Pape Matar Sarr lit up Hong Kong with a sensational long-range strike to give Tottenham Hotspur a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the first-ever north London derby played overseas. The unforgettable goal secured victory in front of a record-breaking crowd of 49,975 at the Kai Tak Stadium and continued Spurs’ unbeaten pre-season run.
A Goal to Remember
The moment of magic came just before half-time. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya played the ball into midfield, but Myles Lewis-Skelly lost possession under pressure from Richarlison. The referee waved play on, and the ball landed at Sarr’s feet. With incredible vision, the Senegalese midfielder launched a precise shot from around 45 yards. The ball soared over Raya and nestled into the net—an instant classic.
Bright Start from Spurs
Spurs looked threatening from the start. In the 10th minute, Pedro Porro whipped in a dangerous in-swinging corner that struck the inside of the post. Richarlison followed up with a header, but Arsenal defender William Saliba cleared it off the line.
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Minutes later, Spurs continued to press. Mohammed Kudus fired a shot that was blocked by Saliba, and the rebound fell to Wilson Odobert, whose attempt just clipped Ben White and hit the outside of the far post. From the resulting corner, Kudus delivered another teasing cross, but Richarlison couldn’t connect cleanly.
Solid Defense Keeps Arsenal Out
Despite having more possession, Arsenal struggled to penetrate Spurs’ well-organized back line. Guglielmo Vicario had little to do, with most of Arsenal’s efforts failing to trouble the goalkeeper. The first half ended with Spurs on top, both in scoreline and performance.
In the second half, Arsenal came out with more intent. Martin Odegaard found space in the box but saw his shot deflect off Cristian Romero and over the bar. Soon after, Gabriel Martinelli fired over from inside the area after a clever combination from Lewis-Skelly and Kai Havertz.
Close Calls on Both Ends
Spurs nearly doubled their lead in the 66th minute. Substitute Mathys Tel sent in a perfect cross to the back post, where Micky van de Ven rose to meet it, only to glance his header just wide.
Arsenal responded with a half-volley from Martin Zubimendi, which deflected off Brennan Johnson and went narrowly over. Vicario remained composed, easily collecting a low shot from Havertz minutes later.
Young Talent and Welcome Returns
As the game entered its final stretch, both teams made several changes. One notable substitution was Arsenal’s 15-year-old Max Dowman, who impressed with a blocked shot in the 79th minute. For Spurs, James Maddison returned to the field for the first time since May, adding an emotional highlight to the evening.
A Night to Celebrate
The win handed Spurs the Herbalgy Trophy and added another boost to their pre-season morale. Head Coach Thomas Frank enjoyed a perfect debut in his first match against Arsenal, guiding the team to a spirited and disciplined performance.
Spurs now look ahead to their next pre-season test. They will face Newcastle United in South Korea on Sunday before heading back to London. With momentum on their side and standout moments like Sarr’s wonder goal, Tottenham’s summer tour continues on a high.
The atmosphere in Hong Kong was electric as fans witnessed a memorable clash between two fierce rivals on international soil. Spurs’ cohesion, tactical discipline, and flashes of brilliance like Sarr’s strike showcased their readiness for the upcoming season
The historic win also marked a significant moment for new head coach Thomas Frank, boosting team morale. Tottenham now shift focus to their next challenge against Newcastle in South Korea.
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