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Arsenal took on North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur during their final pre-season clash of the club’s Asia tour.

Mikel Arteta named a strong side for the first ever North London Derby outside of the UK and the Gunners were frustrated in the first half.

William Saliba had a good chance to open the scoring early on in the game but Spurs defended resolutely.

In fact, it was the other side of North London that had the better chances in the first half and went in at the break 1-0 up with a sensational strike from Pape Sarr. The game also showed that the Gunners have failed to address a major issue from last season.

Arsenal still look vulnerable from defensive set pieces

Jamie Redknapp criticised Arsenal last season for their ability to defend set pieces and claimed that it could have cost them the Premier League title.

It appears that despite solving the issue of scoring goals with the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, Arteta’s side continued to look vulnerable from set piece routines against Spurs.

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Thomas Frank’s side hit the post twice in the first half from corner routines and it is clear that David Raya and his Arsenal defence are still not commanding the penalty area.

Arsenal are so potent from set pieces in an attacking sense, however, the complete opposite is occurring in their own penalty box and it keeps costing them silly goals and points dropped.

It is now up to set piece coach Nicolas Jover to spend as much time on defending corners and free kicks as he does coming up with attacking plans.

David Raya has not learned lessons from last season

Raya himself also repeated a mistake from the previous campaign of being caught out of position leading to a goal for the opposition.

Just before the break, the Spanish goalkeeper played a pass into Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was surrounded by three Spurs players and lost the ball.

Raya was then scrambling to get back on his line and Sarr expertly lifted the ball over him into the empty net.

Jean-Philippe Mateta also scored a similar goal for Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium last season and although pre-season is about getting rid of the mistakes and rustiness, the Gunners have to help themselves and learn from past failures.

If they continue making the same mistakes, another trophyless season would see a lot of criticism and frustration levelled their way.

Arsenal are preparing to face Tottenham Hotspur in their latest pre-season clash.

The game will be the first North London Derby to be played outside of the UK with Hong Kong hosting the bitter rivalry.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won both of their games on the tour so far with youngsters Max Dowman and Marli Salmon stealing the limelight for their assured displays.

The test against Thomas Frank’s side will mean a step up in intensity for the Arsenal squad and although it is only a pre-season clash, there will be no ‘friendly’ element about this derby.

Predicted Arsenal line up vs Tottenham Hotspur

All eyes will be on whether Arteta hands a debut to new signing Viktor Gyokeres, however with the Swede only having completed a couple of training sessions with his new side, it is unlikely he will start the game.

Riccardo Calafiori had an injury scare in the game against Newcastle and is likely not to be risked with Jakub Kiwior set for his first start of the tour.

It could also be the first time we see Arsenal’s midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard from the outset – with many believing this will be Arteta’s preferred option this season.

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With continued speculation over his future, Leandro Trossard will likely move to the bench in place of Gabriel Martinelli.

Cristhian Mosquera could be set for a debut of his own after joining up with the squad last week, whilst Dowman and Salmon will be hoping to feature from the bench once again.

Reiss Nelson has already played his last game in an Arsenal shirt

With the Gunners still keen to add another attacking player in the transfer market, player sales have become the priority for Andrea Berta.

Reiss Nelson has been linked with Fulham and an agreement is reportedly close between the two sides over a loan deal with an option to buy the Hale End winger.

It would be highly unlikely that Nelson is risked during the clash with Spurs given that the deal is so far down the line.

Nelson impressed during his cameo against AC Milan but was an unused substitute in the 3-2 victory over Newcastle United.

There is hope from Arsenal fans that Nelson’s departure alongside the likes of Fabio Vieira and Trossard, could open up room for a swoop for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

It’s one thing for Arsenal to miss out on a transfer target, but it’s quite another to miss out on a target to Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal are no strangers to having their transfer deals hijacked at the last minute.

Indeed, Chelsea pinched Mykhaylo Mudryk from Arsenal back in 2023 in one of the most infamous hijacks in recent history, while Manchester United got Lisandro Martinez after Arsenal made multiple bids just months prior.

Arsenal have been courting Rodrygo from Real Madrid, this summer, but, in recent days, it’s been reported that Tottenham could sign the winger.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, Rodrygo to Tottenham isn’t something that is going to happen this summer.

Rodrygo will not sign for Tottenham

According to the journalist, the rumours regarding Rodrygo potentially joining Tottenham are baseless.

Rodrygo has been valued at £70m, and he could be on the move this summer, but it would appear he’s not headed to Spurs.

