Tottenham Hotspur beat Arsenal 1-0 in Hong Kong on Thursday, as the first-ever north London derby held outside of the UK went in favor of Thomas Frank’s Spurs.
MORE — Premier League preseason schedules for all 20 teams
Pape Matar Sarr’s sensational long-range goal just before half time was the difference in a tight, tense derby that was never going to be a friendly. Plenty of hefty challenges flew in and chances were limited for both teams as there were just two shots on target total during the game.
Next up for Arsenal are friendlies at the Emirates Stadium against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao on August 6 and 9 respectively, while Spurs face Newcastle on August 3 in South Korea and then head to Germany to play Bayern Munich on August 7.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur score: 0-1
Sarr 45'
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur live updates!
Gyokeres is on!
A whole host of subs for both teams late on and Viktor Gyokeres is on for his Arsenal debut. Also, a worrying note is that Trossard has been replaced due to injury just a few minutes after coming on.
Trossard, Zubimendi on for Arsenal
Gyokeres isn’t on the pitch yet, but Mikel Arteta has brought on Trossard and Zubimendi for Martinelli and Norgaard. Arsenal have had the better of the second half but Havertz, Saka and Co. haven’t been able to break through. About 15 minutes to go…
Back underway in the second half in Hong Kong
No changes at half time for either side as we are back in business for the second half. Surely it won’t be long until we see a raft of changes for both teams. Gyokeres is lurking on the sidelines...
Pape Matar Sarr scores a beauty from distance!
Right on half time Spurs lead in Hong Kong as Pape Matar Sarr catches David Raya off his line and scores with a brilliant finish.
Outrageous from Pape Sarr 😮💨
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025
Don't miss the action – watch the second half live on SPURSPLAY 📺
Odobert hits the post for Spurs this time
Wilson Odobert has now hit the post for Tottenham Hotspur. He works himself a yard but his low shot hits the post. Very good effort.
Odobert hits the post! 😫
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025
Watch live on SPURSPLAY 📺
Spurs hit the woodwork
A slow start in Hong Kong but Spurs have gone closest to scoring with Pedro Porro’s corner kick missing everyone and almost sneaking in but it hit the post and came back out.
Pedro Porro nearly scores direct from a corner! 😱
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025
Watch live on SPURSPLAY 📺
Arsenal lineup
Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Norgaard, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Tottenham Hotspur lineup
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Bergvall, Odobert; Richarlison
Arsenal team news, focus
The Gunners started their preseason tour with a pair of wins, over AC Milan and Newcastle, last week — at the same that brand new summer signing, striker Viktor Gyokeres, was unveiled in front of the fans in Singapore. Gyokeres is the $74-million solution to Arsenal’s biggest problem last season: They didn’t score enough goals (69) to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title, even with having the league’s best defensive record (34 conceded) by seven goals. Noni Madueke, who won’t join the squad until after they return from Asia, should also go some way toward helping that cause, after joining from Chelsea for $55 million this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur team news, focus
Spurs are only on game 1 of their Asian tour after drawing League One sides Wycombe Wanderers (2-2) and Luton Town (0-0) on the same day, as new head coach Thomas Frank wanted 22 players with playing time before leaving London. As seemingly easy as Arsenal have made their transfer business look, dealings have proved rather difficult for Spurs (again). Mohammed Kudus has come in for $75 million, but Spurs’ $80-million move for Morgan Gibbs-White was scuppered when Nottingham Forest threatened legal action for breach of confidentiality relating to the release clause in his contract and signed Gibbs-White to a new contract instead.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur prediction
The Gunners are simply much further along in their progression this preseason. The squad is settled, the system is familiar as can be, and they need a fast start to the season. Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur.
How to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 7:30am ET Thursday (July 31)
Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park — Hong Kong
Streaming: Paramount+
