Viktor Gyokeres made his Arsenal debut but could not save the Gunners from a pre-season derby defeat to Tottenham in Hong Kong.
Pape Matar Sarr scored from the halfway line to give Tottenham the edge over their fierce rivals on the brink of half-time, lobbing David Raya after robbing Myles Lewis-Skelly of possession.
Spurs were are deserving of their advantage after hitting the woodwork three times in the opening 45 minutes, with Raya’s goal looking susceptible to conceding from corners throughout the contest.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta turned to marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres, handing him his highly-anticipated debut off the bench in a bid to spark a comeback.
However, his 20-minute cameo failed to change the course of the game as Spurs picked up the early bragging rights, with Thomas Frank laying down a marker in a new era at the Lilywhites.
Follow live reaction from the pre-season North London derby:
Arsenal vs Tottenham LIVE
- Arsenal suffer defeat to North London rivals Tottenham in pre-season derby
- Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed a 20-minute cameo but was unable to change the course of the game
- 77' SUBSTITUTION! Gyokeres enters the fray to make his Arsenal debut [ARS 0-1 TOT]
- 45' GOAL! Sarr scores screamer from halfway to give Spurs the lead [ARS 0-1 TOT]
Arsenal and Tottenham's remaining pre-season fixtures
16:00 , Will CastleArsenal
August 6: Villarreal - Emirates Stadium, London, 6pm
August 9: Athletic Bilbao - Emirates Stadium, London, 5pm
Tottenham
August 3: Newcastle - Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, 12pm
August 7: Bayern Munich - Allianz Arena, Munich, 5:30pm
Viktor Gyokeres makes his Arsenal debut
15:45 , Will Castle
Heung-min Son's last North London derby?
15:30 , Will CastleWith talks progressing over a move to the MLS, that could well be the last derby for Heung-min Son.
Thomas Frank lays his marker
15:15 , Will CastleOne derby, one win.
WATCH: Sarr's outrageous lob from halfway
15:00 , Will CastleWe could watch this again and again - an absolute STUNNER!
Outrageous from Pape Sarr 😮💨
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025
Don't miss the action – watch the second half live on SPURSPLAY 📺
Rice: 'We're going to push for big things this season'
14:45 , Will Castle"It's been really, really special coming to Hong Kong,” he said. “Thank you so much [to the fans] for your support. Even though we lost, we love you guys.
"It's been an incredible trip, we've really felt the love and that's pushed us on.
"We lost tonight but we have another game on Wednesday, it's still pre-season and we're going to push for big things this season."
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:37 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:29 , Will CastleArsenal’s strong start to pre-season hits a stumbling block as Tottenham come out victorious in the pre-season derby!
Pape Matar Sarr scored from the halfway line to give Tottenham the edge over their fierce rivals on the brink of half-time, lobbing David Raya after robbing Myles Lewis-Skelly of possession.
Spurs were are deserving of their advantage after hitting the woodwork three times in the opening 45 minutes, with Raya’s goal looking susceptible to conceding from corners throughout the contest.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta turned to marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres, handing him his highly-anticipated debut off the bench in a bid to spark a comeback.
However, his 20-minute cameo failed to change the course of the game as Spurs picked up the early bragging rights, with Thomas Frank laying down a marker in a new era at the Lilywhites.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:26 , Will Castle90+6 mins: It’s whipped in by the Gunners skipper before a brief passage of pinball in the box, but it’s cleared by Spurs who rush up the other end.
We’ve had the six minutes...
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:25 , Will Castle90+5 mins: Last chance saloon for Arsenal as Porro commits a foul on the left side of the box.
This needs to be a good delivery...
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:22 , Will Castle90+1 mins: SIX minutes added on.
It’s Dowman again providing the attacking impetus, driving at Spence to win his side a late corner.
There is a scuffle in the box before the delivery that sees Merino and Johnson booked.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:20 , Will Castle88 mins: Dowman tries to force a late chance as he drives at Spence, but the defender does enough to quell the youngster.
He’s injected some venom into the game since his arrival - impressive for 15 years of age.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:17 , Will Castle86 mins: Trossard only came on 20-odd minutes ago, but he’s been forced off with injury. Nelson is on.
