In a thrilling pre-season friendly held in Hong Kong, Tottenham Hotspur edged out Arsenal with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a stunning goal from Pape Sarr. The game brought Viktor Gyokeres’ debut. The Swedish striker made the switch to Arsenal for £63.5 million only days before the match. Manager Mikel Arteta’s squad were met by Thomas Frank’s side at the GTECH Community Stadium. This meeting highlighted the established hostility brewing between the two clubs.
Joining us on the day was a delightful opening summer afternoon with both clubs sportingly sending their senior squads. Arsenal’s starting eleven that night was Raya, White, Kiwior, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Norgaard, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz and Martinelli. On the bench were Danso, Johnson, Tel, Davies, Bissouma, Son, Gray and Maddison. On the other hand, Tottenham’s starting XI included Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence, Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall, Kudus, Richarlison and Odobert.
Gyokeres Makes His Debut
Fulham-born Viktor Gyokeres made his long-awaited debut for Arsenal, after the talented striker signed on the dotted line over the weekend. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta introduced the Swedish forward with the score tied 1-1 in the 77th minute. He came on for Bukayo Saka, who had required treatment earlier in the game. Gyokeres had just the two touches while he was on the field. His impact was certainly felt as he continues to acclimate to his new program.
Gabriele Mikel Arteta was said to be thrilled at the prospect of Gyokeres adding depth and dimension to his squad.
“I’m really happy to have them here. I think they are going to add a lot of value. You see straight away the energy and the quality they are going to bring.” – Mikel Arteta
The debut symbolizes a new chapter for Gyokeres at Arsenal as he looks to contribute significantly in the upcoming season.
A Match Defined by Key Moments
Sarr’s outrageous solo goal in the 68th minute still does take the biscuit. He did score one of the greatest goals ever from the halfway line! This extraordinary strike not only solved the Arsenal defense but introduced the world stage to Sarr’s undeniable skill talent. The desire to score that goal originated from a turnover won by Myles Lewis-Skelly against Richarlison in midfield just seconds before.
TTH’s Thomas Frank expressed delight with Sarr’s performance while focusing more on his role in affecting the team’s collective approach.
“I think he was really good today. His hold-up play, the way he takes hold of the ball in tricky situations. His one-vs-one skills, his creating opportunities for the team was top class.” – Thomas Frank
Even after Richarlison whiffed on a close-range chance late in the second half, the squad held onto the one-goal lead and took home the win.
Looking Ahead
Following this match, both teams will be keen to build on their performances as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season. Sky Sports will exclusively show at least 215 live Premier League matches when the new deal kicks in next season. Fans cannot wait for the action-packed season that awaits filled with exhilarating matchups!
Arsenal and Tottenham fought tooth and nail in a fiery North London Derby in the US that was both entertaining and educational. For both managers, this encounter offered another opportunity to test squad depth and different tactical approaches, with competitive play looming on the horizon.
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