Arsenal suffered their first loss of pre-season as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in Hong Kong. Pape Sarr scored the only goal of the afternoon shortly before halftime as he latched onto a loose ball on halfway and spotted David Raya well off his line, hitting a smartly executed lob to bag the eventual winner. The Gunners enjoyed the majority of possession on the day, but struggled to create and finish their chances.
Viktor Gyokeres came on in the 77th minute to make a hotly anticipated debut just five days after signing, but struggled to influence proceedings as Arsenal desperately searched for an equaliser. Expectations are understandably high after the Gunners spent £63.5m to secure his services from Sporting CP, and the red-shirted fans at the Kai Tak Stadium seemed happy enough just to see him appear, cheering full-throatedly whenever he touched the ball.
Cristian Mosquera also entered the fray to make a late debut, but was left with little to do as the Gunners attacked. Max Dowman was spectacular off the bench again and has made himself difficult for Mikel Arteta to ignore as he looks to finalise his plans ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Arsenal vs Tottenham latest news
- GOAL! Sarr lobs Raya from halfway
- Kick-off time: 12.30pm BST, Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong
- How to watch
- Arsenal confirmed starting XI - Gyokeres on bench
- Tottenham confirmed starting XI
REPORT: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
15:01 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal closed their pre-season tour of Asia on a sour note as they were beaten by Tottenham in Hong Kong.
Pape Matar Sarr scored the only goal of the afternoon as he chipped David Raya from halfway shortly before half-time, while Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera both made their Arsenal debuts.
FULL TIME: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:27 , Arthur FerridgeThat does it in Hong Kong. Spurs take the spoils!
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:25 , Arthur Ferridge90+6mins: Another great delivery from Odegaard, but nobody can turn the cross goalwards. Time fast running out for the Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:22 , Arthur Ferridge90+3mins: Merino and Johnson are both booked for some argy-bargy in the box ahead of Arsenal’s injury-time corner. Mosquera gets his head to it but cannot convert.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:20 , Arthur Ferridge90mins: Six minutes added for Arsenal to find an equaliser.
Simon Collings reports
14:18 , Arthur FerridgeIt is just absolutely ridiculous that Max Dowman is 15. Such a talent.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:14 , Arthur Ferridge84mins: James Maddison comes on to mark his injury return. He is joined by Archie Gray, the pair replacing Sarrr and Bentancur. Leandro Trossard comes off with an apparent injury to be replaced by Reiss Nelson.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:12 , Arthur Ferridge82mins: And that is why - the kid puts a tidy cross in at the back post and Zinchenko pulls it back, but there is nobody there to put it away.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:11 , Arthur Ferridge81mins: Spurs have two men marking the 15-year-old Max Dowman.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:09 , Arthur Ferridge80mins: Spurs have also made changes. Son, Davies, and Bissouma replaced Odobert, Van de Ven, and Bergvall.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:08 , Arthur Ferridge78mins: Dowman lashes a loose ball at goal as it ricocheted away from the corner, but there is too much traffic in the box.
Matt Verri reports
14:07 , Arthur FerridgeCooling break will suit Spurs. They were dropping deeper and deeper, and it's Arsenal who have looked the more energetic in the last five minutes or so.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:06 , Arthur Ferridge77mins: Lots of changes for the final quarter of an hour. Mosquera, Merino, and Dowman are all introduced for Arsenal, as is...
...Viktor Gyokeres!
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:03 , Arthur Ferridge74mins: The corner finds Rice, who heads it back across goal, but only finds a white shirt.
Saka is down again and looks to be in genuine pain after an awkward tackle from Tel.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:02 , Arthur Ferridge73mins: Lewis-Skelly’s cross is headed behind by Spence for yet another Arsenal corner. Will this be the one?