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“There were rumours about Tottenham. Tottenham are not in the conversation for Rodrygo guys, Tottenham and Rodrygo is not something realistic to happen this summer, so forget about that.”

Rodrygo thinks he’s good enough for Real Madrid

Rodrygo isn’t going to be joining Tottenham, and according to Romano, the Brazilian could end up staying exactly where he is this summer.

“I can confirm this is not an easy decision for Rodrygo. Rodrygo loves Real Madrid, he loves the club, Rodrygo is convinced he can still be an important player for Real Madrid.

“The feeling from Rodrygo is not that he can’t be a Real Madrid player anymore and he wants to go, he really feels he can be important for this squad and this Real Madrid team.”

Of course, Rodrygo was continuously left out of the Madrid team throughout the Club World Cup, so things may come to a breaking point somewhere down the line.

Whether or not Rodrygo does leave Real Madrid this summer remains to be seen, but, if he does, Arsenal may well be there waiting to pounce.

Arsenal could be set to hand rivals Tottenham Hotspur more transfer misery.

Arsenal are interested in signing Eberechi Eze and the Crystal Palace man wants to join the Gunners ahead of Spurs after they also showed interest in the England international.

Noni Madueke was a Spurs academy graduate and is also close to joining the club after a £52m fee was agreed between Arsenal and Chelsea. The 23-year-old is currently undergoing medical tests.

Now Arsenal could be set to deliver a third blow to their North London neighbours this summer, stemming from something they did back in 2023.

Tottenham Hotspur told they have to pay ‘Declan Rice’ money to sign Adam Wharton

According to journalist Dean Jones, Tottenham Hotspur have hit a stumbling block in their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton over the asking price for the 21-year-old.

Spurs are keen to add to their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season but have been told that it would take an offer close to the fee paid for Declan Rice to tempt Palace into selling.

Jones stated: “Tottenham like Adam Wharton a lot. But Crystal Palace are playing hardball. We’re talking a valuation that could go north of £80 million.

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“Palace believe there’s no reason they shouldn’t aim for a Rice-style fee after what West Ham pulled off a couple of years back. And to be fair… they might have a point.”

Arsenal completed the signing of Rice back in 2023 for a club-record fee of £105m and the midfielder was outstanding last campaign for the Gunners.

Rice has not travelled to Spain for the initial part of pre-season as he is still following an individual training programme but the England star will be looking to hit the ground running once again next season.

Spurs will now have to cough up close to Rice’s valuation if they want to sign Wharton and having already spent money on Mohammed Kudus and the likely signing of Morgan Gibbs-White, that fee may be beyond their realms.

Adam Wharton valuation makes Christian Norgaard signing look even better

There is no doubt that Wharton is a terrific prospect at Palace and at just 21 years of age, he will develop into one of the best midfielders in the country.

However, his valuation north of £80m makes Andrea Berta’s signing of Christian Norgaard for just £10m look even better.

Norgaard could prove to be an excellent piece of business and provide depth and quality to Mikel Arteta’s midfield options.

His relatively cheap price tag also allows Arsenal to splash the cash in other areas, most notably in their attack.

Arsenal fans love nothing more than embarrassing their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Mikel Arteta’s side are currently on a three-match winning streak against their nearest neighbours after securing a Premier League double over Spurs last season.

Away from the pitch, Arsenal have angered the other side of North London in the transfer market before as they shocked world football by securing Sol Campbell on a free transfer back in 2001.

Eberechi Eze can emulate Tomas Rosicky with his incredible record in North London Derbies if the Gunners can secure a deal for the Crystal Palace man. However, Andrea Berta now has the opportunity to deal another transfer blow to Tottenham and this one will really sting.

Arsenal target Noni Madueke was once part of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy

Arsenal are in contact with Chelsea over Noni Madueke and are hoping to conclude a deal swiftly for the England international.

Madueke would provide the Gunners with pace and versatility in attack, something that was missing last season in their quest for a major trophy.

Should Madueke prove to be a difference-maker for Arsenal this season, it would be even more painful for Spurs fans given that the 23-year-old is a product of their own academy.

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Madueke made one appearance for Tottenham Hotspur’s U18 side in the Premier League 2 before moving to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

Noni Madueke would join an exclusive list to play for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur

There are not many players who have played for Arsenal and Spurs during their careers and Madueke would join an exclusive club.

Although the Gunners transfer target never featured for the first-team he would join the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and William Gallas to have represented both sides of the North London divide.

