Match Stats and Report: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham – Pre-Season Friendly, July 31, 2025.
Introduction On July 31, 2025, Tottenham Hotspur secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in a historic pre-season friendly at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, marking the first North London Derby played outside the UK.
A stunning first-half goal from Pape Sarr proved decisive, as Tottenham’s resolute defense held firm against Arsenal’s second-half pressure. Despite Arsenal’s dominance in shots and possession, their lack of clinical finishing—evidenced by just one shot on target—cost them dearly. New signing Viktor Gyökeres made a late debut but had minimal impact with only two touches. This comprehensive report provides detailed match stats, minute-by-minute highlights, tactical analysis, and insights into the implications for both teams as they approach the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Match OverviewThe match, attended by a record-breaking 49,975 fans at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, was a vibrant affair, with Arsenal supporters creating a home-like atmosphere. Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, aimed to maintain their recent dominance over Tottenham, having not lost in their last six meetings (5 wins, 1 draw). However, Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, showcased defensive solidity and clinical finishing to secure their first pre-season win against their rivals..jpeg)
Arsenal’s attacking intent was evident, with 14 shot attempts, but their inability to test Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario—coupled with a controversial moment leading to Sarr’s goal—left them frustrated. Tottenham’s disciplined performance, particularly in the second half, ensured they held onto their lead, giving Frank a morale-boosting victory ahead of their final pre-season fixtures.
Match StatisticsFinal Score: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham HotspurVenue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong KongDate and Time: July 31, 2025, 12:30 PM BST (7:30 PM local time)Attendance: 49,975Referee: Not reportedGoal Scorer: Pape Sarr (44’, Tottenham)Possession: Arsenal 58%, Tottenham 42%Shots (On Target): Arsenal 14 (1), Tottenham 6 (2)Corners: Arsenal 7, Tottenham 3Fouls: Arsenal 12, Tottenham 14Yellow Cards: Arsenal 1 (Mikel Merino, 90+2’), Tottenham 1 (Rodrigo Bentancur, 25’)Saves: David Raya (Arsenal) 1, Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham) 1Big Chances Created: Arsenal 2, Tottenham 2Big Chances Missed: Arsenal 2, Tottenham 1Pass Accuracy: Arsenal 86%, Tottenham 82%Duels Won: Arsenal 48, Tottenham 52Tackles Won: Arsenal 14, Tottenham 16Source: Adapted from match reports and statistical insights.
Minute-by-Minute HighlightsFirst Half: Tottenham’s Clinical Edge1’ | Arsenal’s Early IntentArsenal started brightly, with Martin Ødegaard’s shot deflected just wide within the first minute. The Gunners pressed high, setting an aggressive tone.
ARS 0-0 TOT
10’ | Tottenham’s First Chance
Pedro Porro’s corner evaded everyone and struck the far post. The rebound fell to Richarlison, who headed straight at William Saliba.
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15’ | Ødegaard Misses Again
Ødegaard’s effort from a corner went off target, as Arsenal continued to dominate possession but lacked precision.
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22’ | Tottenham’s Missed Opportunity
Wilson Odobert’s low shot was deflected onto the post and wide. From the resulting corner, Richarlison missed an open goal from close range, a significant let-off for Arsenal.
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25’ | Bentancur Booked
Rodrigo Bentancur received a yellow card for a cynical foul on Bukayo Saka, as the physicality of the derby intensified.
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44’ | GOAL! Sarr Strikes for Tottenham
In a controversial moment, Myles Lewis-Skelly appeared to be clipped by Richarlison in the center circle, but no foul was called. The loose ball fell to Pape Sarr, who unleashed a stunning long-range strike over a stranded David Raya, giving Tottenham a 1-0 lead just before halftime.
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Half-Time: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
Tottenham deservedly led, capitalizing on their clinical moment, while Arsenal’s 6 shots (0 on target) highlighted their struggles in the final third.
Second Half: Arsenal’s Pressure Falls Short
46’ | Second Half Begins
Arsenal resumed with intent, looking to exploit their possession advantage. Tottenham focused on maintaining their defensive shape.
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68’ | Substitution and Injury Concern
Leandro Trossard, who entered in the 68th minute, was replaced by Reiss Nelson in the 84th minute due to an apparent injury.
