Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspurs in Hong Kong was overtaken by the debut of Swedish international, Viktor Gyokeres. Softfootball watched as the Gunners were by beaten 1-0 by city rivals in Hong Kong.
The North London Derby, the first outside the walls of North London was the Gunners’ last match in their tour of Asia in this preseason period. The Gunners were shot down by a Pape Matar Sarr goal.
The Spurs’ midfielder took advantage of Lewis Skelly’s over zealousness on the ball and lobbed the out of position David Raya in the last seconds of the first half.
Watch Pape Sarr’s goal against Arsenal in Hong Kong as posted on Tottenham’s official verified X handle
This loss becomes Arsenal’s first defeat in the preseason and their only loss in the preseason tour of Asia this summer. Mikel Arteta had fielded a strong side after having started an XI that has just one new buy in it – Christian Norgaard.
The Gunners had dominated but could not take any of the chances created. Hence the need for a proper striker which saw the introduction of Viktor Gyokeres. The new number 14 did not have enough chance to show his qualities but the fans cheered him at every touch he had on the ball.
Gyokeres had joined the Gunners’ camp in Singapore immediately he finished his unveiling duties at the club centre in London. He had been involved in his first full training and Arteta had assured that he will go with the doctors say when asked about the striker’s debut against Spurs.
He explained before the game that:
“we will see. If the doctors give the go ahead, then he will play.”
And it did look like the doctor okayed him to play as the striker was sent on in the 77th minute replacing Kai Havertz.
Havertz and flopped his line with different chances that when begging during the game. Gyokeres however could not make a mark on the go as the Spurs defense held on tight to ensure the 1-0 win.
The Gunners will have some updates to give on some players as Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly adn Leo Trossard were on the deck a few times. Trossard had to be eventually taken off for Reis Nelson after feeling something in his groin.
The Belgian attacker will need to be fit again to fight for his shirt in the Arsenal team amidst talks of being sold to Borussia Dortmund this summer.
