In a thrilling encounter far away from familiar territory, Mohammed Kudus and his Tottenham Hotspur teammates silenced Arsenal in the first-ever North London derby played outside the United Kingdom.
The much-anticipated clash unfolded at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, with Pape Matar Sarr’s first-half screamer proving the difference in a tightly contested battle.
Source: Getty Images
Tottenham pips Arsenal in Hong Kong
Coming into the match, Arsenal looked sharp and full of confidence. Their unbeaten preseason run had many tipping them to take the honours.
But the Lilywhites had other plans. Right from the first whistle, Tottenham played with intent, pressing with energy and pushing forward with every opportunity.
Though Arsenal enjoyed more of the ball, it was Spurs who looked more dangerous whenever they advanced.
Tottenham came close when Richarlison’s strike, following a corner, had to be cleared off the line. Minutes later, Wilson Odobert tried his luck, only to see his low drive bounce off the foot of the post.
Eventually, their persistence paid off.
Pape Matar Sarr, enjoying a rich vein of form this preseason, pressed Myles Lewis-Skelly high up the pitch.
He won the ball cleanly, lifted his head, and noticed the Arsenal goalkeeper way off his line.
Without hesitation, he unleashed a fierce long-range effort that soared straight into the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any derby.
Watch the goal:
The Gunners stepped up their efforts after conceding. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard tried to pull the strings, threading passes and probing for space.
Yet the Spurs defence stayed disciplined and compact, denying them any clear chances.
Even after making several changes in the second half, including the introduction of new signing Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Tottenham held on to seal a narrow but deserved victory. It was their second preseason win, extending their unbeaten run after beating Reading and drawing with Wycombe and Luton Town.
Mohammed Kudus shines against Arsenal
Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus started the game and played for 63 minutes. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his impact was undeniable.
He tormented Arsenal’s backline with direct runs and physical play, especially giving Myles Lewis-Skelly a torrid time on the left flank. His performance sparked a wave of praise across social media:
@imzftbi lauded the 24-year-old:
“Kudus might be the strongest footballer I’ve ever seen.”
@tansleona chimed in:
“It’s so refreshing to have an attacker like Kudus who’s actually a problem to defend against.”
@sneharants summed up:
“Kudus is the type of player that I already know I’m going to defend to death on this app.”
Kudus’ Spurs eyes Newcastle and Bayern in next outing
Next up for Kudus and the Spurs squad is a stern test against Newcastle United on August 3. Just four days later, they’ll take on German giants Bayern Munich.
Source: YEN.com.gh