Spurs have also brought on Gray in place of Bentancur.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:16 , Will Castle85 mins: New boys Gyokeres and Zubimendi link up as the Swede sets up the Spaniard on the edge of the box, but the former Real Sociedad man can’t get ahold of it.
Scruffy effort in the end.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:13 , Will Castle81 mins: Wonderful delivery by teenage star Dowman to the back post with Zinchenko waiting.
He hooks it back to the penalty spot where you’d have expected to see Gyokeres - but the Swede instead finds himself too close to Zinchenko and is unable to latch onto the loose ball.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:07 , Will Castle77 mins: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time!
Viktor Gyokeres makes his Arsenal debut with just over a dozen minutes to play.
He joins Merino, Zinchenko, Dowman and fellow new boy Mosquera off the bench. Spurs, meanwhile, bring on Son, Bissouma and Davies in a bid to see this one out.
Can he save the Gunners?
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:04 , Will Castle74 mins: Another half-chance for Arsenal as Declan Rice meets a corner at the back post, looping a header into the mixer but where no red shirts reside.
Time for a water break. Sarr’s goal is still proving the difference.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
14:01 , Will Castle70 mins: Arsenal are turning up the heat in their search for an equaliser.
Havertz and Zubimendi have both fired efforts goalwards, while the Gunners are working opportunities well and peppering Vicario’s box with deliveries.
Can Spurs hold on for 20 more minutes?
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:59 , Will Castle67 mins: The board goes up and it’s a new Arsenal signing coming on!
Welcome to the game... Martin Zubimendi.
He enters the fray alongside Trossard, as Martinelli and Norgaard come off.
I’m not sure we’re going to see Gyokeres today. And if we do, he won’t have long to make an impact.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:56 , Will Castle66 mins: CLOSE! Should be 2-0!
Tel does really well to juke his man and dink one to the back post, where Van de Ven is leaping.
It looks like the Dutchman has a gaping target to head into - but with Raya scarpering across, he can only nod wide!
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:55 , Will Castle65 mins: Spence tries to cause trouble down the left and skips past a couple red bodies, forcing his way into the box.
The ball finds Tel but his back is to goal, with the chance fizzling out.
Up the other end, Porro does really well to hold off the press of Martinelli as Spurs recycle.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:52 , Will Castle62 mins: The substitute board is going up... but it’s Thomas Frank making the changes.
Tel, Danso and Johnson enter the fray as Romero, Kudus and Richarlison make way.
Big pat on the back for new boy Kudus from his manager. A decent first NLD for the former Hammer.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:51 , Will Castle60 mins: An hour on the clock. Still no Gyokeres.
Expect to hear a massive cheer when (or if) there’s any movement on the bench.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:49 , Will Castle59 mins: CHANCE! Lovely play from Arsenal as Havertz beautifully sets up Martinelli to drive into the centre of the box and fire goalwards.
He’s just going down as he lets fly and therefore gets under it as the ball flies over Vicario’s goal. But that was better from the Gunners.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:47 , Will Castle57 mins: Spurs can’t get out at the moment. It’s pinball in the box before it breaks to Odegaard’s who tries to curl one into the far corner.
His effort is blocked and Arsenal win a corner. But they’re having to wait momentarily as Romero sits on the deck with his boot off.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:45 , Will Castle55 mins: A bit of sustained pressure for Arsenal as Tottenham are forced to defend multiple crosses, before Norgaard tries to slip Saka in with a defence-splitting pass.
Nice idea but it runs through to Vicario.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:42 , Will Castle52 mins: Gyokeres deep in conversation with the Arsenal coaching staff as Arsenal tick it around the Spurs box, searching for a breakthrough.
No damage being done as of now.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:38 , Will Castle49 mins: Just to confirm, no Gyokeres yet for Arsenal.
Surely Arteta will bring him on soon enough?
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:37 , Will Castle48 mins: Kudus tries to give Lewis-Skelly a run for his money down the right with some fancy footwork, but the left-back holds firm and manages to win a goal-kick.
Perhaps working to redeem himself after being robbed for Sarr’s opener.
BACK UNDERWAY! Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:35 , Will CastleAnd we’re off again in Hong Kong!