Perhaps one of the most famous instances of rivalry between the two clubs came in 2009 when David Bentley scored a remarkable goal from the halfway line for Spurs at the Emirates.

Bentley was an Arsenal academy graduate and went on to represent England during his time at White Hart Lane.

Should the Gunners complete a deal for Madueke, he will be hoping that his best footballing years are in a red and white shirt.

Arsenal fans love nothing more than a victory over their North London neighbours.

Gabriel Magalhaes was on target during both Premier League clashes with Spurs last season as the defender powered Mikel Arteta’s side to the double over their arch rivals.

Arsenal broke a 36-year record last campaign by winning three consecutive North London Derby games in a row and the Gunners will be hoping to continue their recent dominance next season.

Arsenal face Spurs in pre-season during their tour of the far-east but it is a battle off the pitch that is currently engulfing the two clubs as they both chase the same transfer target.

Arsenal target Eberechi Eze has a good record against Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal are interested in Eberechi Eze and the Crystal Palace man is keen to move to the Emirates Stadium this month.

Ian Wright wanted Eze last season but the player has had another season in the Premier League with Palace and was instrumental in their FA Cup triumph.

A player can always earn the love of Arsenal supporters by playing well against their arch enemy and that is something that Eze has done recently.

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The 27-year-old grabbed a brace during Palace’s 2-0 win at White Hart Lane last season and has already produced four goal contributions against Spurs during his past clashes with them.

Should Andrea Berta complete a deal for the England international, he will arrive to a warm reception having already captured the hearts of Gunners’ fans.

Eberechi Eze can emulate Tomas Rosicky’s Arsenal record v Spurs

Tomas Rosicky loved a goal in the North London Derby and boasted an incredible record against Spurs during his time at Arsenal.

Rosicky was linked with a return to Arsenal before the sporting director position was handed to Berta but it is his playing career as to why he is adored by the red and white faithful.

Eze would need one more goal or assist to equal Rosicky’s record against Spurs and to do it for Arteta’s side would make it extra special.

Football is all about fine margins and by signing a player that has a good record against the old enemy, it must be another positive note to Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze.

Thierry Henry is a hero to many Arsenal fans, even to this day.

The Frenchman is arguably the greatest player ever to play for the club. He is Arsenal’s record goalscorer and is a big reason why many people support the Gunners.

Henry has a statue of himself outside the Emirates Stadium. It is a bronze model of the iconic goal he scored against Tottenham Hotspur all the way back in 2002.

Recently, several years after it was placed outside the stadium, Henry brought his kids to show them the statue, and Spurs fans will hate one thing he said there.

Why Thierry Henry looks ‘upset’ in his Arsenal statue

Arsenal unveiled Henry’s statue in December 2011.

The World Cup winner was honoured by the club for his contributions many years ago, and he was reduced to tears on seeing it live.

“I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have a statue like this in front of the stadium of the team I love and support,” Henry said when the statue was unveiled.

Over a decade later, the Arsenal legend brought two of his children to the Emirates to have a look at their dad cast in bronze.

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Seeing it for the first time, Henry’s daughter asked him on CBS Sports: “Why are your eyes like that?”

“Because I was upset that day,” he replied.

When his son asked why he was upset, Henry quickly replied: “Because we were playing Tottenham, and I don’t like Tottenham.”

Thierry Henry’s record for Arsenal vs Tottenham

Henry has never hidden his feelings about Tottenham – he really doesn’t like them.

The Frenchman is Arsenal through and through, and he shared the passion of the fans every time he played in a North London Derby.

Henry’s record in those games is brilliant – he never lost against Spurs.

To add to the above, Henry won the Premier League title at Tottenham’s home, White Hart Lane, back in 2004. He celebrated there even though he was asked not to.

That shows his love for Arsenal, and that hasn’t changed even to this day.

Arsenal’s transfer window can only be described as disastrous following the events since its closure on Monday 3rd February.

Arsenal fans are fuming with Stan and Josh Kroenke after their lack of transfer activity coupled with the injuries to Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have left Arsenal woefully short in attacking options.

The Gunners are not looking to bring in any free agent strikers and will now rely on Mikel Arteta getting the best out of the likes of the underperforming Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino.

One deal that Arsenal did pursue on deadline day was not a striker but a former Tottenham Hotspur academy defender, and it seems the Gunners are going back in with a fresh approach.