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:59 , Arthur FerridgeRaya smashes another long ball up to Havertz and the German works an angle, but his shot is tame.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:58 , Arthur Ferridge69mins: Zubimendi nearly has an instant impact as he lashes a sweet volley at goal, but it is deflected over the bar.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:57 , Arthur Ferridge68mins: Martinelli and Norgaard are replaced by Zubimendi and Trossard. Not the changes Arsenal fans will have wanted.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:56 , Arthur Ferridge66mins: How has that stayed out! Van de Ven is handed a gilt-edge chance to double Spurs’ advantage as Tel dishes a lovely ball into him. The Dutchman gets the better of Lewis-Skelly but cannot get his header on target. Huge let-off for Arsenal.
Matt Verri reports
13:54 , Arthur FerridgeRicharlison leaves the pitch having not really done much to impress in Dominic Solanke's absence. Over to Mathys Tel to present his case in the final 30 minutes.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:52 , Arthur Ferridge62mins: Subs are on the way for Tottenham. On come Brennan Johnson, Kevin Danso, and Mathys Tel in place of Cristian Romero, Mohamed Kudus, and Richarlison.
They are booed loudly by those in the stands, who are predominantly of an Arsenal persuasion.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:50 , Arthur Ferridge60mins: Bentancur fouls Saka again.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:49 , Arthur Ferridge60mins: Porro and Arteta get in one another’s way as the Spurs man looks to take a throw-in. The linesman rushes over to quell the situation.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:48 , Arthur Ferridge58mins: Saka’s corner is coolly dealt with. Arsenal collect the clearance and drive back with pace - Martinelli is the man to shoot, but can’t quite get his shot under the bar.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:46 , Arthur Ferridge57mins: Saka and White combine nicely on the right flank. They are dispossessed, but win the ball back and work it to Odegaard, whose shot is blocked behind for a corner. Romero is down injured.
Simon Collings reports
13:45 , Arthur FerridgeA bit better from Arsenal at the start of this half. The tempo has gone up a bit and they are pressing Spurs higher.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:45 , Arthur Ferridge56mins: A raft of Arsenal subs are sent to warm up, but Gyokeres does not seem to be among their number.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:44 , Arthur Ferridge55mins: A really good spell from Arsenal here, who have had Spurs under the cosh for a good five minutes or so. They badly need to capitalise on this pressure, though, as Rice’s ball to Saka is easily collected by Vicario.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:43 , Arthur Ferridge54mins: Spence goes through the back of Norgaard, and runs off with the ball after the foul is given.
Matt Verri reports
13:41 , Arthur FerridgeIt's been a good battle between Romero and Havertz all match. At times it's a bit last-ditch and clumsy from Romero, but he's had the better of it overall.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:41 , Arthur Ferridge52mins: Bergvall cuts out Havertz’s pass and Spurs look to break, but Arsenal win the ball back and switch the play. Martinelli wins a throw on the far side.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:39 , Arthur Ferridge50mins: Kudus comes forward at pace, but takes a touch too many and runs out of options. He turns back, and Spurs come again.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:38 , Arthur Ferridge48mins: Lewis-Skelly is caught by Kudus as Arsenal look to play out from the back. Hasn’t been a brilliant afternoon for the young full-back.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:36 , Arthur Ferridge47mins: Norgaard looks to press forward through the middle but is unceremoniously stopped by Bergvall. Saka shoves Sarr down to cement Spurs’ possession.
SECOND HALF: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:34 , Arthur FerridgeSpurs lead into the second half. Can Arsenal turn this around?
Simon Collings reports
13:34 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal's match stream for this game spent the half-time break showing Gyokeres' first day. Think a few fans would like to see him on there. The Gunners have not had a shot on target yet.
HALF TIME: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:20 , Arthur FerridgeIt will not be third time lucky. Arsenal’s latest corner is cleared away and met with the half-time whistle.
Sarr’s remarkable opener is the only difference heading into the break.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:19 , Arthur Ferridge40+4mins: The Gunners are looking to pull one back before the break here, and a pair of corners go begging. Third time lucky?
Standard Sport reports
13:18 , Arthur FerridgeMatt Verri writes: Good pressing from Spurs to isolate Lewis-Skelly and it brings the goal. Brilliant finish from Sarr to catch Raya off his line.
