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Daniel Levy called Ange Postecoglou’s sacking a ‘collective decision’, and revealed Tottenham’s 17th-place league finish was the key reason behind this.

The Australian guided Spurs to a first major trophy in 17 years with victory in the Europa League, but was dismissed just 16 days later and replaced by ex-Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

It was a move which shocked many, and received backlash from sections of the club's supporters, who pointed the finger at chairman Levy.

But in a rare interview on Gary Neville's The Overlap, the English businessman revealed that Tottenham's board had all been in agreement over the decision to dismiss Postecoglou.

While he recognised the importance of his Europa League glory, Levy claimed Spurs' dismal league form left the board with no choice but to reconsider the coach's future.

Last season, the north London side had their worst ever Premier League campaign as they finished 17th and lost 22 of their 38 fixtures.

Why was Ange Postecoglou sacked?

Explaining the call, Levy said: "Ultimately, the decision sits with me, but it’s always a collective decision.

"We have a board of directors, but under the board, we have a group of technical staff, and they advise.

"We had to explain the decision to part ways with Ange. Ange just won us a trophy – a European trophy – highly significant and he’s always going to be in our history.

"However, we couldn’t lose sight of the fact that we finished 17th in the league, we lost 22 Premier League games, and it’s impossible for Tottenham to be in that position.

"And so we had to take the emotion out of it and we had to give some data points as to why we decided to do what we did."

Levy then heaped praise on Postecoglou's successor - longtime former Brentford boss Frank - as he claimed the Dane has all of the necessary qualities to take Spurs to the next level.

Levy continued: "Whenever you appoint a coach, you always believe it’s right and you need a lot of ingredients for it to be right.

"Thomas Frank is a highly intelligent individual; he’s got a fantastic way about him in terms of communication.

"He will be great at developing both young players and older players – and making them better.

"He gets the style of football we want to play; he understands that Rome wasn’t built in a day – we haven’t set him: ‘You’ve got to win the league this year’. We just want to compete at the highest level."

During his 24-year stewardship at Spurs, Levy has often drawn criticism from fans for spending less than rival clubs in the transfer market.

But Levy shut this claim down, as he insisted the club invested heavily in recent years, and that Frank will receive financial backing whilst in charge.

This summer, Tottenham have completed the £55million signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, as well as making Mathys Tel's loan move permanent for around £30m.

On Frank, the 63-year-old added: “We will support him to the best of our ability.

"If you look at transfer fees, we’ve been in the top four spenders since the stadium opened, we’ve spent close to £700 million net on new players – this isn’t just about money.

"This is about some luck, having the right balance in the team, having the right coach – there’s a lot of things that have to come together.

“I very much hope that Thomas will bring all the right ingredients and bring this team to where it belongs, which is right at the top.”

As well as explaining some of his major decisions this summer, Levy also opened up on how he is perceived by Spurs supporters.

Having overseen a number of bold changes as chairman, including the decision to leave White Hart Lane in 2017 and move into the new 62,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

When asked about this, Levy said: "I think it’s one of those situations – when I’m not here I’m sure I’ll get the credit.

“When you come here and look at this wonderful building [Tottenham Hotspur Stadium], and the fact that other clubs are now trying to copy what we’re doing, that should be a sign that maybe we did do something bold, and something right.”

Daniel Levy believes other clubs are trying to copy the work he has overseen at Tottenham.

The long-serving Spurs chairman is set to reach 25 years in the role during the upcoming season.

Since his appointment in 2001, Levy has overseen the club's move to a new training ground and stadium.

However, he has faced criticism in recent seasons for the perceived lack of transfers by supporters.

Spurs' trophy drought also angered fans prior to their Europa League triumph after 17 years without silverware.

Meanwhile, new boss Thomas Frank is the 13th permanent manager appointed by Levy during his tenure.

Levy believes he will ultimately receive the credit he deserves once his time at the club comes to an end.

Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, he was asked if you get the credit you deserve for managing the controllables such as the stadium, training ground and revenue.