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73’ | Saka’s Injury Scare
Bukayo Saka limped off after a challenge, appearing to suffer a dead leg in his right thigh. A cooling break allowed both managers to regroup, with Arteta urging more urgency.
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73’ | Arsenal’s Corner Cleared
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s cross was headed behind by Djed Spence for a corner. Declan Rice met Saka’s delivery, heading across goal, but Tottenham cleared.
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77’ | Arsenal’s Substitutions
Arsenal introduced new signing Viktor Gyökeres for his debut, alongside Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman (replacing Saka), Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Mikel Merino. Tottenham brought on Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-min, and Ben Davies for Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert, and Micky van de Ven. Gyökeres struggled to make an impact, registering only two touches.
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79’ | Dowman’s Shot Blocked
Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman, a highly rated Arsenal academy product, had a goal-bound shot blocked inside the six-yard box from Ødegaard’s corner.
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82’ | Dowman’s Cross Wasted
Dowman’s deep cross was turned back by Zinchenko, but no Arsenal player was in position to equalize, despite increasing pressure.
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84’ | Tottenham’s Substitutions
James Maddison and Archie Gray replaced Bentancur and Sarr, as Tottenham looked to manage the game.
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86’ | Zubimendi’s Double Chance
Martin Zubimendi fired at goal, with his first effort blocked and the follow-up dragged horribly wide, summing up Arsenal’s wasteful finishing.
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90’ | Arsenal’s Late Corners
Porro’s defending against Nelson earned Arsenal a corner, but Ødegaard’s delivery was cleared. Another corner followed, with Tottenham settling the game through possession in Arsenal’s half.
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90+1’ | Six Minutes of Added Time
The referee signaled six minutes of stoppage time. Gyökeres remained isolated, with minimal involvement.
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90+2’ | Merino Booked, Corner Caught
Mikel Merino received a yellow card before Ødegaard’s corner was taken. Cristhian Mosquera’s looping header was caught by Vicario.
ARS 0-1 TOT90+4’ | Dowman StoppedMax Dowman drove into the area but was halted by Djed Spence, earning Arsenal another corner. Ødegaard’s delivery was scrambled away.
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90+5’ | Nelson Fouled
Reiss Nelson was fouled by Porro near the touchline, giving Arsenal a chance to deliver into the box. Ødegaard’s ball was cleared.
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90+6’ | Tottenham Counter
Son Heung-min led a counterattack, with his ball to Tel cleared by Arsenal. A final overhit ball to Ben White ended Arsenal’s hopes.
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Full Time: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
Tottenham held firm to secure a deserved victory, with Sarr’s goal and a stubborn defensive display frustrating Arsenal’s attack.
Tactical AnalysisArsenal’s ApproachArsenal deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with David Raya in goal, a back four of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, and a midfield trio of Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi. The attacking line featured Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, with Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyökeres among the substitutes. Arsenal’s high pressing and possession-based play (58%) created 14 shot attempts, but their lack of accuracy (1 shot on target) was a glaring issue. The introduction of young Max Dowman and new signings Gyökeres and Mosquera added energy, but the team struggled to break down Tottenham’s compact defense.
Tottenham’s Strategy
Tottenham, managed by Thomas Frank, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Guglielmo Vicario in goal, a backline of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Djed Spence, and a double pivot of Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall. Pape Sarr, Wilson Odobert, and an unnamed attacking midfielder supported striker Richarlison. Tottenham’s counterattacking approach capitalized on Arsenal’s errors, with Sarr’s long-range strike showcasing their clinical edge. Their second-half defensive resilience, led by Romero and van de Ven, ensured a clean sheet despite Arsenal’s pressure.
Key Tactical MomentsSarr’s Controversial Goal: The non-called foul on Lewis-Skelly allowed Tottenham to exploit a loose ball, with Sarr’s long-range strike proving decisive.Arsenal’s Wasteful Finishing: Despite 14 shots, only one tested Vicario, highlighting a need for sharper finishing.Dowman’s Impact: The 15-year-old’s energy and shot-blocking moment showed Arsenal’s academy depth, though he couldn’t inspire an equalizer.Tottenham’s Defensive Solidity: Porro, Spence, and Romero’s clearances in the final stages thwarted Arsenal’s late push.