A reminder that this will end in a penalty shootout IF it ends all square after 90 minutes.
Time for Viktor Gyokeres?
13:26 , Will CastleArsenal are trailing to their fiercest rivals. If only they had a £55m goal machine on their substitutes bench...
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:21 , Will CastlePape Matar Sarr scored from the halfway line to give Tottenham the edge over fierce rivals Arsenal going into half-time of their pre-season derby.
Spurs will feel they are deserving of their advantage after hitting the woodwork three times in the opening 45 minutes, with David Raya’s goal looking susceptible to conceding from corners.
As they trail to the Lilywhites, Mikel Arteta could turn to marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres and hand him his highly-anticipated debut for the Gunners, having been named on the bench for the clash.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
13:19 , Will Castle45+3 mins: Late pressure from Arsenal as two threatening corners come and go.
They’re unable to convert with two many white shirts blocking the route to goal.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham (Sarr, 45')
13:17 , Will CastleWHAT A GOAL... BUT IT’S A DEFENSIVE NIGHTMARE FOR THE GUNNERS!
Lewis-Skelly gets robbed on halfway with Raya miles off his line - and Sarr doesn’t need a second invitation.
He lobs the keeper from range in remarkable fashion, giving Spurs the lead on the brink of half-time!
Just as I said this game was lacking in excitement...
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:15 , Will Castle45 mins: Half-time approaching and this game hasn’t really gotten into a great flow so far - partly due to the whistle-happy nature of the ref.
Hopefully things loosen up after the break.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:14 , Will Castle43 mins: That was filthy from Romero!
A positive Saliba header sparks an Arsenal break, with Saka slipped into the box.
But Romero is there to slide across, winning the ball on the byline before nutmegging an onrushing Arsenal man on his way out.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:11 , Will Castle40 mins: Norgaard remonstrates with the referee as he calls for a foul against Martinelli, who was deemed to have robbed the ball of Porro unfairly.
He wasn’t the only one that was unhappy with the decision as boos rain in from the stands - Martinelli was breaking away there.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:06 , Will Castle36 mins: Cynical foul from Bentancur who takes out Saka in full flow.
No surprise he finds himself in the book for his troubles.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:04 , Will Castle33 mins: After a slow start, Spurs will feel they should be ahead at this point.
Three efforts off the post as we head into a water break.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
13:01 , Will Castle28 mins: POST AND MISS! We might as well call them Woodwork FC at this point.
Another inswinging corner goes through everyone and comes off the far post, before Richarlison SOMEHOW misses from a yard out!
Looks like it actually looped over off the Brazilian’s hand.
How is David Raya’s clean sheet still in tact?!
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:59 , Will Castle27 mins: POST! A second close call for Spurs!
Odobert aims for the bottom-right corner but doesn’t get enough bend on it, with it bouncing back off the post before being knocked out for a corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:55 , Will Castle23 mins: Kudus turns past Lewis-Skelly and clatters into the defender’s outstretched leg, drawing the foul.
It’s the Arsenal man who comes out worse, however, as he hits the deck and requires treatment.
Luckily, the Gunners medic gives the bench a thumbs up and it looks like he’s okay to continue.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:50 , Will Castle18 mins: Arsenal send it long and Declan Rice pounces on a poor defensive header, allowing him to drive towards the box.
He gets a shot away but it’s blocked.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:48 , Will Castle16 mins: It’s Spurs’ turn to dominate possession in an attacking area as Odobert shows off some lovely footwork to drive into the box.
The Arsenal defence do well to prevent any blatant opportunity from being fashioned, with the passage of play ending as Bentancur’s pass goes out for a goal kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:44 , Will Castle13 mins: Lovely feet from Odegaard to escape the high press of Kudus and allow Arsenal to recycle from the back.
Both sides growing into this - and despite being a friendly, neither are afraid to put a foot in. It is a North London derby, after all - so who’s really shocked?
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:41 , Will Castle10 mins: POST! Porro whips in a corner that goes all the way through and comes off the woodwork, with Richarlison unable to finish the rebound from close range!
After all the early Arsenal dominance, Spurs nearly snatched the advantage out of nowhere!
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:35 , Will Castle4 mins: CHANCE! First opportunity for Arsenal to take the lead!