The 63-year-old explained: "I think it’s one of those situations – when I’m not here I’m sure I’ll get the credit.

"When you come here and look at this wonderful building [Tottenham Hotspur Stadium], and the fact that other clubs are now trying to copy what we’re doing, that should be a sign that maybe we did do something bold, and something right."

How much did Tottenham's stadium cost?

Spurs left White Hart Lane in 2017 after 118 years at the ground to build their new £1billion home.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was subsequently opened in 2019 with a capacity of 62,850 supporters.

Levy believes the club timed the building of the venue to perfection as he reflected on the process.

Revealing his role in the project, he said: "I used to head up a meeting every Tuesday with the contractors and all the designers – we were very engaged."

As for the timing of the project, Levy added: "It was luck. We hit the market at the right time, interest rates were low, so we managed to borrow 35-year money at just over 2.5%.

"This stadium today to build is probably more than £2 billion.

"When we started building this stadium, construction costs were around £400 million.

"When you design a building, you keep adding things – and it takes longer, and there were problems in the ground that you weren’t anticipating. It just always costs more."

Last season saw Spurs finish just one place above the relegation zone in 17th, their lowest league finish for 48 years.

However, winning the Europa League earned the club a place in the Champions League this term.

Frank's side begin their Premier League campaign at home to Burnley on August 16th.

Their Champions League opponents will then be confirmed on August 28 ahead of the start of the league phase in September.

Mikey Moore will be hoping not to rile up Rangers' rivals just as one former Tottenham Hotspur starlet did during his loan spell at Ibrox.

The Spurs winger has joined the Scottish giants on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 season to further his development.

Moore has already made 21 senior appearances for Spurs and is now set to earn more precious first-team minutes with Rangers.

"I'm excited to get going," he said. As soon as I heard Rangers were interested and wanted me to come, it was a massive opportunity for me.

"I'm excited to be here, and hopefully I can show the fans and everyone what I can do.

"I think with the new boss and the way that we play, it's a great place to be at the minute. It was a pretty easy decision for me to come here."

But he isn't the first Spurs talent to swap north London for Glasgow.

In August 2015, Nathan Oduwa linked up with the Teddy Bears on a season-long loan deal.

And to say he made an instant impression on his debut would be an understatement.

Oduwa came on as a second half substitute in Rangers' 5-1 victory away at Alloa Athletic in the Championship.

With the victory all-but sealed thanks to four first-half goals, Oduwa decided to showcase his silky skills in the closing stages.

He attempted an audacious rainbow flick over full-back Colin Hamilton - leaving the defender incensed following the full-time whistle.

Hamilton accused the forward of disrespect, while insisting that the then-19-year-old is inviting trouble if he tries showboating with other defenders in the division.

The Hearts academy graduate raged: "I felt as if he was trying to take the p***.

"What was there, a minute to go? Was there really any need for it? I can’t tell any player how to play or not play, it’s his decision.

"There were so many Rangers fans behind that goal and he was trying to make a name with them by trying a wee trick when his side were 5-1 up.

"What can you do? He’s trying to show off. I didn’t even get the chance to speak to him after the game as he just walked off.

"I’m sure there are other centre backs and left backs that, if he does try that again, maybe won’t let him away with it.

"I was disappointed not only with that, but with the game as well. We killed ourselves in the first half, although they were very good."

Hamilton's criticism led to Rangers boss Mark Warburton coming out in defence of the youngster as he declared that flair players should be encouraged.

However, Warburton did state that he would speak privately with Oduwa about the matter.

On the rainbow flick, he remarked: "I’m not always a big fan of that! But you’ve got to hope you develop a real talent – and he is a real talent.

"There's no lack of respect intended by any of the players, absolutely not. He’s just enjoying his football.

"He’s come up to play. It’s frustrating when you’re a young player at a big club, not getting in the first team. You want competitive football.

"We’ll have a quiet word. He’s a very respectful young guy. I’ve no doubt he’ll make an impression – for all the right reasons.