Simon Colings adds: We saw that goal a few times last season, with Raya undone being way out of his goal. Sums up Arsenal's defending in the first half.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:16 , Arthur Ferridge45+1mins: Its incredible! Spurs turn the ball over in midfield and Sarr spots Raya well off his line, lobbing him from the edge of the centre circle. Spectacular finish, and Spurs take a deserved lead.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:15 , Arthur Ferridge45mins: Saka’s latest foray down the right is cut short by the sliding Van de Ven, who judges his tackle very well.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:13 , Arthur Ferridge43mins: Arsenal break and Havertz plays Saka in behind, but he is immediately shut down by a pair of white-shirted defenders. Fantastic from Tottenham.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:12 , Arthur Ferridge42mins: Rice’s free-kick is low and cleared away.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:11 , Arthur Ferridge41mins: Saka is the victim of yet another foul, and Arsenal are again treated to a final-third set piece. Rice is standing over it.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:10 , Arthur Ferridge40mins: Martinelli breaks down the left but is apoplectic as he is deemed to have fouled Porro earlier in the sequence.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:09 , Arthur Ferridge39mins: Fast approaching half-time now, and it is hard to believe we haven’t seen a goal yet given Spurs have hit the post three times. If only Arsenal had a striker on the bench.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:08 , Arthur Ferridge38mins: Havertz looks frustrated as he is blown up for catching Bentancur in a tackle.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:06 , Arthur Ferridge37mins: Not a bad delivery from Rice on the free-kick, but it is cleared away without issue.
Simon Collings reports
13:06 , Arthur FerridgeSaka wiped out as he goes on a run down the wing - the new season is officially back.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:06 , Arthur Ferridge36mins: Saka is tripped by Bentancur high on the right flank, and he is booked for his troubles. Big opportunity for Arsenal now.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:02 , Arthur Ferridge30mins: Bentancur receives some treatment during the cooling break and hobbles off, but looks OK to continue.
Matt Verri reports
12:59 , Arthur FerridgeThreat from Spurs is coming from the two wingers, Kudus and Odobert both look so sharp. Richarlison... less so. Somehow doesn't turn it in from about a yard out.
Simon Collings reports
12:59 , Arthur FerridgeThat's twice now Spurs have hit the post. Arsenal's defence has looked messy at times, certainly not what you'd expect from them. Pre-season rust, perhaps.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:59 , Arthur Ferridge28mins: That is another tough one for Richarlison. Spurs’ corner comes off the post (for the third time!) and the Brazilian looks to chase it down, but inadvertently handles the ball to call an end to the attack.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:58 , Arthur Ferridge27mins: Off the post again! Clusy defending from Arsenal creates a lot of space on the left for Odobert, who looks to curl one in at the far post but catches the woodwork.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:55 , Arthur Ferridge25mins: Good news for the Gunners as Lewis-Skelly is fit to continue.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:54 , Arthur Ferridge24mins: Worrying signs for the Gunners as Lewis-Skelly is receiving treatment and looks to be in some discomfort.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:53 , Arthur Ferridge23mins: A solid, no-nonsense tackle from Romero denies Kai Havertz the chance to get through on goal. Lewis-Skelly then returns the favour on Kudus.
Matt Verri reports
12:52 , Arthur FerridgeNot particularly what he was signed for but Kudus is working really hard off the ball. Tracked back well to stop a counter from Rice earlier in the half, now helping out in his own box against Martinelli.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:51 , Arthur Ferridge21mins: Bergvall does well to cut out an Arsenal pass and looks to counter, but takes a heavy touch and hands possession back to the Gunners. They come back through Martinelli, but Kudus is there to stop him in his tracks. It’s all action at the Kai Tak Stadium.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:49 , Arthur Ferridge19mins: Saliba is found in space out on the right, but is flagged offside again.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:48 , Arthur Ferridge18mins: Bentancur lofts one to Kudus in the box but his ball is beyond the Ghanaian’s reach. Arsenal race down the opposite end via a long pass from Raya and Rice breaks into the box, with Porro tracking back to concede a corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:46 , Arthur Ferridge16mins: Spurs take a bit of gas out of the tie as they enjoy an extended spell of final-third possession. They are very patiently waiting for an opening, but Arsenal keep the door firmly shut.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:44 , Arthur Ferridge14mins: Pleased to report there is a little bit of needle about this tie. Friendly or not, a derby is a derby.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:43 , Arthur Ferridge13mins: Odegaard draws a roar from the crowd as he tracks back, wins the ball, and dribbles around Richarlison. Very silky footwork from the Norwegian.