Key PerformersArsenalMax Dowman (7.5/10): The 15-year-old academy star nearly made an instant impact, with a blocked shot and dangerous crosses. His cameo was a bright spot.Martin Ødegaard (7/10): The captain led Arsenal’s attacking intent, creating chances but lacking the final product.William Saliba (6.5/10): Solid defensively, Saliba neutralized Richarlison’s threat but couldn’t prevent Sarr’s goal.Viktor Gyökeres (5/10): The new signing had only two touches in 15 minutes, struggling to influence the game.Bukayo Saka (6/10): Hobbled by a dead leg, Saka was lively but couldn’t convert chances before his substitution.
TottenhamPape Sarr (8.5/10): The midfielder’s stunning goal and tireless work rate earned him Player of the Match honors.
Pedro Porro (7.5/10): The right-back’s defending against Nelson and corner delivery created early chances.Cristian Romero (7.5/10): The centre-back’s leadership ensured Tottenham’s clean sheet, thwarting Arsenal’s late pressure.Guglielmo Vicario (7/10): The goalkeeper’s one save and calm handling of crosses preserved the lead.Richarlison (6/10): Missed a golden opportunity but played a role in the controversial lead-up to Sarr’s goal.
Implications for the Season
ArsenalArsenal’s defeat highlights ongoing pre-season struggles, following losses to Celtic (4-0) and K League XI (1-0). Their 14 shots with just one on target underscore a need for improved finishing, especially with the Premier League opener against Manchester United looming. Viktor Gyökeres’ lack of impact raises questions about his integration, though his limited minutes suggest caution from Arteta. Max Dowman’s cameo offers hope for the academy, but injuries to Saka and Trossard are concerns. Arsenal’s upcoming friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Club at Emirates Stadium provide opportunities to address these issues.
TottenhamThomas Frank’s first North London Derby victory boosts Tottenham’s confidence ahead of their Premier League campaign. Pape Sarr’s goal and the defensive resilience of Romero and van de Ven highlight a balanced squad capable of competing against top sides. The potential loan signing of João Palhinha from Bayern Munich could further strengthen their midfield. Tottenham’s ability to capitalize on limited chances bodes well, but they must maintain consistency in their final pre-season games.
Head-to-Head Context
Arsenal hold a historical edge over Tottenham, with 16 wins to Tottenham’s 11 in 35 matches, alongside 8 draws. However, Tottenham’s 1-0 win ended Arsenal’s six-match unbeaten streak against their rivals (5W, 1D). In their last five encounters, Arsenal averaged 1.8 goals per match, while Tottenham averaged 1.2. This result suggests Tottenham are closing the gap in this fiercely contested rivalry.
Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal in Hong Kong was a testament to their clinical finishing and defensive resilience, with Pape Sarr’s controversial first-half goal proving the difference. Arsenal’s 14 shots, with only one on target, highlighted their struggles in front of goal, despite dominating possession and creating chances.
Max Dowman’s exciting cameo and the debut of Viktor Gyökeres offered glimpses of potential, but injuries to Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard add to Mikel Arteta’s concerns. Thomas Frank, meanwhile, will be delighted with Tottenham’s performance, as they head into their final pre-season fixtures with momentum.
As both teams prepare for the 2025-26 Premier League season, Arsenal must address their finishing woes, while Tottenham can build on this disciplined display. The North London Derby’s intensity, even in a friendly, underscored the rivalry’s significance, with fans at Kai Tak Sports Park treated to a memorable clash.Match Details:Date: July 31, 2025Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong KongCompetition: Pre-Season FriendlyFinal Score: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham HotspurScorer: Pape Sarr (44’, Tottenham)Attendance: 49,975Referee: Not reportedArsenal Lineup (First Half): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai HavertzSubstitutes (used): Viktor Gyökeres, Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Merino, Reiss Nelson, Jakub KiwiorTottenham Lineup (First Half): Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence; Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall; Wilson Odobert, Pape Sarr, [unnamed midfielder]; RicharlisonSubstitutes (used): Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-min, Ben Davies, James Maddison, Archie Gray, TelStreaming Info (UK): Arsenal.com and official app (£4.99 early bird pass, £6.99 on match day). 
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