"He’s a very talented player. We’ve been chasing him for a long while.

"He’s come from a terrific academy and did a good pre-season with the Spurs first team."

Warburton later added: "I just wonder what the media reaction would be and the fans’ reaction if a foreign player did that.

"If Lionel Messi came in and did that, what would be the reaction?

"He [Oduwa] is a young guy and he came on, a smile on his face with loads of talent, keen to impress and play well.

"He made a difference when he came on. He has got so much talent. There’s no lack of respect.

It was a similar view shared by Alloa boss Danny Lennon, who rejected the view that Oduwa was disrespectful, and instead lauded him for trying the skill.

Lennon said: "He just wants to show the quality that he has in front of his new fans so no, not at all.

"He certainly looks a talent. He will be a breath of fresh air for Scottish football and you want that creativity in it.

"I don’t think he was disrespectful."

Meanwhile, now-Rangers captain James Tavarnier declared Oduwa's showboating antics earned him a new nickname in the dressing room.

The right-back revealed: "The fans loved all his tricks and hopefully he’ll get rewarded with goals and assists. I was calling him Jay-Jay Okocha."

While big things were expected of Oduwa at Rangers, he had his loan cut short in January having scored just once from 19 games in all competitions.

And with Moore to follow in his footsteps, the 17-year-old will be hoping not to ruffle anyone's feathers.

What happened next for Nathan Oduwa?

After his spell with Rangers, were further loans to Colchester and Peterborough with limited success.

The winger then left Spurs in 2017 for Slovenian side Olimpia Ljubljana, where he made 22 league appearances before having his contract terminated by mutual consent.

He suffered a similar fate with Danish side Vejle Boldklub before moving to Israel with Hapoel Hadera.

There were then spells in Ireland and Azerbaijan with Dundalk, Shamakhi, and Turan Tovuz.

And he's currently without a club after 10 K League 2 appearances for Chungbuk Cheongju.

Heung-min Son received a standing ovation as he left the pitch during his final Tottenham appearance.

The Spurs captain announced on Saturday that he will be leaving the club.

As a result, their friendly against Newcastle in Seoul, South Korea is likely his last match for Spurs.

Having started in his home country, Son was withdrawn by Thomas Frank in the 64th minute.

The crowd inside the Seoul World Cup Stadium applauded as they gave the 33-year-old a standing ovation.

Son also embraced with his teammates on the pitch before the Newcastle players came over to shake his hand.

Players from both sides then formed a guard of honour and gave the forward playful slaps as he left the pitch.

He was ultimately replaced by Mohammed Kudus for the final 26 minutes of the match.

After the match, emotional scenes continued with Son even pointing out the moment had got to one of Tottenham's social media staff, who filmed him through tears.

Meanwhile, the player himself got choked up in the tunnel post-match.

"Look, this is the time to say goodbye to everyone," Son said, misty-eyed.

After composing himself, he added: "Probably you'll never see me [again] on Spurs media, unfortunately. Maybe.

"Spurs will always be in my heart and I will cheer you as a family member.

"All the best. All the best, guys."

Eddie Howe reacted to the touching gesture after the match, telling reporters: "It was instinctive. I think that speaks volumes about him.

"It's not just the talent he has but the way he has carried himself over the years.

"I think he's seen as one of the game's great Premier League players.

"I've never had the pleasure of working with him or meeting him and talking to him but I'm sure he would be the same as he is on the pitch."

The feisty affair had seen a heated clash between Bruno Guimaraes and Cristian Romero during the first half.

Meanwhile, Frank also suffered an injury blow as James Maddison was stretchered off late on.

It followed goals from Brennan Johnson and Harvey Barnes as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

As for Son, he is in advanced talks with Los Angeles FC over a move to the MLS, talkSPORT understands.

Having joined Spurs in 2015, he has spent 10 years with the north London club.

During that time, Son scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists in 454 appearances across all competitions.

