Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham: Goals and Highlights
Tottenham won a hard-fought 1-0 against Arsenal in a cracking pre-season friendly at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, the first ever North London Derby played abroad. Pape Matar Sarr’s long-range goal was the winner, and the 49,975 crowd loved it.
Tottenham’s Goal
The match winner came in the 45th minute. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya came out of his box, passed to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was quickly closed down by Richarlison. Amidst Arsenal’s protests for a foul, Pape Sarr pounced on the loose ball and hit an incredible 45-yard lob that went over Raya and in, 0-1. The goal of the season contender gave Tottenham the lead just before halftime.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham: First Half
The first 45 minutes were intense, despite only one goal. Tottenham had multiple chances from set pieces, hitting the woodwork three times. In the 10th minute, Pedro Porro’s corner hit the post directly. A minute later, Wilson Odobert’s low shot deflected off Ben White and hit the bar. From another corner, Richarlison missed a close-range chance, and William Saliba cleared off the line. Arsenal had 57% possession but couldn’t convert, with only one shot on target in the half.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham: Second Half
Arsenal pushed hard after the break for the equaliser. In the 59th minute, Myles Lewis-Skelly won the ball and set up Gabriel Martinelli, who curled a shot from the edge of the box just wide. Despite 15 shots, only one tested Tottenham’s goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, showing Arsenal’s lack of clinical finishing. The derby intensity peaked when Pedro Porro shoved Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta before a throw-in, and the exchanges got heated.
Debuts and Tactical Notes
Arsenal brought on new signing Viktor Gyökeres in the 77th minute, but the £63.5m striker had only two touches and couldn’t change the game. Subs Max Dowman and Martin Zubimendi had moments of brilliance but couldn’t break down Tottenham’s defence. For Tottenham, Mohammed Kudus was impressive with his dribbling, while subs Son Heung-Min and Yves Bissouma helped seal the win.
Man of the Match
Pape Sarr was the star of the show with his goal and all-action midfield display, five tackles to win man of the match. Thomas Frank celebrated a tactical win; his team were excellent from set pieces. Arsenal’s possession was overshadowed by their lack of creativity, a concern for Mikel Arteta before the Premier League season.
Next Up
Arsenal face Villarreal on August 6, and Tottenham play Newcastle in South Korea.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham: Goals and Highlights
