The Sun

KAI HAVERTZ was brilliantly skinned by Cristian Romero during Arsenal's friendly defeat to Tottenham.

But it was Djed Spence that ended up feeling the brunt of the incident.

Tottenham beat their fierce rivals 1-0 in Hong Kong courtesy of Pape Matar Sarr's sensational 45-yard strike at the new Kai Tak stadium.

During the first half, Romero embarrassed Arsenal forward Havertz.

Picking up the ball virtually on his own byline, the Argentine was closed down by his German opponent.

Calmness personified, Romero brilliantly skipped past Havertz.

As the defender waltzed away from the challenge, Havertz went sliding into unfortunate bystander Spence.

The 26-year-old caught the Spurs full-back's knee, but no action was taken by the referee.

After a few moments down on the turf, Spence was able to gingerly rise to his feet and continue.

The former Nottingham Forest star was one of several standout performers on the night, keeping Bukayo Saka and then Max Dowman very quiet for the Gunners.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK

Tottenham struck the post three times during the first half, via corners by Pedro Porro and Mohammed Kudus, then an effort by Wilson Odobert.

Sarr eventually broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, brilliantly lobbing stranded goalkeeper David Raya after dispossessing Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Arsenal had plenty of the ball during the second half of the encounter.

But even after a raft of Spurs substitutions, which included both Romero and Micky van de Ven going off, Mikel Arteta's side were unable to break through.

After the game, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank told the club's media team: "A 1-0 score against Arsenal is an absolutely beautiful score!

"Yes, it is a friendly, but it’s also a very competitive match. I said before the game that games against Arsenal are never ‘friendly’. It means everything.

"I have to give respect to both teams for their competitiveness in the game. It was very competitive.

"I was extremely happy with our first half, that first half was completely even.

"In many ways I loved the way the team performed, and throughout the game the defensive structure was top."

TOTTENHAM spoiled Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres welcome party thanks to a 45-YARD screamer from Pape Matar Sarr in the first overseas North London Derby.

And they mocked their bitter rivals on social media just after scooping their second trophy in the last three months.

Along with a post of the team celebrating winning the Hong Kong Football Festival tournament, Spurs' official X account read: "Another one for the trophy cabinet."

The Gunners brought on their £63.5m marquee summer signing in the 77th minute during the final outing of their Asia tour.

But by then, Mikel Arteta’s men were already desperate for an equaliser in Hong Kong – trailing to a stunning Sarr opener on the brink of half-time that left Arsenal’s players and coaching staff fuming.

Myles Lewis-Skelly looked to have been clearly fouled by Richarlison just inside Arsenal’s half, but the referee waved it away, allowing Sarr to notice David Raya was way off his line and lob into an empty net.

Arteta was raging in the technical area, sarcastically clapping the fourth official. Assistant Gabriel Heinze also had harsh words for the officials while Lewis-Skelly and Gunners skipper Martin Odegaard angrily gestured to the ref as they came off the pitch at half-time.

Frustrations came close to boiling over as Arteta had a mini-shoving match with Pedro Porro over a throw-in near the Arsenal dugout, but Thomas Frank’s Spurs held on for a morale-boosting victory ahead of the new season.

Gyokeres barely got a sniff with Arsenal struggling to test Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario in both halves, and there was more bad news for Arteta as second-half sub Leandro Trossard limped off with a muscular injury after just 15 minutes of action.

New signing Kepa Arrizabalaga was also missing from the Gunners squad, also reportedly injured.

The atmosphere before kick-off was electric inside the 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium – with a record crowd of 49,975 inside – and it carried on throughout an intense and entertaining first-half, one that could have been mistaken for a Premier League clash.

Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice had spent the end of their open training on Wednesday night rehearsing corner routines with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.

SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN

And they earned several chances to put it into practice in the opening few minutes as William Saliba headed just wide from one delivery.

With Gyokeres in mind, Arteta is likely to go more direct from back to front this season, and this was on show too with Raya going long to pick out Gabriel Martinelli through the middle only for Kai Havertz to dither in the box and waste an opportunity to shoot.

The German’s blushes were spared as the offside flag finally went up but you have to imagine Gyokeres would have hit that first time given the same chance…

Spurs battled their way back into the game, ironically through set-pieces. Former boss Ange Postecoglou refused to put any emphasis on them, in attack or defence, during his reign.

But Frank – after huge success with Brentford from dead-ball situations – has done the opposite, and it is already evident as Pedro Porro’s corner went all the way through to hit the far post with Raya blocked off in the box.

Arteta’s Arsenal were being given a taste of their own medicine, and it happened again in the 28th minute, only for Richarlison to somehow fail to tap it in from less than a yard out and with an open goal gaping, looping it over the bar.

Just before that, Jakub Kiwior had lost an aerial duel to Richarlison allowing Wilson Odobert to drive forward and strike Raya’s right-hand post with a low shot.

Three times Arsenal’s woodwork had been struck, twice from corners. Not for the first time, Frank was getting one over Arteta, leaving the Spaniard in a fidgety, agitated mood in his technical area, pointing fingers and screaming at any official he could lay his hands on.

To the surprise of pretty much everyone, Arteta made no changes at the break, keeping faith with his frustrated starting XI and keeping Gyokeres bibbed up, patiently waiting.