He leaves having set the record for most goals and appearances for the club by an overseas player.

His decision to depart was announced during the pre-match press conference, with Son admitting: "It was the most difficult decision of my football career.

"I’ve been here ten years at a beautiful club with beautiful fans and having such amazing memories.

"And after all that, it was so hard to make this decision. But as I said, I feel like I need a new environment and to push myself.

"And to get more of me, I feel like I need a little bit of change. Ten years is a lot of time when you’re thinking about it.

"I came to London as a kid. 23 years old, a very young age [and] a young boy came to London who even didn’t speak English.

"And [I’m] leaving this club as a grown man. This is a very, very proud moment.

"So I just wanna say thank you to all of the Spurs fans that gave me so much love.

"I felt like it was my home. But yeah, it was, it was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made."

Son departs having lifted the Europa League in May, ending Spurs' 17-year trophy drought.

James Maddison has left the pitch on a stretcher in tears in what could be a major injury blow for Tottenham.

The Spurs midfielder had been substituted on less than 10 minutes before disaster struck during a friendly against Newcastle.

Off the ball, Maddison began to hobble and instantly put his hands on his head as he motioned towards the bench.

It appeared to occur after he chased a ball down, kicking his leg out and suddenly coming to a halt.

He struggled to walk back onto the field, continuing to keep his hands on his head in anger and disbelief.

The 28-year-old then dropped to the ground and appeared to be in a huge amount of pain as he grimaced.

He shook his head and covered his face, curling up on the grass.

His Spurs teammates surrounded him as he was receiving treatment and they looked to be very concerned.

Medical staff worked on him for around four minutes before managing to get him onto a stretcher.

Maddison was eventually then taken off the pitch in South Korea, appearing to be in tears as he left.

The incident occurred in Spurs' last pre-season game of their tour of Asia, before they then take on Bayern Munich on Thursday.

Their Premier League season gets going in less than two weeks, with the UEFA Super Cup coming up first on August 13.

What injury did Maddison suffer?

New boss Thomas Frank has since confirmed that Maddison has suffered the same knee injury as last season.

In total, the England international missed 11 Tottenham games across the 2024/25 campaign.

He was sidelined at the start of 2025 with a calf strain and then missed a huge chunk of games at the end of the season.

That was due to a knee problem that forced him to sit out for 52 days, missing the Europa League final against Manchester United.

He picked up the knee issue in May against Bodo/Glimt and then went on to miss six games during that period of recovery.

And now, as he returned from that injury that ended his season, he has appeared to suffer the same problem again.

"Sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal," said Frank.

"That's what we got today. It looks like with Madders a bad injury and then on the other side unbelievable scenes for Son from his team-mates and the respect from the Newcastle players.

"We're pretty sure it was the same knee he injured before."

Creativity concerns

Maddison being sidelined could now leave Tottenham with a lack of creativity in their squad, with Dejan Kulusevski out too.

Captain Heung-min Son's upcoming departure to LAFC leaves Spurs with one less creative player in the squad.

They have already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and brought in Mathys Tel on a permanent deal.

However, Maddison's ability to create chances and drop deep to launch attacks is going to be hard to replicate if he's sidelined.

If he's going to be out for a long time, Frank may be forced back into the market to look for another attacking midfielder.

Heung-min Son has agreed to leave Tottenham and join MLS side LAFC this summer.

The 33-year-old, who joined Spurs in 2015, is set to play his last match for the club against Newcastle in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

Son held a press conference alongside new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank on Saturday and publicly confirmed his decision to leave after 10 years in north London.

talkSPORT understands LAFC have a delegation in his native South Korea, where Spurs are currently on their pre-season tour.

Personal terms have already been agreed, while talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage, with Son set to link up with former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris in America.

Speaking before the friendly against Newcastle, an emotional Son said: “Before we start the press conference, I just want to share the information that I’ve decided to leave the club in the summer.

“And respectfully, the club is helping me with my decision.

“So I just want to share this information before we start the press conference.”

