Tottenham edged out Arsenal 1-0 in a fiery pre-season clash in Hong Kong, thanks to a sensational long-range strike from Pape Matar Sarr.
The match, played in front of a packed crowd at the Kai Tak Stadium, saw Spurs dominate the first half, hitting the post three times and eventually sealing victory with a moment of brilliance from their Senegalese midfielder.
The game’s decisive moment came midway through the first half when Myles Lewis-Skelly lost possession near the halfway line under pressure from Richarlison.
The ball broke to Sarr, who spotted Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya off his line and produced a stunning chip from distance that sailed into the net, leaving the crowd stunned and Spurs ahead.
Tottenham’s first-half performance was dominant and energetic. Pedro Porro and Mohammed Kudus both struck the post directly from corners, exploiting Raya’s unconvincing handling.
Wilson Odobert, a standout performer on the night, also hit the woodwork after a deflected shot inside the box. Odobert, just 20, troubled Arsenal’s defence repeatedly with his pace and direct dribbling.
Arsenal improved in the second half with the introduction of summer signings Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera.
Zubimendi added control in midfield and tested Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario with a firm effort from the edge of the box.
However, Arsenal’s forwards lacked precision, as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli squandered promising opportunities, and new striker Viktor Gyokeres failed to make an impact after coming on for the final 15 minutes.
Spurs nearly doubled their lead late on when Mathys Tel whipped in a cross that found Mickey van de Ven at the far post, but the defender’s header went narrowly wide.
Mohammed Kudus also impressed for Tottenham with his sharp deliveries and composed play in midfield. Despite Arsenal’s late pressure, the Europa League winners held firm for the clean sheet and the win.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Villarreal next Wednesday before playing Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup on August 9. Their Premier League season begins with a high-stakes opener at Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Tottenham play Newcastle next, then face Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, before meeting Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final on August 13 — their first competitive fixture of the new campaign.
