Tottenham Domination Over Arsenal Date and Time
The historic pre-season North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham took place outside the UK for the first time ever, at the remarkable Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong.
- Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
- Time: 12:30pm BST (7:30am ET; 5:00pm IST)
- Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
Match Overview
Tottenham Hotspur produced a clinical and hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal in front of an international crowd in Hong Kong. This marked a statement win for new manager Thomas Frank, whose tactical setup and squad depth were on full display against Mikel Arteta’s highly rated Gunners.
Key Match Highlights
- The only goal was scored by Pape Matar Sarr just before halftime (45’), finishing from a swift break that Arsenal failed to contain.
- Arsenal fielded top signings Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi from the start, while big-money arrival Viktor Gyokeres made his highly anticipated debut off the bench but couldn’t break through Spurs’ defense.
- Son Heung-min, amid speculation about his future, featured as a substitute and offered Spurs a boost of energy in the closing stages.
- The contest, although a “friendly,” was fiercely contested, with both teams eager to impress ahead of the new Premier League season.
Tactical Takeaways
- Tottenham’s defense looked solid, with disciplined structure and key blocks at crucial times, repelling Arsenal’s late attacking waves.
- Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to find clear-cut chances, frustrated by Tottenham’s compact midfield screen and effective counter-attacking approach.
- Spurs’ new signings, especially Mohammed Kudus, made a strong impression, contributing to a balanced and dynamic midfield.
- For Arsenal, the absence of instant chemistry among their new recruits was evident, and manager Mikel Arteta will be looking for more cohesion ahead of competitive fixtures.
What This Means
Tottenham’s domination over Arsenal in this pre-season classic is more than just bragging rights—it’s a signal of intent under Thomas Frank and a morale-boosting win as they gear up for the Premier League campaign. For Arsenal, it’s a reminder that their summer acquisitions must gel quickly to compete at the highest level.
How to Re-watch and Follow
- Live TV/Streaming: Match replays and highlights are available on Paramount+ and Arsenal’s club website. Spurs fans can catch exclusive content on SPURSPLAY.
- Social and Club Coverage: Follow the official Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur channels for extended highlights, reaction, and behind-the-scenes coverage.
Conclusion
Tottenham’s win over Arsenal in Hong Kong will be remembered as a significant moment in the North London rivalry, demonstrating their readiness for the upcoming season and giving fans optimism for the Frank era. Arsenal will look to regroup and harness the lessons from this international derby as they prepare for further pre-season challenges.