Sarr's 50-Yard Stunner Secures Spurs Win Against Arsenal In First-Ever NLD Outside UK

Last Updated:July 31, 2025, 19:53 IST

Pape Matar Sarr scored from the halfway line as Tottenham beat Arsenal 1-0 in Hong Kong, the first north London derby outside the UK.

Spurs triumphed in the first-ever North London Derby that took place outside the UK, thanks to Sarr (X)

Pape Matar Sarr scored from the halfway line as Tottenham capitalized on a shaky performance by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya to win the first north London derby held outside the UK, 1-0, on Thursday.

Raya, who had already been caught in no-man’s land twice as inswinging corners hit the post, was at fault again in the 45th minute when Sarr dispossessed Myles Lewis-Skelly just inside the Arsenal half.

The Spurs midfielder looked up, saw Raya stranded far outside his penalty area, and unleashed a shot to score spectacularly from 50 yards out.

Nominally a pre-season “friendly," there was no love lost on the pitch between the fierce rivals.

Tackles flew in and tempers flared in a fiercely contested clash in front of a 49,975 sellout crowd under the roof in Hong Kong’s air-conditioned Kai Tak Stadium.

Arsenal started stronger, but it was Tottenham who hit the woodwork three times in a frantic first half and deserved their lead at the break.

Arsenal laid siege to the Tottenham goal at the start of the second half, but new manager Thomas Frank had his defence well-drilled, making it hard for the Gunners to break through.

Gabriel Martinelli found an opening on 58 minutes but shot wastefully over the bar from 14 yards.

Arsenal brought on Leandro Trossard and new signing Martin Zubimendi, who almost scored with his first touch when his shot was deflected over the bar.

A huge cheer erupted when Son Heung-min was introduced by Tottenham in the 75th minute, followed by an even bigger ovation when new striker Viktor Gyokeres also came off the bench for his Arsenal debut with 13 minutes to go.

The Swedish striker, wearing the number 14 shirt made famous by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, was signed for $67 million six days ago.

He made some darting runs as Arsenal pressed for a late equaliser but failed to make an immediate impact.

Tottenham now fly to South Korea to face Newcastle United on Sunday, while Arsenal head home after three matches in Singapore and Hong Kong.

(with AFP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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