Haunted by Nayim on the halfway line again!

Sarrcastic Ending in Hong Kong as Spurs Steal Derby Win

So much for ending the Asia Tour on a high. In front of nearly 50,000 mostly Arsenal fans at a packed-out Kai Tak Sports Park, it was Pape Sarr – yes, him – who decided the first-ever North London Derby outside the UK with a speculative hit that somehow found its way in after what looked suspiciously like a mugging on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the build-up.

VAR? Not on tour, apparently.

Let's rewind. This wasn't just another friendly. The hype was real. Tickets for this historic derby in Hong Kong sold out in just two hours, and from the sound of The Angel booming out pre-kick-off, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was being played at the Emirates in disguise.

The dragon dance was electric, the atmosphere was all Arsenal, and from the first whistle, we were on them. Martin Ødegaard nearly scored in the opening minute, Spurs hit the post from a fluke corner, and Richarlison reminded everyone why he's better at UFC than finishing by somehow heading straight at Saliba with the goal gaping.

Then came the "incident." Lewis-Skelly was clipped from behind (Richarlison again – surprise!) and Pape Sarr hoofed it from the halfway line (okay, maybe not that far) past a stranded Raya. It was either audacious or outrageous – depending on your view – but what mattered was that it was 1-0 to the wrong lot.

We huffed, we puffed, we took three corners that caused panic but not problems, and the first half ended with us behind thanks to a moment of chaos.

Second Half: All Smoke, No Fire

Saka twisted, Odegaard fired, Martinelli stabbed, and Spurs continued to defend like it was a Champions League final – something they'll only see on TV for a while. Zubimendi came on and nearly made an instant impact. Havertz had a go. Then, finally, on came Viktor Gyokeres to a huge roar from the Gooners. He looked lively. Sadly, no script-written equaliser followed.

We even threw on Cristhian Mosquera for his first taste of the rivalry. But Tottenham parked the bus, turned off the engine, and blocked every road. Even with a record crowd and a sea of red shirts backing the boys, we couldn't break them down.

Credit where due – Spurs' only shot on target was enough. We had all the ball, all the noise, all the new signings… but none of the goals.

What Now?

That wraps up the Asia Tour. The lads are heading back to London, hopefully with their suitcases full of match sharpness and a little less jet lag than us armchair fans trying to watch at ridiculous hours.

Next up? Villarreal at home on Wednesday, then the Emirates Cup against Athletic Club. And after that, the main event: Premier League kick-off at Old Trafford.

Let's just hope Pape Sarr doesn't follow us there.