The winger added: “It was the most difficult decision of my football career.

“I’ve been here ten years at a beautiful club with beautiful fans and having such amazing memories.

“And after all that, it was so hard to make this decision. But as I said, I feel like I need a new environment and to push myself.

“And to get more of me, I feel like I need a little bit of change. Ten years is a lot of time when you’re thinking about it.

“So and I came to London as a kid. 23 years old, a very young age [and] a young boy came to London who even didn’t speak English.

“And [I’m] leaving this club as a grown man. This is a very, very proud moment.

“So I just wanna say thank you to all of the Spurs fans that gave me so much love.

“I felt like it was my home. But yeah, it was, it was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made.”

Son is arguably the greatest international player in Tottenham history, sitting seventh on their all-time appearance list after featuring 454 times.

He also established himself in the Premier League's history books, scoring 127 times in England's top-flight and ending up 16th on the list of all-time top goalscorers, above the likes of Steven Gerrard and Ian Wright.

The South Korean's exit comes months after finally lifting his first trophy as club captain when Spurs won the Europa League in May.

What has been said about Heung-min Son's press conference?

talkSPORT co-host Tony Cascarino led the praise of Son's extraordinary Tottenham career after his exit was announced.

"I love players that give so much to a football club," the former Ireland striker said.

"He's never been on the front pages, never been a problem, never disrupted the camp, played second fiddle to Harry Kane for long periods, but was absolutely pivotal to his partnership with him.

"Ten years, perfect. He's lost half a yard, that has been detrimental to him as a player. But when I look at him, I just think what a great pro.

"If you're any manager, Thomas Frank would love to have kept him and worked with him, but I think he's done the right move.

"I mean, last year, watching him coming off the bench so often and even Spurs fans saying that someone's not quite the same player.

"He's been an absolute legend at the football club. And seemingly just a great lad to be around.

"He's been a true professional that fans should just applaud. And I think it's perfect timing for him to go on and pass a new challenge for him at 33."

Dele Alli is considering retirement at just 29 years of age, according to reports in Italy.

The midfielder is said to have been banished from Como's first-team squad by manager Cesc Fabregas.

Alli is not part of the Premier League winner's plans for pre-season or the upcoming Serie A campaign.

La Gazzetta dello Sport report that he is now being forced to train away from the rest of the group.

Instead, Alli and his fellow out-of-favour team-mates are completing their own training schedule.

The former England international has not been involved in any of Como's pre-season fixtures so far this summer.

He was absent from the squad for their clashes with Lille, Al Ahli and Ajax in recent weeks.

The report adds that Alli is now weighing up whether to retire following Fabregas' decision.

Who does Dele Alli play for?

It comes just over six months after Alli signed for Como on a free transfer in January.

His arrival followed a summer exit from Everton in 2024 after an injury-hit spell with the Toffees.

Alli penned an 18-month deal with the Italian outfit through to next summer with the option of a further year.

However, he has made just a single appearance for the club since.

His debut against AC Milan in March ended after just 10 minutes with Alli receiving a straight red card.

Despite returning to the matchday squad after his suspension, he was an unused substitute for seven of the remaining eight fixtures.

The only other match saw him miss out completely with flu as Fabregas opted against fielding Alli during the run-in.

Prior to joining Como, he had spells in the Premier League with both Tottenham and Everton.

Alli made 194 top-flight league appearances for those sides, scoring 51 goals and providing 35 assists.

He has also won 37 caps for England, with three goals to his name for the Three Lions.

His first two seasons at Spurs also ended with Alli named PFA Young Player of the Year as well as making the PFA's Premier League Team of the Year.

Does Fabregas own Como?

Fabregas was appointed Como boss last summer after serving as an assistant to his predecessor Osian Roberts.

His promotion to the role followed the club's return to Serie A for the first time in 21 years.

The Spaniard subsequently guided Como to a 10th place finish as they comfortably avoided relegation.

Fabregas signed a four-year deal after becoming manager last summer, with his contract expiring in 2028.

