Tottenham's unbeaten run to start to pre-season was brought to an emphatic end by Bayern Munich, who ran riot in a 4-0 victory on Thursday evening.
It was a defeat of few positives for Thomas Frank, who had seen his side beat Arsenal and draw with Newcastle in the Far East. Ultimately, the perennial Bundesliga champions proved a jump too big in quality, and there will be concerns with the UEFA Super Cup less than a week away.
Spurs' performance failed to inspire, but there was a sense that Frank's side could've finally gained a foothold when Vincent Kompany seemingly opted for mercy by ringing the changes at 2-0. Instead, the Belgian unleashed a bunch of teenage sharpshooters upon us, who ran up the score during the game's final quarter.
Here are four things we learned from our final friendly of the summer.
1. He's still one of our own
It was seemingly a part of the Harry Kane deal two summers that Spurs would take on Bayern Munich every pre-season. After squaring off twice in 2024, we competed in the Telekom Cup on Thursday.
Kane was included in a strong Bayern starting XI for their second friendly of the summer, and our all-time record goalscorer enjoyed an eventful evening against familiar faces.
His lack of a public message over Son Heung-min's Tottenham farewell has angered many, but even those most furious at his recent social media malaise would've appreciated the quality of Kane's opening goal. Sure, he was a yard offside, but the touch to create the space for the finish was vintage.
The striker's comical penalty miss a few minutes later was less "like the Harry Kane we know", but his overall performance undoubtedly drifted into the realm of nostalgia. It's the small things you miss, and his capacity to win a foul remains one of Kane's most underrated mastered arts. Admittedly, Cristian Romero often made his attempts to scythe his former teammate down pretty obvious.
2. Palhinha's rusty debut
I was surprised to see our latest arrival included in the starting XI, with Palhinha returning to a very familiar environment on debut.
Our new No. 6 was stationed alongside Rodrigo Bentancur in Frank's pivot, as Pape Matar Sarr resumed his more advanced role.
Palhinha has the makings of an incredibly shrewd signing, but these 45 minutes were not an indication of such astuteness. He performed like someone who hasn't played all that much football as of late, and, well, he hasn't.
The 30-year-old gave away the penalty, which Kane blazed over, with a lazy lunge, and rarely appeared comfortable in the face of Bayern hostility when the ball arrived at his feet. A giveaway in the Spurs third almost led to another Kane goal.
In the absence of a central creator, I fear Palhinha's shortcomings as a passer will be exacerbated, but I don't doubt that the authoritative figure we expect to arrive in north London will soon manifest.
3. Kudus or bust
Mohammed Kudus was a bright spark.
The Ghanaian has impressed so far in pre-season after joining the club at West Ham, but it's utterly remarkable that he's one of only two fresh faces to appear for Frank this summer—if you exclude Luka Vuskovic.
Spurs were under constant duress by a Bayern side that is really good without possession. They often press man-to-man, and Kudus constantly had Josip Stanisic up his backside. In the absence of a linker in midfield, Spurs often sought the Ghanaian out as a means to get up the pitch. They otherwise appeared bereft of ideas.
Kudus didn't make everything stick, but he was a far more reliable route than anyone else. He's ever so strong, and his genius problem-solving in tight spaces allowed him to wriggle free of pressure and break the game open on several occasions.
He did overhit his crosses, but his use as an outlet was clear to see. However, it was a matter of Kudus or bust for Spurs in Munich, and that's a big worry.
4. Worrying gulf in class
Bayern Munich are a very good side. They may not be Pep Guardiola-led Bayern sorta good, but they're one of Europe's current best.
You're allowed to appear inferior to such teams, but the gulf between the two sides in Munich was a little too big. Remember: we are playing Champions League football this season.
Spurs had some success attempting to win the ball back high up the pitch, but Bayern also had joy breaking through. Once they reached the final third, their wide combinations proved overwhelming, and the proclivity of our midfielders to drop into the backline when the ball went wide meant shooting situations constantly opened up on the edge of the box.
Ultimately, Spurs performed like a plucky underdog who spent the contest pleading for respite. Bayern's dominance meant the 4-0 scoreline was just, even if one goal was offside and three were high-quality strikes from range.
There was a passivity in the defensive third that allowed Bayern to manufacture openings with ease, and our inability to combine in the face of pressure ensured there was not a semblance of Lilywhite rhythm. Our only chance of note was a Richarlison header at 2-0, but the Brazilian placed his effort wide.
Frank needs help. We absolutely must sign another creative reference point, and hope Dominic Solanke's ankle heals as soon as possible.