Kai Tak Stadium, 31 July 2025 – On A humid night in Hong Kong, Arsenal’s final match of their Asian Tour ended in defeat to local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. A first-half wondergoal from Pape Matar Sarr sealed a 1-0 win for Spurs in the first ever North London derby played overseas.
But while the result may not matter in the grander scheme of pre-season, this fixture served as a significant tactical dress rehearsal for Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of the imminent start of the new Premier League campaign. Arsenal controlled large spells of possession and created more shots than their opponent – 16 to Tottenham’s 10 – but were ultimately undone by a single moment of sloppy play in midfield from Myles Lewis-Skelly, although, Arsenal will feel aggrieved a foul wasn’t given to their young star in the turnover of possession.
### **Raya Targeted Again – Set-Piece Woes Resurface**
Perhaps the most telling subplot of the evening was Tottenham’s clear strategy to target David Raya at corners. Micky van de Ven was visibly assigned to obstruct the Spanish goalkeeper during set-pieces, and it nearly paid off on multiple occasions in the first half.
Two in-swinging deliveries caused havoc in the Arsenal box – one crashing off the far post and another falling kindly to Richarlison, who somehow failed to convert from close range. Raya, who had already shown signs of hesitancy this pre-season, appeared uncomfortable again under pressure.
The issue goes beyond individual errors. Arsenal conceded 14 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League last season – the third worst in the league behind Wolves and Southampton. If this match is anything to go by, opponents may have found a new blueprint to crowd Raya, disrupt Arsenal’s zonal structure, and swing in quality deliveries from set-pieces.
With Spurs manager Thomas Frank – who knows Raya well from their Brentford days – employing this very tactic, alarm bells will be ringing at London Colney. Set piece coach Nicolas Jover may have to go back to the drawing board defensively, or Arsenal risk repeating last season’s Achilles heel.
### **Arsenal’s Own Set-Piece Evolution: Signs of a New Routine**
While Arsenal looked shaky defending dead-ball situations, they hinted at an intriguing new routine in their own attacking set-pieces. Over the last few seasons, we have become accustomed to Arsenal’s crowding of the six-yard area and timely executed runs from the back post, but this match showcased a new approach.
Five players lined up along the edge of the box during several corners, evenly spaced and poised for late runs into the danger area. Instead of the central overload, Arsenal created multiple angles of attack, utilising decoy runs and varied timing to confuse Tottenham’s defenders.
With Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka tasked with delivering pinpoint in-swinging crosses, this setup has the potential to cause problems for zonal and man-marking systems. Arsenal were already the fourth highest scoring team for set-piece goals in the league last season with 15. With more variety now embedded in their routines, that number could potentially rise.
### **Viktor Gyökeres Debut: Fleeting Cameo, but Tactical Implications Loom Large**
Fans hoping to get a proper look at Viktor Gyökeres in an Arsenal shirt were left wanting. The Swedish striker made his debut in the 77th minute but only had two touches of the ball and failed to register a shot. Still, his mere presence on the pitch signalled a potential stylistic shift.
Gyökeres joins Arsenal off the back of a 54-goal season with Sporting CP, and although he has only just started training with the team, his profile already looks like a point of difference. During pre-season training sessions, he was deployed as a traditional No.9 – leading the line, playing off the shoulder of the last defender, and constantly looking to get in behind.
Contrast that with Kai Havertz, who played more of a false nine role on this tour, dropping deep to link play and vacating the central zone. The tactical gap between the two is stark – and potentially deliberate. Gyökeres’ presence gives Arsenal a more direct option, which was evident against Spurs. William Saliba and David Raya attempted multiple long passes over the top, clearly anticipating a striker who thrives on chasing balls in behind while acting as a focal point. Although Gyökeres wasn’t on the pitch for most of the game, the willingness to go long and direct from the defence could be a sign of a shift in style this season for Arsenal.
Arteta has hinted at a more vertical style when needed, and the early signs suggest he might be preparing his team for a tactical duality: possession-based control or a more direct approach dependant on the opponent. Arsenal averaged 18 shots and 39 touches in the opposition box over their three pre-season friendlies so far – one wonders how much more dangerous they could become with Gyökeres fully integrated.
### **Left-Side Dilemma: Arsenal’s Weakest Flank Still an Issue**
While the right-hand side remains Arsenal’s most dangerous channel, thanks largely to Bukayo Saka’s consistent brilliance and connection with Ben White and Martin Ødegaard, the left flank continues to lag behind. Against Tottenham, Gabriel Martinelli again started wide on the left but failed to offer the incision Arsenal needed. His pressing and defensive contributions remain exceptional, but on the ball, he lacks the threat to isolate and beat his opponent.
Leandro Trossard’s injury late in the match and Reiss Nelson’s seemingly [imminent move to Fulham](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6497912/2025/07/26/arsenal-reiss-nelson-fulham-transfer/) leave Arsenal thin on natural wide options. A potential answer to this problem could be in the form of a new signing yet to feature for Arsenal this pre-season in Noni Madueke.
Signed as a natural rotation option on the right flank to ease the burden off Saka, he ended last season playing a new role on the left wing at Chelsea. His explosiveness and 1v1 prowess offer Arsenal a different kind of threat on that left hand side now if they push with his development at left wing this coming season.
It’s also a reflection of Arsenal’s growing predictability. Teams now double up on Saka on a weekly basis knowing that most of the attacking threat runs through him. Without a genuine 1v1 threat on the opposite side to balance this out, Arsenal run the risk of staying lopsided and remain easier to shut down.
### **Max Dowman: Teenage Talent Continues to Spark Hype**
Amid the intensity and frustration of the derby loss, Arsenal fans had one exciting reason to smile – the 15-year-old Max Dowman. Given just 13 minutes to showcase his talent, Dowman wasted no time making an impact. Despite his age, he looked fearless, sharp in possession, and showed intelligent decision-making even when double-teamed by Spurs defenders.
It’s a familiar pattern. Saka, too, was targeted by multiple defenders once he became a regular on that right wing. Dowman, if given the right development path, may follow in those footsteps. What stood out the most was his confidence – happy to take his man on, play quick one-twos, and even track back defensively with purpose.
Of course, it’s early days. Dowman will likely not feature regularly this season, but Arsenal have unearthed another serious talent who looks at ease even against Premier League-level competition. The club’s youth academy remains strong – and Dowman is quickly becoming the crown jewel of Hale End’s next generation.
### **Final Thoughts: A Work in Progress with High Potential**
The 1-0 defeat to Spurs may sting on the surface, particularly because it came against rivals in front of a stadium-record crowd of 49,975, but this wasn’t a failure of system or squad. Instead, it was a reality check, a reminder of existing weaknesses and evolving strengths.
The glaring defensive fragility at set-pieces – especially without the side-lined Gabriel – needs urgent fixing. The left side needs more directness and creativity. But there are clear signs of growth: set-piece innovation, stylistic changes in attack, and the emergence of young players like Dowman who can grow.
Arsenal’s Asian tour ends with two wins and one defeat. They now return to London for final tune-ups against Villareal and Athletic Club before the real campaign begins at Old Trafford on August 17th. If they can address their issues and integrate Gyökeres quickly, they could start the season with a sharper, more ruthless edge.
One goal and one lapse were enough to lose this game – but the broader picture offers plenty to build on.