We will take on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. August 23 as part of our ongoing pre-season preparations ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The match will take place at Mangata Developments Stadium Meadow Park, with kick-off set for 3pm.
Viktor Gyokeres made his debut as we bowed out from our Asia Tour on Thursday with a narrow defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Pape Sarr scored the only goal of the match in Hong Kong, as we welcomed Viktor and Cristhian Mosquera onto the pitch for the first time.
We now look to a return to north London with pre-season contests at Emirates Stadium against Villarreal and Athletic Club.
Watch the full match the Kai Tak Stadium by clicking play on the video above.
Arsenal were edged out by a solitary Tottenham Hotspur goal as the North London rivals met in Hong Kong on Thursday.
Pape Sarr's long-distance strike late in the first half split the two sides, as Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera appeared in red and white for the first time as second-half substitutes.
The Gunners have now completed the trio of matchdays from our Asia Tour, and will return to the Emirates Stadium next week for our final two pre-season contests.
Take a look back at the best of the action from the Kai Tak Sports Park in our bitesize highlights package above.
Arsenal faced Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday in the third and final match of our summer Asia Tour.
The Gunners travelled from Singapore to Hong Kong for the first-ever overseas North London derby, which Spurs won 1-0.
Mikel Arteta and his squad now prepare to return to the UK in time for a meeting with Villarreal next Wednesday, and the Emirates Cup against Athletic Club the following Saturday.
Take a look at the best of our photos from the Kai Tak Sports Park in the gallery below.
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Mikel Arteta is taking the positives from our pre-season tour of Asia, as we ended our trip with a narrow defeat in Hong Kong.
Pape Sarr scored the only goal of the game at Kai Tak Stadium and as we head back to N5 for two more fixtures before the start of the season, our boss believes we have grown during our trip.
He said: "In terms of the preparation, the opposition that we have, the atmosphere, the stadium that we played in. We didn’t manage to get the result that we wanted, but a lot to take.
"But a lot of positives to take from the camp and the boys, we go again on Wednesday.
"I think the tour in general, a big thank you, especially to all our supporters that have been with us the last 10-12 days because they made us feel incredibly privileged to represent this club and we have something really special and a big gratitude to them. Then, in terms of what we have achieved in the three games, really pleased."
We ended our tour of Singapore and Hong Kong with two wins and a defeat. Full focus is now on Villarreal and Athletic Club, with both matches taking place at Emirates Stadium.
A host of new signings have joined us on tour, including Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera, who both made their debuts against Tottenham, and Mikel has been delighted by the overall contribution of the whole squad.
He said: "A big surprise, because whenever we have them [new signings] to participate in training sessions, in games, the attitude and especially the quality that they have has been incredible, so very pleased. As I said, a lot of great things to take from this tour.
"The incredible camaraderie that we had between the players and the staff, and how I think everyone values where we are. It’s been a long two weeks, with a lot happening, a lot of things that you have to adapt in your preparation.
"But the attitude of everybody to make it happen, especially to everybody who has been involved in preparing all of the tour for us. A big thank you because they've done an amazing job."
A first-half goal from Pape Sarr ensured the final pre-season game of our Asia Tour ended in defeat.
The only goal of this historic derby in Hong Kong came after Myles Lewis-Skelly appeared to be clipped from behind, and Sarr took advantage to score from long-range.
Viktor Gyokeres came on to a rapturous reception late on as we looked for the equaliser, but despite our pressure, the goal wouldn’t come.
First half
Tickets for the first-ever north London derby played outside of the UK sold out within two hours of going on sale – and the overwhelming majority were snapped up by our supporters. It felt like a home game as The Angel was played before kick-off.
As the decibel levels ramped up after a stunning pre-game dragon ceremony and light show, we got into our opponents from the first whistle.
Martin Odegaard had a shot deflected just wide within the first minute before having another effort off target from a corner.
Tottenham’s first attempt came ten minutes in, when Pedro Porro’s corner evaded everyone and hit the far post. It fell to Richarlison, who headed straight at William Saliba.
