Tottenham Edge Arsenal In Historic First Overseas North London Derby

Tottenham Hotspur claimed a 1–0 victory over Arsenal in the first-ever North London Derby held outside the United Kingdom, thanks to a stunning long-range effort from Pape Matar Sarr.

The historic clash took place on Thursday at the newly opened Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, drawing a record crowd of 49,975. The $3.9 billion venue only opened its doors in March, and fans were treated to a competitive, if occasionally contentious, encounter.

Sarr’s decisive goal came just before half-time, capitalizing on a loose ball after Myles Lewis-Skelly lost possession under pressure from Richarlison. Sarr unleashed a remarkable 45-yard strike that soared over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and into the net. Arsenal protested the goal, arguing that Richarlison had fouled Lewis-Skelly in the buildup, but the referee allowed it to stand.

Despite dominating possession in the second half, Arsenal were unable to find an equalizer. New €73 million signing Viktor Gyökeres was introduced with 13 minutes left, but his presence couldn’t spark a comeback.

The defeat brings a disappointing end to Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, while the result hands new Spurs manager Thomas Frank a landmark win in his first marquee fixture since replacing Ange Postecoglou.

Arsenal began the match brightly, with William Saliba heading narrowly wide from a fourth-minute corner. Set-pieces became a key feature of the contest, particularly with Andreas Georgson—who previously worked under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal—now assisting Frank at Spurs.

Tottenham caused plenty of problems from corners, hitting the woodwork three times in the first half. Pedro Porro’s cross struck the post in the 10th minute, followed by a deflected Wilson Odobert shot that clipped the upright. Spurs came close again from the resulting corner, but Richarlison failed to convert at close range.

Tottenham’s goal came moments before the break, when Raya’s attempt to play out from the back ended with Lewis-Skelly being dispossessed by Sarr, who then launched a driven shot from distance into the net.

Both teams kept the same lineups for the second half. Arsenal’s best chance came around the hour mark when Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli combined well, though the latter’s effort flew off target.

Substitutions began soon after, with Spurs introducing Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, and Brennan Johnson, while Arsenal brought on Leandro Trossard and Martín Zubimendi. However, the loudest cheers were reserved for the 77th-minute introductions of Gyökeres and Spurs icon Son Heung-Min.

Arsenal were dealt a blow when Trossard was forced off with an apparent injury. Despite maintaining pressure and pinning Tottenham back in the final stages, they were unable to break down a resolute Spurs defense.

With the match concluded, Arsenal return to London on Friday, while Tottenham continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to South Korea to face Newcastle United.