Arsenal interested Stoke City defender Jaden Dixon

According to the Mail Online, Arsenal are interested in Stoke City defender Jaden Dixon after seeing Ayden Heaven depart to Manchester United in the January window.

Dixon is only 17 years old but has forced his way into the first team at Stoke, making six appearances in all competitions so far and impressing with his physicality and composure.

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The Gunners are believed to have enquired about Dixon on deadline day and will now be tracking his progress in the remainder of the season.

Dixon can play both at right back and at centre back and has already been capped for England at both under 17 and under 18 level.

Arsenal have already signed a Dixon from Stoke City

Should Arsenal be able to pull off a deal for Jaden Dixon, it would not be the first time the North London side have signed a ‘Dixon’ from Stoke City.

Lee Dixon was signed in January 1988 by George Graham and the England international went on to become a stalwart in Arsenal’s famous back four.

The right back won four Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one League Cup in his time at Arsenal and made an incredible 618 appearances, scoring 27 times.

If Jaden Dixon can have half the career of Lee Dixon, then Arteta could have some player on his hands in the future.

Arsenal have not had the 2024/25 campaign that fans would’ve desired however, the Gunners’ neighbours have it worse.

As Arsenal achieved a 1-0 win over Wolves at Molineux, other results around the Premier League added emphasis to the table.

Liverpool kept their lead at the top intact while Manchester City hinted at rejuvenation against Chelsea.

Further down the table, Arsenal’s arch-rivals Tottenham lost at home to Leicester City, pushing the North Londoners down the 15th place.

Tottenham match staggering Arsenal Premier League defeat record

Arsenal’s win over Wolves unearthed controversy as Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a challenge on Matt Doherty.

Mikel Arteta struggled to react to the red card as the Arsenal manager’s true feelings had to be reined in.

While the Gunners made a noise regarding Lewis-Skelly’s sending-off, an even louder debate unfolded at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Spurs lost 2-1 to the Foxes.

The defeat for Ange Postecoglou’s side took them to within eight points of the relegation zone, in what has been a dreadful season for Spurs.

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To rub salt in the wounds, a remarkable statistic emerged following the Lilywhite’s defeat, as with their 13th loss of the season, Spurs have matched Arsenal’s defeat record since 2022/23.

Arteta has watched his squad lose on 13 occasions since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, the same number of defeats Postecoglou has seen in this season alone.

It’s a surprise when considering that Arteta was criticised amid Postecoglou’s early influence at Spurs, with the Premier League table now taking shape very poorly for Arsenal’s rivals.

Arsenal’s season is far from over

Up until 2022, Tottenham finished above Arsenal for six consecutive seasons, something that hasn’t happened since that year.

In that time, Arteta has been the pioneer behind the Gunners’ claim to the Premier League title race and despite the challenges that have come this term, the race is far from over.

Liverpool sit comfortably in the top spot, so all Arteta can do is unleash a winning streak, similar to the results that followed Arsenal’s winter break in Dubai last season.

With there still a slim chance in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League and, the fact that Arsenal are performing exceptionally well in the Champions League, silverware mustn’t be ruled out just yet.

Amid criticism of the season, it’s easy to only see the negatives, with matchday 23’s results painting a rather glistening picture from Arsenal’s view.

Arsenal were at the centre of another controversial red card decision as Michael Oliver sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly just before half time.

Arsenal had dominated the first half without reward before the game turned on its head with the decision from referee Oliver.

Oliver sent Myles Lewis-Skelly off for serious foul play however, the decision was extremely harsh with many similar incidents in the season having already been deemed just a yellow card.

The incident saw Arsenal down to ten men for the fourth time this season and became the team with the most red cards in the Premier League this season.

Jamie O’Hara reacts to Myles Lewis-Skelly red card

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara has given his reaction to the red card shown to Myles Lewis-Skelly.

O’Hara has often been a critic of Arsenal given his Spurs connection but was in agreement with many Arsenal fans that the red card was the wrong decision.

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Arsenal fans were in utter disbelief at Oliver’s decision and fear the decision could be a hammer blow to their title hopes.

Michael Oliver at the centre of Arsenal controversy again

It is not the first time that Michael Oliver has been at the centre of a controversy involving Arsenal. Oliver sent off Gabriel Martinelli for two yellow cards at the same venue back in 2022 in another decision that caused anger amongst fans.

Leandro Trossard was also sent off by Michael Oliver earlier on this season for kicking the ball away in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City.

Arsenal fans will certainly feel that Oliver has had a lot influence on their results in recent years and that the rub of the green may not have gone their way.