The challenges began to fly in from both teams, and Rodrigo Bentancur was booked for a cynical foul on Bukayo Saka. We had started very strongly, but midway through the half Spurs had a great chance to take the lead.
Wilson Odobert’s low shot was deflected against the post and wide, and from the resulting corner, the ball fell to Richarlison under the bar, but he contrived to miss the open goal.
Just as the first half ticked into injury time, Tottenham took the lead in controversial fashion. Lewis-Skelly appeared to be tripped inside the centre circle by Richarlison, the ball fell to Pape Sarr, who fired over the stranded David Raya from long range.
Before the half-time whistle blew, we sent in three dangerous corners, two of which were scrambled away inside the six-yard box, but we failed to test Guglielmo Vicario in the opening 45 minutes.
Second half
Saka’s twisting run on the right resulted in our first corner of the half, when Odegaard’s shot was deflected over, and shortly afterwards, Gabriel Martinelli stabbed a shot over from Kai Havertz’s lay off following good work from Lewis-Skelly.
At the other end, Micky Van de Ven headed wide from close range, but still Tottenham’s first-half goal remained the only shot on target for either side.
Martin Zubimendi was brought on for his first taste of the derby, and his first touch was a shot from the edge of the area that was deflected just over the bar. Havertz then had a low shot easily saved as we went searching for the leveller.
As the game entered the final 15 minutes, Mikel Arteta turned to his bench and brought on Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres for their non-competitive debuts.
But the Tottenham defence stood firm and despite setting a new attendance record of 49,975 inside the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, our first visit to Hong Kong since 2012 ended in defeat.
What’s next
This game completed our 14-day Asia Tour, and the team will be heading back to London on Friday before preparing to take on Villarreal on Wednesday at Emirates Stadium, and then Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup next Saturday. That’s the last of our pre-season matches – the following weekend sees the kick-off in the Premier League, away to Manchester United.
A first-half goal from Pape Sarr ensured the final pre-season game of our Asia Tour ended in defeat.
The only goal of this historic derby in Hong Kong came when the referee played on, even though Myles Lewis-Skelly appeared to be clipped from behind. Sarr took advantage to score from long-range.
Viktor Gyokeres came on to a rapturous reception late on as we looked for the equaliser, but despite our pressure, the goal wouldn’t come.
First half
Tickets for the first-ever north London derby played outside of the UK sold out within two hours of going on sale – and the overwhelming majority were snapped up by our supporters. It felt like a home game as The Angel was played before kick-off.
As the decibel levels ramped up after a stunning pre-game dragon ceremony and light show, we got into our opponents from the first whistle.
Martin Odegaard had a shot deflected just wide within the first minute before having another effort off target from a corner.
Tottenham’s first attempt came ten minutes in, when Pedro Porro’s corner evaded everyone and hit the far post. It fell to Richarlison, who headed straight at William Saliba.
The challenges began to fly in from both teams, and Rodrigo Bentancur was booked for a cynical foul on Bukayo Saka. We had started very strongly, but midway through the half Spurs had a great chance to take the lead.
Wilson Odobert’s low shot was deflected against the post and wide, and from the resulting corner, the ball fell to Richarlison under the bar, but he contrived to miss the open goal.
Just as the first half ticked into injury time, Tottenham took the lead in controversial fashion. Lewis-Skelly appeared to be tripped inside the centre circle by Richarlison, the ball fell to Pape Sarr, who fired over the stranded David Raya from long range.
Before the half-time whistle blew, we sent in three dangerous corners, two of which were scrambled away inside the six-yard box, but we failed to test Guglielmo Vicario in the opening 45 minutes.
Second half
Saka’s twisting run on the right resulted in our first corner of the half, when Odegaard’s shot was deflected over, and shortly afterwards, Gabriel Martinelli stabbed a shot over from Kai Havertz’s lay off following good work from Lewis-Skelly.
At the other end, Micky Van de Ven headed wide from close range, but still Tottenham’s first-half goal remained the only shot on target.