Matt Verri reports
12:42 , Arthur FerridgeMicky van de Ven doing his best impression of Ben White there, standing right on the goalkeeper. Very nearly worked perfectly
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:41 , Arthur Ferridge11mins: Another corner for Spurs as Ben White ushers Odobert behind.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:40 , Arthur Ferridge10mins: The corner gets all the way through and comes off the inside of Raya’s far post! The rebound falls to Richarlison who can’t quite direct it back at goal.
Simon Collings reports
12:39 , Arthur FerridgeNoticeable in these early stages how Arsenal are looking to go direct, playing balls long and early over the top of Spurs' defence.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:39 , Arthur Ferridge9mins: Kudus finds Odobert on the left flank and sets him free. He runs at Saka but is dispossessed and wins a corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:38 , Arthur Ferridge7mins: Arsenal are dominating the early possession here - Spurs have hardly had a touch of the ball. Havertz finds himself on the ball at the edge of the area and looks to have been tripped as he shoots, but the referee is having none of it - he was offside anyway.
Matt Verri reports
12:36 , Arthur FerridgeNo secret that Thomas Frank will bring more of an interest in set-pieces to Spurs than Ange Postecoglou did. Early signs - work to do.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:35 , Arthur Ferridge6mins: White knocks a cross into the area for Lewis-Skelly, who heads behind for a goal kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:34 , Arthur Ferridge4mins: Odegaard shoots on the volley from the corner and Saliba flick is just wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:33 , Arthur FerridgeSaka drives to the byline and earns a second corner of the afternoon for the Gunners.
Simon Collings reports
12:33 , Arthur FerridgeThis pitch does not look great. You could see Odegaard stamping the turf after that - not ideal.
KICK-OFF!
12:32 , Arthur FerridgeWe are underway in Hong Kong and Odegaard goes close from the off with a curling effort, which rattles the post.
Here come the players
12:26 , Arthur FerridgeThe squads are out at the Kai Tak Stadium. Kick-off just moments away!
Nearly time to go
12:23 , Arthur FerridgeJust a few minutes to kick-off in Hong Kong!
Hong Kong weather report
12:20 , Arthur FerridgeThe weather is suboptimal in Hong Kong this afternoon.
Rain is expected throughout the fixture, wind is gusting at 23km/h, and the temperature is sitting at a balmy 29°.
The roof at the Kai Tak Stadium looks to be closed, though, so it should be a non-issue.
A reminder of the starting XIs ahead of kick-off
12:17 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Bergvall, Odobert; Richarlison
Can Max Dowman impress again today?
12:15 , Arthur FerridgeThe breakout star of Arsenal’s pre-season is, without a doubt, Max Dowman.
The 15-year-old (yes, really) has dazzled off the bench in each of the Gunners’ friendly outings to date, and is set to play a first-team role this season.
But where could he fit in?
Matt Verri reports
12:10 , Arthur FerridgeFeels like a big match for Wilson Odobert, who had his first season at the club heavily impacted by injury. Spurs have plenty of options on that left wing, but he's got the nod over the likes of Heung-min Son and Mathys Tel.
What can we expect of Gyokeres?
12:09 , Arthur FerridgeGiven he only joined up with his new club a few days ago, the answer is probably ‘not much’.
But here he is presented with the unique opportunity to make his Arsenal debut against arch-rivals Tottenham. What better way to start your career in N5 than by scoring against Spurs?
When in Hong Kong
12:05 , Arthur FerridgeThose who turned up to the Kai Tak Stadium early enough have been treated to a traditional pre-match show.
