Tottenham Hotspur claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal in their preseason friendly at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, with Pape Matar Sarr producing a moment of brilliance to decide the contest.
In the tightly contested game captured by Softfootball, Arsenal’s new signing, Viktor Gyokeres, featured for 13 minutes. However, the game was a shadow of what Mikel Arteta had revealed going into the game this afternoon, as previously reported by Softfootball while analyzing the game.
The match, part of both clubs’ Asia tour schedule, was billed as the first North London derby to be played outside Europe. Though labelled friendly, the encounter retained a competitive edge, especially in front of a lively crowd that included a large contingent of local supporters.
The decisive moment arrived just before halftime. Sarr, spotting David Raya well off his line, let fly from inside his own half. The audacious effort soared over the Arsenal goalkeeper and into the net, leaving the crowd stunned and Tottenham players in celebration.
It was the kind of goal that defines preseason headlines: technically ambitious, unexpected, and memorable.
Arsenal had enjoyed more of the ball in the opening stages, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka leading the attacks against Spurs’ backline, with Viktor Gyokeres starting from the bench.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side lacked precision in the final third, as Tottenham grew into the game as the half wore on. Thomas Frank’s team pressed higher and began to unsettle Arsenal’s rhythm. Richarlison led the line with energy, while Odobert and Muhammed Kudus provided creative runs from the flank.
In the second half, both managers made multiple changes. Arsenal introduced several youngsters, including Max Dorman, as well as newly signed Gyökeres and Cristhian Mosquera, while Tottenham brought on fresh legs to manage the Hong Kong heat.
Despite some late Arsenal pressure, including a curling effort from Leandro Trossard, Spurs held firm. The win gives Tottenham a confidence boost heading into the final stages of preseason. For Arsenal, the focus now shifts to improving cohesion, especially after integrating Viktor Gyökeres.
Both clubs will now return to Europe to fine-tune preparations ahead of their respective Premier League openers.