Martin Zubimendi was brought on for his first taste of the derby, and his first touch was a shot from the edge of the area that was deflected just over the bar. Havertz then had a low shot easily saved as we went searching for the leveller.
As the game entered the final 15 minutes, Mikel Arteta turned to his bench and brought on Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres for their non-competitive debuts.
But the Tottenham defence stood firm and despite setting a new attendance record of 49,975 inside the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, our first visit to Hong Kong since 2012 ended in defeat.
What’s next
This game completed our 14-day Asia Tour, and the team will be heading back to London on Friday before preparing to take on Villarreal on Wednesday at Emirates Stadium, and then Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup next Saturday. That’s the last of our pre-season matches – the following weekend sees the kick-off in the Premier League, away to Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta has given an update on new signing Viktor Gyokeres ahead of our final pre-season tour clash against Tottenham.
Our Swedish striker joined up with our first team squad after signing last week and Mikel provided a fitness update on our new number 14.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mikel said: "He's only done today's session, yesterday very little. We're going to assess tonight how he is. If the medical staff are happy as well with his condition to participate in tomorrow's match, it's a possibility. We're going to discuss that tonight."
Mikel was speaking after our latest open training session, in which 20,000 packed into the Kai Tak Stadium ahead of facing Spurs on Thursday, July 31, at 12.30pm UK time.
Our boss was part of the squad that came to Hong Kong in 2012 and admits he can feel the love from our supporters everywhere he goes.
He said: The most impressive thing, again, is our supporters, how passionate they are, the way they ask things. They spend so much time outside the hotel. I think the way they received the team was incredible yesterday, and it made us feel that all this trip is worth it because I think people deserve to enjoy the team as well."
Mikel was also delighted by the prospect of a north London derby on foreign soil and cannot wait to hear the atmosphere in the ground tomorrow.
He added: "It's a great idea. I think to bring football tradition, a rivalry, but at the same time to do it in a completely different country, I think it's brilliant.
"I think it's an opportunity for everybody to feel that and for us as well, because for our preparation, increases the competition level again and it brings a different challenge to the game and then we’re going to be so lucky to play in this incredible stadium with 50,000 people that I'm sure they're going to be super loud and passionate."
Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard met the media as we continued the build-up to our friendly with Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong.
A first north London derby abroad kicks off on Thursday (12.30pm kick off UK) in the third and final game of our Asia Tour, and so our captain and manager held a pre-match press conference after our open training session in the Kai Tak Stadium.
They were asked about how Viktor Gyokeres is settling in, the atmosphere in Hong Kong, and preparations for the new season. Here’s a full transcript:
On a first north London derby abroad:
MA: Well, a great idea. I think to bring football tradition, a rivalry, but at the same time to do it in a completely different country, I think it's brilliant. I think it's an opportunity for everybody to feel that and for us as well, because for our preparation, increases the competition level again and it brings a different challenge to the game and then we’re going to be so lucky to play in this incredible stadium with 50,000 people that I'm sure they're going to be super loud and passionate.
On Martin’s experience playing at a young age
MO: To be fair, I think the whole squad is really good in this way, to help young players and as you say, with those two [Max Dowman and Marli Salmon] there, they're so young and so much quality. I think, myself, I just try to share my experience, guide them in the right direction, help them to keep the right mindset, because you can see that the quality is obviously there.
So, it’s just trying to help them to have the right mindset and to help them feel good in the team and to let them shine and do their thing. They've been amazing on this tour and you can all see the quality. It'll be exciting to see them in the future.
On Viktor Gyokeres’ fitness:
MA: Yes, I understand, he's only done today's session, yesterday very little. We're going to assess tonight how he is. If the medical staff are happy as well with his condition to participate in tomorrow's match, it's a possibility. We're going to discuss that tonight.
On the rest of the squad’s availability:
With the rest, everybody's going to be okay, apart from Big Gabi, who's still out, and probably Riccy [Riccardo Calafiori], it’s going to be a bit too early for him tomorrow.
