Greg . 2 days ago

Pape Matar Sarr scores from halfway line as Spurs beat rivals Arsenal in pre-season

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

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

The Spurs midfielder looked up, saw Raya stranded way outside his penalty area and let soar to score in outrageous fashion from 50 yards out.

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

Tackles soared in and tempers frayed 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 the stronger but it was Tottenham who struck the woodwork three times in a frantic first half and acquired their lead at the shatter.

Arsenal laid siege to the Tottenham goal at the start of the second half, but new manager Thomas Frank possessed his defence well-drilled and the Gunners establish it hard to shatter through.

Gabriel Martinelli did manage to locate an opening on 58 minutes but shot wastefully over the obstruct from 14 yards.

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

A huge cheer moved up when Son Heung-min was presented by Tottenham in the 75th minute.

It was pursued by an even bigger ovation when new striker Viktor Gyokeres also came off the bench for his Arsenal debut with 13 minutes to move.

The Swedish striker, sporting the number 14 shirt made famous by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, was signed for £55 million six days ago.

He made some darting runs as Arsenal pressed for a late equaliser, but will need time to obtain up to speed with his new club.

Tottenham now soar on to South Korea to confront Newcastle United on Sunday, while Arsenal lead home after three matches in Singapore and Hong Kong.