As well as his coaching role, the 38-year-old also owns shares in Como, who are co-owned by several familiar faces.

In addition to Fabregas, his former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry is also an investor in the club.

Como begin their second season back in Serie A at home to Lazio on August 24.

Newcastle and Tottenham meet in the South Korean capital this weekend.

The Magpies are looking for their first pre-season victory after a string of friendly defeats.

Eddie Howe's side were thrashed 4-0 by Celtic last month ahead of their Asian tour.

They have since suffered narrow defeats to Arsenal and a K-League XI in Singapore and South Korea, respectively.

Meanwhile Spurs beat League One Reading in their pre-season opener on July 19.

That win was followed up by a pair of draws in their double-header with Wycombe and Luton last weekend.

However, Thomas Frank was able to taste victory in his first north London derby on Thursday thanks to a 1-0 win over the Gunners in Hong Kong.

Newcastle vs Tottenham: Where to watch

Newcastle will face Spurs on Sunday, August 3 in Seoul, South Korea.

The match will take place the Seoul World Cup Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 12pm BST.

Supporters will be able to watch the match live on Tottenham's dedicated streaming platform, SPURSPLAY.

Coverage on the platform will begin half an hour before kick-off at 11.30am.

Meanwhile, the Toon Army can also purchase a livestream of the contest through the club's official app.

Newcastle vs Tottenham: Team news

Newcastle are currently assessing injuries to Joe Willock and Sven Botman ahead of Sunday's clash.

Willock was stretchered off on Wednesday with an ankle injury although it is hoped the damage is less serious than first feared.

Meanwhile, Botman missed the defeat with a tight groin but could return against Spurs.

Alexander Isak will once again be absent, though, having been left out of the squad for the Asian tour.

The Swedish striker is instead training alone at former club Real Sociedad following Liverpool's failed bid to sign him this week.

As for Spurs, long-term absentees Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski continue to recover from their injuries back in north London.

Dominic Solanke could feature, though, after missing the win over Arsenal.

Summer signing Kota Takai (foot) and Destiny Udogie (knee) did not travel to Asia after picking up injuries earlier in pre-season.

Newcastle vs Tottenham: What has been said

Following the loss to the K-League XI, Howe was asked about the situation at the club amid the uncertainty regarding Isak's future.

He explained: "Nothing has changed. It is very much the mindset of business as usual for the players.

"You don't get a chance to think of anything other than training or the next game when you come on these tours. The level is so high that we still have to be at our best.

"Naturally, we are going to miss a player of his quality and the group are going to feel that. I cannot sit here and claim that they won't, but they are a very professional group of players.

"They are doing brilliantly, as far as I can see, in terms of managing the current situation."

Meanwhile, Frank was pleased with the impact of his high intensity training sessions after Spurs beat bitter rivals Arsenal.

Their new boss told reporters: "It feels very pleasing of course. It's clear that this was not a friendly, it felt like a competitive match.

"If you saw it, it was competitive and if you played in it, it was very competitive.

"But some of the bits we've been working hard on is the combination of the defensive organisation - so high pressure, middle and low - so there's clear principles.

"As well as the desire to keep a clean sheet because that gives you a big opportunity to win football matches."

Richarlison could not resist taking aim at one of his Brazil teammates after Tottenham's win over Arsenal.

The Gunners slipped to a 1-0 defeat to their north London rivals in Hong Kong on Thursday.

Spurs ran out narrow victors thanks to a stunning goal from Pape Matar Sarr.

The midfielder lobbed Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya from just outside the centre circle on the stroke of half-time.

And his match-winning performance earned him the man of the match award at the Kai Tak Stadium.

After the match, Spurs were also presented with the Herbalgy Trophy following their win in the pre-season fixture.

And his teammate Richarlison celebrated by posing with both trophies for a post shared to his Instagram.

He also tagged compatriot and Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the post, which was captioned with an eyes emoji.

Gabriel was not involved in the match after aggravating a previous injury earlier in his side's Asian tour.