On what excites Martin about playing with Gyokeres:
I think you've all seen what he's done in his career so far. Especially the last season at Sporting, the numbers speak for themselves. He's a very complete player. He's physical, strong, fast, good finisher, and intelligent as well. I think he's a very complete striker and you can also see the hunger, the energy he brings. I'm really excited to have him with the team. He's only trained a few times, but you can already see the quality, the energy, and the willingness. I'm excited to have a pitch with him.
On the size of the squad:
MA: Well, I said that I was extremely happy with the way that we have approached the window and how aggressive we've been. There's still a long period with the window open. So far, we are very happy with what we have achieved. Make sure that at the end of the window, we continue to be super happy.
On helping Viktor settle in:
MO: Yeah, obviously, with the language and everything, it's been easier for me to help him. We can speak our own language. Scandinavians, they always bond well together. So, in that way, it's been really natural. But to be fair, it's like with any player. Every new player, we try to help them in the best possible way. That's what I felt when I came here. I felt at home straight away. I felt how good the culture and environment was to get into. Everyone just wants to help you and get the best out of you. Then it's important also how you do things off the pitch. That's what we all do. So we're just here to help. So far, he's having a good time, I think.
On Viktor wearing number 14:
MA: I think I use the word conviction. That's the first thing that I noticed when I spoke to him. Someone very determined, someone that was really already attached to the club, the way he was talking about the club, the history, in this case Thierry [Henry], and what the shirt represented. I felt it, so when you feel it, go for it.
On what a shirt number means:
MO: Well, I think it's different to every player. I think some players would say it's really important, and others, they don't care. But I think some players, they have a special feeling about a certain number, and it might be important, but I don't think it's the most important thing. But for some players, it might give them an extra good feeling to play with a certain number. But for me, it doesn't matter too much.
On visiting Hong Kong in 2012:
MA: Well, there are similarities, obviously. The city has changed a lot. I came here one more time. So very impressive. The most impressive thing, again, is our supporters, how passionate they are, the way they ask things. They are so emotional. They spend so much time outside the hotel. I think the way they received the team was incredible yesterday, and it made us feel that all this trip is worth it because I think people deserve to enjoy the team as well.
On Thomas Frank saying we’re one of the best teams in the world:
MA: Well, that's great to hear that from someone like Frank, especially, which I respect immensely and what to expect, I think tomorrow, we're going to start to see the direction that he's going to take with the team, implementing his vision, his philosophy and we just need to be focused on what we want to do, what we want to achieve, and I'm sure it's going to be a great game.
On Viktor handling the pressure:
MA: I think it already has, you know, because when the news broke, and then you realise the magnitude of the club that you're going to be representing and how viral everything goes so fast in these days, I think his immediate reaction was, wow, and then he sees, you know, the way we were received again yesterday, the training session that we just had with 20,000 people, the stadium that was sold out in two hours, and 50,000 people being in that incredible stadium tomorrow. So,I think you're going to have a very good first impression, that's for sure.
On playing a high-profile game in pre-season:
MO: No, I love it, and I think we all do. I think we're all excited, you know, to play in front of so many supporters, and as Mikel said here, we really felt that love and the connection here. It's been a while since we've played this type of game, so I think that's what we all want. For me it's a good thing that we get a proper test and something that means a little bit more, you know, with the derby. So, I think we're all just really excited and eager to play.
On the atmosphere:
MO: I think the support and the reception we've had here has been amazing. Yesterday, we arrived at the hotel and it was people everywhere and shirts everywhere and we really felt that love, you know, when we came. Today, in the stadium, around 20,000 people to come and watch us train and the game tomorrow is sold out. So we really feel that, and it's really special and it's amazing to travel so far and still feel that, you know, so it's something we really appreciate and it means a lot to us, you know, to make people happy and make people enjoy football. So, that's really good.
On the goals for the season:
MA: Well, do better than the previous one, and we all know what that means. So, again, I think everything starts with the preparation, in terms of how we build the squad, in terms of how ready the team is going to be to start to compete from day one and everything that we've seen so far, the feeling that I get straight away is very, very positive.