A whipped in corner finds Odegaard just inside the box, who fires a bouncing volley into the danger area. Saliba is there to meet it, but his headed flick goes just past the post.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:34 , Will Castle3 mins: There’s a real noise inside a packed-out Kai Tak Sports Park.
Barring the Spurs end behind Vicario’s goal, the stands are filled with red and white.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:31 , Will Castle1 min: Bright start from the Gunners as Odegaard takes less than 30 seconds to have an attempt on goal.
It’s blocked and loops out for a corner.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
12:31 , Will CastleThe pre-season derby is underway!
Watch out for the friendly fire...
Never just a friendly
12:26 , Will CastleAn electric atmosphere in Hong Kong as an extravagant pre-match light show sets the tone!
And here come the teams...
Closing in on kick-off
12:20 , Will CastleT-minus 10 minutes until we get underway!
Hong Kong showing its allegiances
12:17 , Will Castle
Thomas Frank plays down injury concerns over Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie
12:15 , Will CastleNew Tottenham boss Thomas Frank played down injury concerns over Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie weeks out from the Super Cup against Paris St Germain on August 13.
“Dom has a minor ankle issue, nothing we’re worried about, just a precaution,” Frank said, “Destiny felt something in the warm up, so, again, just a precaution. We just want to be on top of that.”
Thomas Frank plays down injury concerns over Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie
A historic derby
12:11 , Will CastleThe North London derby is always a special, action-packed, hot-tempered occasion - but this one has a tinge of history to it.
It’s actually the first ever North London derby to take place outside of the UK. Going global!
Thomas Frank's first North London derby
12:07 , Will CastleAll focus is on Arsenal’s new man, but let’s not forget the first-time nature of the occasion for Tottenham’s manager!
While a friendly, Thomas Frank takes charge of his maiden North London derby as Spurs boss - can he spoil the Gyokeres party in Hong Kong?
Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore could be set for Rangers loan
12:00 , Will CastleRangers have been tipped to sign Tottenham winger Mikey Moore on a season-long loan.
The 17-year-old was left out of new manager Thomas Frank’s 29-man squad for the pre-season trip to Hong Kong, remaining behind on Sunday as his team-mates departed for the Far East.
Moore was left behind as he is expected to leave the club on loan and Rangers have reportedly emerged as favourites for his signature.
Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore could be set for Rangers loan
Gyokeres' debut is expected... but not guaranteed
11:55 , Will CastleWith his place on the bench confirmed, Arsenal fans will expect to see a first cameo from new frontman Viktor Gyokeres against Spurs.
Inside Arsenal’s move for Viktor Gyokeres - and why he will change the title race
11:45 , Miguel DelaneyWhen Arsenal finally accelerated plans to get a striker this summer, they had one fixed line. That was not to go above £65m. Such a figure might make it sound like they weren’t that serious about a striker - and there have been some questions about the exact level of the talented Viktor Gyokeres - but then this wasn’t quite about getting the striker anymore. It was about options, and having enough to finally win the title.
This is the defining trait of Arsenal’s summer so far, which is that Mikel Arteta is determined to address the key flaws of last season.
Having claimed 89 points in 2023-24, Arsenal fell away because they didn’t have enough depth, with overuse ultimately leading to fitness issues, and not enough forward options. Their benches at the end of the season were often strikingly thin, resulting in the attack becoming overly dependent on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. That in turn made Arsenal easier to predict, which only accentuated their problems.
So, Arteta has already brought in more bodies, which is why Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke have signed. They alleviate pressure in terms of wear. Next is the pressure he wants to exert on opposition.
Inside Arsenal’s move for Viktor Gyokeres - and why he will change the title race
Team news - Gyokeres on the bench!
11:35 , Will CastleArsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr Bergvall; Kudus, Richarlison, Odobert.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 31, 2025
🧱 Kiwior partners Saliba
⚡ Rice returns in midfield
©️ Odegaard skippers the side
Let’s do this, Gunners 👊
Your Spurs side in Hong Kong 👊
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025
Watch live on SPURSPLAY! 📺
Sunderland sign former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen
11:15 , Will CastleA familiar Arsenal face is back in the Premier League!
