Going to see the North London derby?
Some fans would normally take the tube to the Seven Sisters or Holloway Road stations though not quite this time. One of the fiercest of derby games was going to be in an unfamiliar setting yet it felt strangely familiar.
Supporters would be heading for Kai Tak and Sung Wong Toi MTR stations respectively; add in the weather in Hong Kong; dreary, overcast and wet and the setting was almost perfect give or take the searing heat and humidity.
Once inside Kai Tak Sports Park, the Arsenal and Spurs fans were in full voice as a deafening wall of sound reverberated around. ‘North London Forever’ and ‘ Oh When the Spurs Go Marching In’ sung with gusto and aplomb.
Thomas Frank, the new Spurs coach, eager to start a new era and make a clean break from the past; Spurs had won the Europa League last season so surely this was impetus to kick start a brighter era.
Match Winner: Pape Matar Sarr
This was no mere friendly to go through the paces. Hundreds of millions of eyes were watching and honour was at stake. This was not just ‘North London’ pride; this was global pride.
Arsenal dominated the early stages of the match and in the 3rd minute, Arsenal had the first chance when William Saliba had a header from Martin Odegaard’s shot into the ground. Arsenal’s pressure continued and Kai Havertz had a light penalty call which was swiftly rejected.
Arsenal Fans. Photo: Santiago Kwok
In the 9th minute, Spurs had their first chance when Pedro Porro’s corner swung around all the players and hit the Arsenal post.
Spurs slowly found their stride and in the 27th minute Wilson Odobert, from the left flank unleashed a right foot shot which was tipped onto the post.
A Full House. Photo: Eric Li
The resulting in-swinging corner, was again missed by everyone and seemed destined to end up in the Arsenal net until Richarlison and the post somehow combined to keep the ball out.
Arsenal Fans. Photo: Santiago Kwok
The game’s intensity did not relent though chances were far and few between until Spurs took the lead in the 45th minute with a floated long-distance goal from Pape Matar Sarr after a mix up in the Arsenal defence. A stunning strike from Matar Sarr; the audacity and confidence of youth on full display.
Arsenal Fans Outnumbered Spurs Fans. Photo: Santiago Kwok
Arsenal, cheered on by large sections of the crowd, threw on the pressure in the 2nd half and in the 57th minute, Gabriel Martinelli, fired over from a one-two. Spurs had a half chance in the 65th minute when Micky Van de Ven header went past the post.
Martin Zubinmendi almost scored within an instance of coming on in the 68th minute and his shot deflected out for a corner. Kai Havertz had a drive in the 69th minute as Arsenal pressed forward.
Delighted Spurs Fans. Photo: Santiago Kwok
In the 76th minute, a changing of the guard; Son Heung-Min coming on the field with his future unclear while Arsenal’s new signing, Viktor Gyokeres, made his debut. Max Dowman, a mere 15 years of age and undaunted by the grand occasion, also entered the fray.
Arsenal. Photo: Santiago Kwok
Mikel Arteta, as animated as ever on the sideline, while Thomas Frank; calmer and cooler and ultimately, the victor.
Tottenham held out for 6 minutes of injury time to claim a historical and famous victory. A record crowd of 49, 975 to witness the largest ever crowd for a football match in Hong Kong.
A Record Crowd. Photo: Eric Li
After the game, Arteta spoke warmly about the support the Gunners had received in Hong Kong.
Mikel Arteta. Photo: Eric Li
“First of all, I would like to thank you for the welcome, it’s been incredible in the last 10 days, just witnessing how big this football club is in the amount of support and love that we had.
“We had very clear objectives – one, keep developing our preparation and maximize it every single day to get to a really high level and compete in different contexts in those three matches, and the other one was to connect with our people to get to know again this beautiful culture. We’ve certainly done both of them despite that tonight obviously we got the result that we didn’t want.”
Thomas Frank. Photo: Eric Li
Thomas Frank also praised the supporters in Hong Kong:
“We can see how important it is for the fans and all the fans would everyday, would wait for us in the morning and in the evening. This includes the fans who came to training and the fans who came to the game. You understand how big a club Tottenham is.”
Spurs Win In Hong Kong. Photo: Santiago Kwok
The noisiest of neighbours whose grievances will never end. Though in the ‘Hong Kong’ leg of this rivalry that will last an eternity; Spurs came out top.