James Maddison back in contention
11:56 , Arthur FerridgeJames Maddison is in the Spurs squad today for the first time since suffering a knee injury towards the end of last season.
Will Frank hand him some minutes off the bench?
Sell-out crowd expected
11:56 , Arthur FerridgeThe Kai Tak Stadium is expected to be full to the rafters this afternoon.
The 50,000 capacity stadium is fully sold out!
Spurs' new look
11:50 , Arthur FerridgeSpurs will rep a one-off shirt number font in today’s friendly, as designed by a local artist from Hong Kong.
The players will wear special edition shirts with bespoke numbers designed by a local artist for today’s game against Arsenal in Hong Kong.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025
Find out more ⤵️
Matt Verri reports
11:45 , Arthur FerridgeDominic Solanke misses out again for Spurs. Thomas Frank described it as a minor ankle injury last weekend, but he didn't take part in training on Tuesday and now isn't in the squad here. A concern with less than two weeks until Spurs face PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.
Simon Collings reports
11:40 , Arthur FerridgeThat is a very strong Arsenal team, close to their best XI you would say. One interesting thing in pre-season, however, is how Odegaard, Rice and Zubimendi are yet to all start together. Arteta keeping that up his sleeve for next week?
Confirmed Arsenal starting XI - Gyokeres makes the bench
11:33 , Arthur FerridgeMikel Arteta does not trust Arsenal’s latest star signing to feature from the off.
Confirmed Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz
Subs: Setford, Rojas-Fedorushchenko, Nichols, Salmon, Mosquera, Zinchenko, Zubimendi, Lokonga, Copley, Merino, Dowman, Nwaneri, Kabia, Nelson, Trossard, Harriman-Annous, Gyokeres
Confirmed Tottenham starting XI
11:32 , Arthur FerridgeThomas Frank names a strong side for the derby.
Confirmed Tottenham starting XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Bergvall, Odobert; Richarlison.
Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Danso, Son, Bissouma, Maddison, Tel, Gray, Johnson, Yang, Davies, Donley, Abbott, Vuskovic.
Confirmed Arsenal XI
11:31 , Arthur Ferridge🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 31, 2025
🧱 Kiwior partners Saliba
⚡ Rice returns in midfield
©️ Odegaard skippers the side
Let’s do this, Gunners 👊
Confirmed Tottenham XI
11:30 , Arthur FerridgeYour Spurs side in Hong Kong 👊
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025
Watch live on SPURSPLAY! 📺
Team news soon
11:28 , Arthur FerridgeLineups are expected to be released shortly. Will Viktor Gyokeres feature?
Fans arrive at the Kai Tak
11:21 , Arthur FerridgeThere is going to be plenty of Arsenal representation in the stands this afternoon!
Tottenham pre-season results in full
11:16 , Arthur FerridgeIt is still early doors, but Thomas Frank’s start to life in Tottenham has been far from perfect.
Spurs have won just one of three pre-season outings, despite only facing lower-league opposition. Here are their results in full:
Last time these sides met
11:09 , Arthur FerridgeToday’s will be the first meeting between these two sides since January, when the Gunners ran out home winners over Spurs by a 2-1 scoreline.
Spurs led after 25 minutes thanks to Heung-Min Son’s opener, but disaster struck shortly before half-time as Dominic Solanke hit an own goal.
Leandro Trossard then found the back of the net just four minutes later to confirm the turnaround.
Refresh your memory on that match here!
Arsenal pre-season results in full
11:02 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal have enjoyed a strong start to life in pre-season as they gear up for a fresh title charge in 2025-26.
Today’s outing marks the midpoint of their pre-season campaign and the end of their Asian tour. Come full time, it will be straight back to London to face Villarreal and Athletic Club on home turf.
Here are their pre-season results in full:
Tottenham predicted XI
10:55 , Arthur FerridgeStandard Sport’s Tottenham reporter Matt Verri provides an insight into Thomas Frank’s psyche as he has a go at predicting today’s Spurs squad.
Predicted Tottenham XI: Vicaro; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Kudus, Son; Solanke
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