North London Derby Heats Up in Hong Kong: Tottenham Edges Arsenal in Pre-Season Friendly

The highly anticipated pre-season friendly between North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur took place on July 31, 2025, in Hong Kong, delivering an early taste of derby intensity. While the result may not carry league points, bragging rights and a strong start to pre-season preparations were certainly on the line for both clubs.

Match Highlights: Sarr's Stunner and Gyokeres' Debut

The fixture saw Tottenham emerge victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal. The decisive moment came courtesy of a spectacular goal from Pape Matar Sarr, who reportedly scored from the halfway line, leaving fans and commentators alike in awe. This stunning effort sealed the win for Spurs and provided a memorable highlight for the pre-season clash.

For Arsenal, the match marked a significant moment with the debut of new signing Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker was included in the squad for the Hong Kong North London Derby, and his appearance gave Arsenal fans a first glimpse of their new attacking talent in action. While the team couldn't secure a win, Gyokeres' presence indicates the club's intent for the upcoming season.

Pre-Season Preparations and Derby Spirit

This friendly served as a crucial part of both teams' preparations for the demanding 2025-26 Premier League season. Despite its exhibition nature, the North London Derby always ignites a competitive spirit. The match provided valuable minutes for players, allowing managers to assess squad fitness, tactical approaches, and integrate new signings like Gyokeres. Supporters in Hong Kong were treated to a lively encounter, showcasing the enduring rivalry even thousands of miles from home.

As both teams continue their pre-season tours, this match offers insights and areas for improvement. Tottenham will take confidence from their win and Sarr's exceptional goal, while Arsenal will look to fine-tune their strategies and integrate their new talent further ahead of the new campaign.

The image below captures a moment from the intense football action: