PENALTY SHOUT! Big penalty shout for Spurs as Kane goes down in the box under pressure from Santana, but the referee is not interested. For me, that was a clear penalty.
BOOKING! Ayhan goes into the book for Schalke following a pull on Townsend, who has been electric since entering at the interval. However, the resulting free kick comes to nothing.
For a pre-season match, this is brilliant stuff. Schalke are threatening on the counter, but Spurs are in control with Townsend and Soldado both looking very dangerous. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and the two sides are still separated by that Adebayor strike in the first period.
CHANCE! Another brilliant chance for Spurs as Townsend collects a pass from Holtby before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.
Half-chance for Schalke this time as Barnetta combines with Boateng outside the Spurs box before striking towards goal, but his effort flashes wide of the post. Spurs are down the other end with Davies moments later, but the move comes to an end when Kane loses possession outside the box.
SUB! Schalke make their third change of the match as Clemens replaces Barnetta.
Half-chance for Schalke on the break as Meyer shows brilliant pace to drive past two defenders before finding Choupo-Moting, but Dier is across to clear at the vital moment. Moments later, Choupo-Moting heads straight into the arms of Lloris as Schalke continue to threaten in wide areas.
GOAL! Spurs 2-0 Schalke (Soldado)
Spurs have their second of the match as Soldado produces a brilliant reaction header after Fahrmann had palmed a Townsend effort straight at the Spaniard. Spurs have daylight here.
SUB! Another change for Spurs as Sandro replaces Eriksen.
Schalke attempt to respond following a period of pressure inside the Spurs half, but Meyer's low cross is cleared by Dier, who has been excellent on his home debut this evening. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Spurs are heading for a comfortable win over the third best side in Germany.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Schalke to score their first as Meyer finds some space inside the Spurs box, but the German places his effort wide of the post. Stunning opportunity.
Another half-chance for Schalke as Clemens delivers a dangerous cross into the Spurs box, but Kaboul and Dier just do enough to clear the danger. Moments later, Hoger fires one wide of the post.
SUB! Another change for Spurs as Carroll replaces Bentaleb.
Half-chance for Spurs this time as Sandro strikes one from outside the box, but the Schalke stopper is across to make the save. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match as both sides continue to commit numbers in the final third. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with Schalke keeping the ball in their own half. The German outfit have created chances this evening, but have struggled to deal with the pace of the Tottenham attack for long spells. It has been fairly comfortable for the Premier League side.
SUB! Another change for Spurs as Fryers replaces Kaboul.
GOAL! Spurs 2-1 Schalke (Boateng)
Schalke open their tally for the evening as Aogo finds some space in a wide area before sliding a pass into Boateng, who nets against his former club from close range.
CHANCE! Another chance for Schalke as Avdijag, who has just replaced Boateng, strikes one from just outside the box, but Lloris is across to make a smart save.
SUB! Spurs make another change as Ceballos replaces Holtby.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ceballos to hand Spurs a 3-1 lead following bright work from Townsend, but the Schalke goalkeeper is on hand to make a stunning save to stop the low drive.
Schalke continue to enjoy more of the ball in the latter stages, but Dier is twice on hand to make fine challenges following bright work from Meyer. Spurs are down the other end with Soldado moments later, but the Spanish international just loses control at the vital moment and the danger is cleared.
End-to-end football in the closing moments here with both sides committing numbers in the final third. Soldado slips for Spurs in a bright position, before Meyer loses control down the other end.
We are into the second of two additional minutes at White Hart Lane.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Spurs to add a third in injury time, but the Schalke goalkeeper first denies Townsend, before forcing Ceballos to fire over the crossbar.
FULL-TIME: Spurs 2-1 Schalke
So there we have it. Spurs complete their 2014 pre-season with a 2-1 win over German side Schalke. Adebayor and Soldado were on target for the home side, before Boateng added a consolation against his former club late on. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
