The North London derby ventured beyond UK shores, with Tottenham Hotspur claiming a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in a pre-season friendly at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park. Despite the friendly status, the match carried the intensity of a competitive clash, with Pape Matar Sarr’s stunning first-half strike proving the difference in a game where Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm.
The North London derby is special wherever we are!
— Pape Matar Sarr (@papematarsarr15) July 31, 2025
Thank you Hong Kong 😛 pic.twitter.com/sft1qjM4XT
Match Summary
The match, played in front of a vibrant 50,000-strong crowd, saw Tottenham dominate the early exchanges. Spurs struck the woodwork three times before Sarr’s moment of brilliance in the 45th minute. The Senegalese midfielder unleashed a powerful long-range effort that flew past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who endured a challenging afternoon.
Arsenal, fielding new signings like Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Mosquera alongside regulars Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard, struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their solitary shot on target underscored a lack of attacking cohesion, with fans and analysts pointing to persistent issues in breaking down a resolute Tottenham defense.
Tottenham’s defensive display in the second half was particularly impressive, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven holding firm against Arsenal’s pressure. The Gunners’ set pieces were notably ineffective, and their lack of creativity was a talking point among supporters on social media.
Champions again ole ole ole 🎶🏆pic.twitter.com/k5Y3zIxsq8
— COYS.com (@COYS_com) July 31, 2025
Key Moments
- First Half Woes for Arsenal: Tottenham’s aggressive start saw Pedro Porro’s corner nearly sneak in directly, while Wilson Odobert also hit the post. Arsenal’s defense, featuring Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly, looked vulnerable, with Raya’s errant pass contributing to Sarr’s goal.
- Sarr’s Stunner: Just before halftime, Sarr capitalized on Arsenal’s lack of control, firing a spectacular shot from distance to give Spurs a deserved lead.
- Arsenal’s Second-Half Push: Despite introducing substitutes like 15-year-old Max Dowman, Arsenal couldn’t break through Tottenham’s low block. Gyökeres, expected to make an impact, was limited to minimal touches.
- Spurs’ Resilience: Tottenham’s disciplined second-half performance stifled Arsenal’s attacks, with fans praising their defensive solidity and ability to see out the game.
Tactical Insights
Both teams adopted a 4-2-4 shape at times, with Tottenham exploiting Arsenal’s high press through long balls and quick transitions. Arsenal’s midfield, including Ødegaard and Rice, struggled to assert control, while Kiwior’s reluctance to carry the ball forward highlighted the absence of Riccardo Calafiori’s dynamism.
Tottenham’s strategy focused on overloading Arsenal’s right-back Ben White and leveraging Pedro Porro’s crossing ability. Their set-piece threat, though not converted, kept Arsenal on edge. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s inability to penetrate Tottenham’s compact defense raised questions about their reliance on players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli in key moments.
Post-Match Reaction
Tottenham fans celebrated the victory on social media, with one supporter noting, “Pape Sarr’s worldie and a brilliant defensive display—Spurs looked strong and resilient!” Arsenal fans, however, expressed frustration, with some calling for tactical adjustments and questioning the integration of new signings. “Same old issues—£200M spent, and we’re still struggling to break down a low block,” one fan posted.
Pape Matar Sarr | Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) July 31, 2025
Pape Matar Sarr hunt David Raya from halfway linepic.twitter.com/mKo8Y4loVs
Mikel Arteta will likely view this as a wake-up call ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Despite Arsenal’s strong pre-season form, with wins over AC Milan (1-0) and Newcastle United (3-2), this defeat exposed familiar weaknesses. Tottenham, coming off a mixed pre-season with a win over Reading (2-0) and draws against Wycombe (2-2) and Luton Town (0-0), will take confidence from this performance.
Looking Ahead
Arsenal now return to London for friendlies against Villarreal (August 6) and Athletic Club (August 9) at the Emirates Stadium before their Premier League opener against Manchester United on August 17. Tottenham, buoyed by this win, face Newcastle in Seoul on August 3 and Bayern Munich on August 7 as they continue their pre-season preparations.
While the result won’t count in the record books, the passion of the north London derby was undeniable. As one fan aptly put it, “No existen los amistosos en los clásicos” — there are no friendlies in derbies. For Arsenal, it’s back to the drawing board, while Tottenham savor a rare victory in this storied rivalry.
