In a historic first North London Derby on foreign soil, Tottenham Hotspur edged out Arsenal 1-0 in a tightly contested pre-season friendly at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. A spectacular long-range strike from Pape Sarr just before half-time proved the difference, as Spurs handed Arsenal their first defeat of the 2025 Asia Tour and claimed early bragging rights ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
DAVID RAYA GETS CAUGHT MILES OFF HIS LINE AFTER WANDERING OUT OF THE BOX WITH THE BALL AND PAPE MATAR SARR PUNISHES HIM WITH A LOB FROM HALFWAY 😮 pic.twitter.com/TDJoFCT6Za
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 31, 2025
Match Overview
The match, played in front of a vibrant crowd at 7:30 pm local time (12:30 pm BST), marked the third and final fixture of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, following victories over AC Milan (1-0) and Newcastle United (3-2). For Tottenham, it was a chance to build momentum under Thomas Frank’s high-pressing, attacking philosophy. Despite Arsenal’s dominance in recent derbies—unbeaten in their last six competitive meetings (5W, 1D)—Spurs showcased resilience and clinical finishing to secure the win.
First Half: Sarr’s Moment of Magic
Arsenal, fielding a strong lineup featuring summer signing Christian Norgaard alongside stalwarts Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice, started brightly. Mikel Arteta’s side controlled possession early, with Saka and Gabriel Martinelli testing Spurs’ full-backs Pedro Porro and Djed Spence. However, Tottenham’s high line, led by captain Cristian Romero, held firm, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario making a crucial save to deny Kai Havertz’s header in the 15th minute.
A win in Hong Kong for the Europa League Champions 😛 pic.twitter.com/OCzTGcmNbS
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025
As the half progressed, Spurs grew into the game, with young midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Sarr dictating play. The decisive moment came in the 45th minute when Sarr, collecting a loose ball 25 yards out, unleashed a ferocious drive that flew past David Raya into the top corner, sending the Spurs contingent into raptures. The goal, a highlight of the match, showcased Sarr’s growing influence in Frank’s midfield.
Second Half: Arsenal Push, Spurs Stand Firm
Arsenal emerged from the break with renewed intensity,the Gunners pressed for an equalizer, with Saka’s mazy runs and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s energy causing problems. Tottenham, however, remained dangerous on the counter, with Son Heung-min and Rodrigo Bentancur linking well to exploit gaps in Arsenal’s high press. Despite substitutions, the Gunners struggled to convert their possession into clear chances. Spurs’ defensive grit, epitomized by Romero and Micky van de Ven, ensured they held on for the clean sheet.
Key Moments and Performances
Pape Sarr was the standout performer, earning Player of the Match for his goal and tireless work rate. His strike was Tottenham’s only shot on target, underlining their efficiency. For Arsenal, Saka and Odegaard showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the final touch, while Gyokeres, in his first outing since joining from Sporting CP, showed promise but was well-marshaled by Spurs’ backline.
Arsenal’s finishing woes were evident, with supporters on platforms like Reddit noting their “woeful finishing” as a key factor in the defeat. Tottenham’s ability to absorb pressure and capitalize on a rare opportunity highlighted their tactical discipline, a contrast to their struggles in the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Spurs beat Arsenal 1-0, winning the first ever north London derby played outside of the UK ⚪🇭🇰 pic.twitter.com/BtHgn2Xd3N
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 31, 2025
Post-Match Reaction
Mikel Arteta, while disappointed, praised his team’s effort: “We dominated large parts but lacked that killer instinct. It’s pre-season, and these games help us learn.” Frank, meanwhile, lauded Sarr’s contribution and Spurs’ resilience: “Pape’s goal was world-class, and the lads showed character to hold on against a strong Arsenal side.”
What’s Next?
Arsenal now return to London for home friendlies against Villarreal (August 6) and Athletic Club (August 9) before their Premier League opener against Manchester United. Tottenham, buoyed by this victory, will look to carry their momentum into their final pre-season fixtures. The result sets the stage for an intriguing competitive derby when the sides meet again in the Premier League, with Arsenal still holding a strong historical edge (16 wins to Spurs’ 11 in 35 meetings).
Lineups
Arsenal: Raya (Arrizabalaga 46’); White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard (Zubimendi 46’), Rice, Odegaard (C); Saka (Dowman 65’), Havertz, Martinelli (Salmon 65’).
Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero (C), van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr (85’), Bergvall (78’); Kulusevski, Maddison, Son.
Goal: Sarr 45’ (Tottenham).
