North London rivals clash in Asia as Sarr’s brilliance downs Gunners in surprise result
Tottenham Hotspur handed Arsenal their first pre-season defeat with a narrow 1-0 victory in an electrifying friendly match held in Hong Kong on Thursday. The much-anticipated North London derby, played before a vibrant crowd of Asian supporters, saw Pape Matar Sarr emerge as the hero for Spurs with a first-half wonder goal that left fans and pundits applauding.
The result brought an end to Arsenal’s promising pre-season run in Asia, which had previously seen them notch victories over AC Milan and Newcastle United. However, against their arch-rivals, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to replicate the fluidity and composure that characterized their earlier performances.
Raya’s Costly Error and Sarr’s Brilliance
The only goal of the match came in the opening half following a lapse in concentration from Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya. In a moment that will likely be the subject of scrutiny, Raya attempted a short pass into midfield which was quickly intercepted. Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly was caught on the ball, allowing Tottenham to pounce.
Sarr, quick to react and sensing an opportunity, noticed Raya slightly off his line. With sublime vision and technique, he lifted the ball from outside the area, curling it over the stranded goalkeeper and into the net. The audacious finish sparked celebrations in the Tottenham camp and left Arsenal chasing the game.
Despite dominating possession for large portions of the match, the Gunners were unable to unlock Spurs’ disciplined defensive setup. While they managed a few threatening moments, including half-chances for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the clinical edge was missing.
Arsenal’s Mixed Tour So Far
Before this defeat, Arsenal had impressed during their Asia tour, comfortably dispatching AC Milan and Newcastle with energetic displays and tactical cohesion. Arteta had rotated his squad across both matches, giving opportunities to academy prospects and first-team regulars alike.
However, the North London derby presented a more emotionally charged and competitive fixture — even in a friendly setting. The defeat exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly in ball progression from the back and midfield decisiveness.
Mikel Arteta, while visibly disappointed with the result, remained optimistic after the match. “Pre-season is about testing ourselves against strong opposition. Today we didn’t execute our plan well, especially in the first half. But we’ll take the lessons and continue to grow,” the Arsenal boss said in his post-match press conference.
Arteta was also quick to defend Raya. “These things happen in football. David has saved us many times and he’ll bounce back. We play a style that requires risk — today it didn’t come off.”
Spurs Building Confidence Under New Management
For Tottenham, the result will be seen as a major boost in confidence as they continue preparations under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. The Australian manager has been implementing a more aggressive pressing style, and his players responded well against Arsenal’s high-possession game.
Postecoglou praised his team’s composure and tactical discipline. “I’m proud of the way the boys stuck to the game plan. It’s not just about the win — it’s about how we played. We were compact, aggressive, and took our chance when it came,” he said.
He also singled out Pape Matar Sarr for praise: “Sarr’s goal was world-class. He’s been showing glimpses of his quality in training, and today the world saw what he can do.”
Looking Ahead: Emirates Cup and Season Kick-Off
With the Hong Kong fixture behind them, Arsenal now turn their focus to the Emirates Cup, where they will take on Spanish sides Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal. The tournament, hosted annually at the Emirates Stadium, will give Arteta a chance to fine-tune his tactics and integrate any new signings before the Premier League kicks off in August.
There’s growing anticipation among fans to see how Arsenal’s new signings adapt, and whether the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz — both expected to play key roles — can bring added spark to the squad.
Tottenham, meanwhile, will wrap up their Asian tour with a fixture against a local select XI before returning to London to continue their build-up. With several youth players impressing on tour and key figures like Son Heung-min and James Maddison showing sharpness, Postecoglou appears to be shaping a more united and fluid Spurs team.
Final Thoughts
While the match in Hong Kong was officially a friendly, it carried all the hallmarks of a North London derby — intensity, drama, and individual brilliance. For Arsenal, it was a timely reminder that there is still work to be done before the start of the new season. For Tottenham, it was a statement of intent under new leadership.
As both clubs continue their preparations, fans can expect more drama, goals, and evolving tactics in the weeks ahead. With the Premier League just around the corner, the preseason has already offered a glimpse into the fierce competition that lies ahead in the 2025/26 campaign.
