Three things we learned as Tottenham beat Sydney FC on penalties

Tottenham continued their pre-season preparations with a penalty shootout victory over Sydney FC after a frustrating 1-1 draw in normal time.

Mathys Tel's superb first-half free-kick looked set to earn Spurs another victory before Takahiro Sekine capitalised on a defensive mistake to level the scores after the break.

Dane Scarlett eventually converted the winning penalty as Roberto De Zerbi's side claimed victory in the Sydney Super Cup, but there were plenty of talking points ahead of this weekend's meeting with Chelsea.

Mathys Tel is making a strong case to become a key player under De Zerbi this season.

The French forward followed up an encouraging display against Auckland FC with another lively performance, capped by an outstanding free-kick that gave Tottenham the lead.

Tel looked dangerous throughout the first half, linking play well and constantly threatening Sydney's defence with his movement and direct running.

His influence faded only because he was withdrawn at the break, with Spurs looking noticeably less threatening in attack after his departure.

De Zerbi continues to carefully manage his players' workloads during pre-season, and Tottenham were without several senior names.

Mateus Fernandes, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Jan Paul van Hecke, Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven all missed the match, while Sandro Tonali and Andy Robertson were introduced from the bench.

Robertson's delivery and Tonali's composure immediately raised Tottenham's level, highlighting the difference between the club's established starters and those fighting for places.

With Chelsea up next, De Zerbi will hope to welcome more first-team players back into contention.

Lucas Bergvall started in midfield but uncertainty over his future continues to dominate discussion.

The Swedish midfielder has informed Tottenham he wants more regular first-team football, with Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United both interested.

After the match, De Zerbi admitted he wants Bergvall to stay but cannot promise him a starting place.

"I would like he stays, but if he doesn't want I can do nothing," the Spurs boss admitted.

Following Tottenham's major investment in midfield this summer, Bergvall appears to face an increasingly difficult path to regular minutes.

Tottenham are continuing to build fitness under Roberto De Zerbi, but the match also highlighted several selection dilemmas before the Premier League season begins. Tel's form is a major positive, while Bergvall's future remains one of the biggest stories to watch before the transfer window closes.

Tottenham face Chelsea in their next pre-season fixture, where De Zerbi is expected to hand more minutes to his returning senior players while decisions continue over Bergvall's future.