Tottenham Hotspur showed real character at St. James’ Park as they fought back in stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United, ending a worrying run of defeats. For most Spurs fans, the night carried mixed emotions.
There were moments of frustration, especially with the controversial penalty that allowed Anthony Gordon to put Newcastle ahead late on, but there were also signs of progress as Thomas Frank’s team refused to fold and pushed until the final whistle.
The first half followed a pattern that Tottenham supporters have unfortunately become used to. Despite having spells of possession, Spurs once again reached the interval without registering a shot on target for the fourth consecutive match.
Their slow and predictable build-up made it easy for Newcastle to stay compact and control large periods of the game. But, just like in Paris the week before, the second half brought a change in spirit.
Spurs came out with more belief, and this shift was embodied by their captain, Cristian Romero, who would go on to score both goals and drag his team away from another defeat.
Bruno Guimarães opened the scoring after the break, a moment that put even more pressure on an already struggling Tottenham side. Then came the penalty decision that raised eyebrows across the league. Many observers, including Arsenal reporter Charles Watts, described it as “madness,” questioning how it was awarded.
Gordon converted to make it 2-1, leaving Spurs’ fans fearing the worst. Yet in the middle of all that frustration, Romero refused to give in. His performance, full of grit and bravery, kept Tottenham alive.
Romero’s equaliser deep into stoppage time, a stunning bicycle kick, was the type of moment that instantly becomes part of club memory. It added to his earlier brave header and showed exactly why he was given the captain’s armband.
Even though he had some shaky defensive moments winning only six of his thirteen duels and being beaten too easily by Harvey Barnes he still produced five recoveries, two blocks, and five clearances. His leadership was visible in every phase of play.
While Romero will naturally dominate the headlines, there was another Tottenham player whose influence might have been even more important. Nineteen-year-old Lucas Bergvall once again delivered a mature, composed, and fearless performance that continues to draw comparisons with Spurs legend Mousa Dembele.
Even at such a young age, Bergvall carries himself with the calmness of a veteran. His ability to control tight spaces, protect the ball, and glide past pressure looks incredibly similar to the qualities that made Dembele one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation.
Bergvall’s aggression, intelligence, and technique stood out in a game where Tottenham were under heavy pressure for long spells. His willingness to take responsibility in midfield helped Spurs stay competitive, especially in moments when Newcastle pushed hard.
Many supporters noticed his calmness early in the match, with one podcast host calling him “a class above the rest in the first half.” That type of compliment is rare for a teenager playing in one of the most challenging fixtures of the season.
Dembele, at his peak under Mauricio Pochettino, was widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe. His effortless dribbling even led Kevin De Bruyne to call him “the best in the world.” Bergvall is not at that level yet, but his profile feels familiar.
He has the physicality, the balance, and the technical sharpness to become the heartbeat of Tottenham’s midfield for many years. What makes his performance even more impressive is that he delivered it at a time when Tottenham’s attacking play often lacked purpose, leaving him with a heavy workload in both directions.
Bergvall showcased both sides of his game at St. James’ Park. He won the only tackle he attempted, completed both of his dribbles, and showed good awareness in transition.
He also helped defensively when Spurs were stretched, adding clearances and recoveries at key moments. His decision-making continues to improve, and his confidence grows with every appearance.
Below is a detailed look at Bergvall’s performance numbers from the match:
| Lucas Bergvall vs Newcastle | Match Stats |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 77 |
| Touches | 28 |
| Accurate passes | 13/17 (76%) |
| Unsuccessful touches | 3 |
| Dribbles | 2/2 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Tackles | 1/1 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Duels won | 3/4 |
His energy and pressing were also noted by Football.London, who gave him a 7/10 rating and praised the intensity he brought to the midfield battle. For a teenager operating in a high-pressure match, those qualities are extremely encouraging.
Bergvall still has a long journey ahead before he can be compared to Dembele in a full and fair way, but the foundation is clearly there. Performances like this one disciplined, brave, and technically sharp are exactly what Thomas Frank needs as he tries to build a stronger identity for Spurs.
If Bergvall continues developing at this pace, he could become the kind of midfielder Tottenham have been missing for years: a dominant, elegant controller who can dictate games.