The 27-year-old did produce a cheeky response of his own after spotting his international team-mate's upload.

In a snap posted to his Instagram story, Gabriel showed off his three Premier League Player of the Match awards from meetings with Spurs.

Alongside the trophies, he tagged Richarlison and added a sweating emoji.

Gabriel had also circled the fixtures on the awards, highlighting they were from previous north London derbies.

He was handed the honour for his performances across the last two seasons, with the first in a 3-2 away victory for the Gunners in April 2024.

Meanwhile, Gabriel took home the award in both league meetings last season, a 1-0 away win in September and a 2-1 home victory in January.

And despite the fact it appeared to be light-hearted fun between friends, supporters couldn't help but enjoy the banter.

"Richarlison has well and truly rattled Gabriel in a pre season friendly," said one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Richarlison went fishing and caught a shark," said another.

While others hoped for an escalation in the social media war.

"Just imagine Richarlison posting his Europa trophy medal and tag him," said a third fan.

Who has won the most north London derbies?

Those results extended Arsenal's unbeaten competitive record against their bitter rivals.

Spurs have not won a competitive north London derby since May 2022, a run which stretches back six matches.

However, they are now the winners of the first derby played outside of England.

Overall, Arsenal have won 89 competitive meetings with Spurs, whilst their rivals have 67 victories along with 55 draws from 211 matches.

As for Richarlison and Gabriel, the pair's light-hearted exchange follows several years as international team-mates.

Having previously played together at under-20 level, they have featured alongside each other four times for the senior national team.

It will be another four months before they line up as opponents, though.

The first north London derby of the season will take place at the Emirates Stadium on November 22.

Spurs are then scheduled to host the reverse fixture on February 21.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro threatened to come to blows in a fiery first north London derby overseas.

It was Spurs who run out 1-0 winners at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Thursday thanks to Pape Matar Sarr's first-half stunner.

But his 45th minute goal wasn't without controversy with his 45-yard lob over David Raya leaving the Arsenal squad and Arteta furious.

Raya, who was 30 yards out from his goal, played in Myles Lewis-Skelly by the halfway line, with the left-back instantly surrounded by five Spurs shirts.

Lewis-Skelly went down under a challenge from Richarlison, with Sarr picking up the loose ball and finding the back of the net from range for his third goal of pre-season already.

Despite protests from Arsenal, the referee awarded the goal - much to the frustration of Arteta.

And it seemed that the ex-Gunners captain was riled up during the second half as he nitpicked over a throw-in to be taken by Porro.

What did Pedro Porro do to Mikel Arteta in the north London derby?

Arteta left his technical area and approached the byline where he looked to get the referee's attention to point out that Porro was walking further up the pitch for the throw-in - insisting he should move back.

It saw Arteta throw his arms in the air after being sent backwards, as he sent a furious look towards Porro and exchanged heated words with the defender.

But before he could get face-to-face with the former Sporting Lisbon man, the fourth official got in between the pair in his attempt to de-escalate the situation.

Social media was sent into meltdown over the incident, as one X user said: "Arteta always trying to be the main man… get back in your box."

Another remarked: "Why does he have to push Arteta that way? That is very disrespectful."

A third added: "Wouldn’t matter if the Spurs player took the throw where he was supposed to."

This fan then commented: "The rivalry continues regardless of pre-season."

And one supporter messaged: "Getting physical in a pre-season is nuts."

Meanwhile another simply stated: "Main character syndrome."

Arsenal's defeat to Spurs was their first loss of their pre-season tour of Asia having beaten both AC Milan and Newcastle recently.

The Gunners saw both striker Viktor Gyokeres and defender Christhian Mosquera make their debuts as late second half substitutes.

But neither man did anything of note as Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances as they desperately pushed for a late equaliser.

Next up for the Gunners is a clash against Villarreal next Wednesday at the Emirates Stadium.

As for Spurs, they will pit their wits against Newcastle in South Korea on Sunday.