Sunderland have completed the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year contract.
The 32-year-old midfielder arrives on Wearside having spent two years with Leverkusen, and was part of their impressive 2023-24 season, when they were crowned Bundesliga champions and lifted the DFB-Pokal.
Sunderland sign former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen
Tottenham transfer news: Morgan Gibbs-White, Joao Palhinha, Eberechi Eze and more
11:00 , Will CastleThomas Frank has a seismic job on his hands to rebuild Tottenham and lead the freshly-crowned European champions into a new era.
Spurs come into the summer off the back of success in the Europa League final - a first trophy in 17 years, delivered by Ange Postecoglou.
However, silverware was not enough to save the Aussie’s job after what was otherwise a catastrophic campaign, with Tottenham finishing 17th in the Premier League on just 38 points.
Here’s a deep dive into Tottenham’s summer business:
Tottenham transfer news: Gibbs-White, Palhinha, Eze and more
Arsenal transfer news: Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo, Ollie Watkins and more
10:45 , Will CastleArsenal are setting in motion the first steps of a productive summer as they look to buck their trend of second-place finishes next term.
It was once again a case of close but not close enough for Mikel Arteta’s side in 2024/25. Finishing second fiddle to the Premier League champions for a third successive season, the Gunners endured another trophyless campaign after their Champions League push fell at the hands of eventual winners PSG.
A key reason for their failure to achieve was an attacking injury crisis that forced Mikel Merino to take up a role of makeshift number nine, and despite their undeniable quality in the starting XI, Arsenal’s depth is far from good enough for a team hopeful of major titles.
Here’s a deep dive into Arsenal’s summer business:
Tottenham’s preseason fixtures and results
10:30 , Will CastleJuly 19: Reading 0-2 Tottenham - Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading
July 26: Tottenham 2-2 Wycombe Wanderers - Hotspur Way, Enfield
July 26: Luton Town 0-0 Tottenham - Kenilworth Road, Luton
July 31: Arsenal - Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong, 12:30pm
August 3: Newcastle - Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, 12pm
August 7: Bayern Munich - Allianz Arena, Munich, 5:30pm
Arsenal’s preseason fixtures and results
10:15 , Will CastleJuly 23: Arsenal 1-0 AC Milan - Singapore National Stadium, Singapore
July 27: Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle United - Singapore National Stadium, Singapore
July 31: Tottenham - Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong, 12:30pm
August 6: Villarreal - Emirates Stadium, London, 6pm
August 9: Athletic Bilbao - Emirates Stadium, London, 5pm
Tottenham team news
10:00 , Will CastleHeung-min Son could play his last North London derby for Spurs as talks advance over a move to the MLS.
Meanwhile, the group of Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Destiny Udogie and new signing Kota Takai are absent from the pre-season squad due to injuries.
Arsenal team news
09:45 , Will CastleGyokeres is in line for his first appearance in Arsenal colours after being presented to fans following their 3-2 win over Newcastle.
Mosquera could also make his debut after not being deemed ready to face the Magpies.
Riccardo Califiori is a doubt after sustaining a knock last time out.
Is Arsenal vs Tottenham on TV?
09:30 , Will CastleThe pre-season North London derby kicks off at 12:30pm BST at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on Arsenal.com and can be streamed for £4.99. Alternatively, fans can watch the game on SpursPlay, but will have to shell out £45 for a yearly subscription.
Arsenal vs Tottenham LIVE
09:10 , Will CastleArsenal and Tottenham will go to battle in new surroundings in what promises to be a highlight of pre-season in Hong Kong between the North London rivals.
Marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres could make his highly-anticipated debut for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta’s side look to produce a title challenge.
While billed as a friendly, the first-ever pre-season North London derby to take place outside the UK also brings a chance at early bragging rights, with Thomas Frank looking to lay down a marker in a new era at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Another new arrival in Chrithian Mosquera could feature for the first time, with Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga adding to a newlook Gunners outfit.
Spurs, meanwhile, will hope to get back to winning ways after emerging victorious in neither of their two games on Saturday - fielding two separate XIs that drew with both Wycombe and Luton Town.
We’ll have all the build-up, team news and minute-by-minute updates from the clash, right here.