Arsenal started the second like they did the first: on top but without really creating any chances or worrying Vicario.

Havertz had little to no service, but was not holding the ball up well enough either.

In the 68th minute, with Gyokeres still waiting, Christian Norgaard and Martinelli were subbed off for Trossard and Martin Zubimendi – the latter firing a deflected volley onto the roof of the net seconds after coming on.

A flurry of openings followed. Havertz cut inside and fired one straight at Vicario and Odegaard should have hit the target from a Ben White cut-back.

But enough was enough with 13 minutes of normal time remaining. On came Gyokeres, as well as 15-year-old Max Dowman, Mikel Merino, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Cristhian Mosquera.

Not that it made much difference. Just like last season, Arsenal struggled to break down a low block, and Frank proved yet again he more often than not has Arteta’s number.

PAPE MATAR SARR scored from near the HALFWAY LINE to break the deadlock in the North London derby friendly in Hong Kong.

The Senegal star, 22, robbed possession from England man Myles Lewis-Skelly just inside Arsenal’s half shortly before half-time.

Sarr then had the presence of mind to drill a shot over helpless Gunners goalkeeper David Raya.

Arsenal tried to claim a foul from Richarlison on Lewis-Skelly just before Sarr won the ball, but the referee saw it differently.

It was a truly staggering strike to make it 1-0 at the Kai Tak Stadium out in the Far East.

The effort backed up the nickname of ‘Roberto Carlos’ Sarr was given as a youngster, due to his shooting ability from long range.

Former Arsenal and Spurs striker Clive Allen said: “It’s so difficult in terms of how he’s driven the ball over the goalkeeper.

“It’s a drilled ball, not looped, not giving the goalkeeper a chance to backpeddle. It’s fired over with great precision.”

Fans were left stunned by the effort on social media while others pointed to the error by Raya.

One posted: "Fair enough Pape Sarr, fair enough. Not sure why Raya playing as a centre back though."

SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN

Another wrote: "This might be the year I call for a new keeper if Raya keeps this up."

A third added: "It beats me why David Raya is always up way above his line. A very silly thing he does always. Awful sight."

A fourth said: "Raya should not be that far out in that situation. He’s done this too much recently."

Another wrote: "David Raya you can't be doing that next season. You did that last season numerous times. Let this be the last one in pre-season. Don't leave your post empty."

Sarr’s wonder strike capped an excellent first-half display from Spurs, who hit the woodwork three times.

Live Blog

GYOK TO GO

Arsenal vs Tottenham LIVE SCORE: Spurs LEAD in Hong Kong after Sarr scores SCREAMER from half way – latest

Sarr scores long range effort

ARSENAL are BEHIND against Tottenham in the first North London Derby outside of the UK!

Pape Matar Sarr put Spurs ahead with a fantastic finish from half way, lobbing David Raya, who was miles off his line.

Arsenal are looking to continue their strong start to pre-season, and are boosted by the arrival of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

New signing Mohammed Kudus & Co will be looking to get one over on the old enemy in Hong Kong.

Kick-off: 12:30pm BST

TV channel: Arsenal.com/ Spursplay

Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van De Ven, Spence, Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall, Kudus, Richarlison, Odobert

Follow ALL of the latest updates below...

HT: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham

Despite being a pre-season friendly, there is no love lost between these two teams.

Arsenal were not happy that they were not awarded a free-kick in the build-up to the goal.

However, the referee was not interested and waved away their protests.

HT: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham

That was some strike from Pape Sarr for Tottenham.

It must have been something Thomas Frank highlighted before this match, Raya's tendency to be off his line so often.

Great finish from the Spurs midfielder, seeing a chance and executing it are two very different things.

HT: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham

The referee brings the first-half to a close.

Sarr's stunning strike from some 50 yards out is the difference.

Arsenal have it all to do in this one.

Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham

Richarlison wins the ball back from Lewis-Skelly.

Sarr spots Raya way off his line and drifts a shot over the keeper and into the back of the net.

We are going to have three added minutes.

Goal - Pape Sarr (Tottenham)

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

He had to time that just right or risk giving away a penalty.

Tottenham are able to hack it clear and take the pressure off.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

They have a free-kick in a wide position for Rice to swing in.

It gives The Gunners a chance to send the centre-backs forward.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Bergvall looks to play the winger in but is penalised for offside.

As Son warms up on the touchline, he receives a massive ovation from the fans in Asia.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

He plays it back to Lewis-Skelly and The Gunners start all over again.

It is switched to Saka out wide but his pass is lost by Havertz as Spurs are able to clear.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

The referee immediately awards a free-kick.

It does not take Arsenal long to win the ball back and Saka is fouled as they look to counter at pace.

Bentancur is shown a yellow card as a result.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

The midfielder needs to receive some treatment as a result.

It gives the players a chance to get some fluids onboard.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

The Gunners come on the attack, looking to pass it through Tottenham.

When Odegaard finally clips a cross into the middle, it is easily dealt with by Porro.

View from SunSport's Jordan Davies in Hong Kong

Richarlison showing Viktor Gyokeres how it is NOT done with one of the misses of the season already, perhaps the worst miss of all time as he manages to put the ball over the ball while on the line and no one in sight from a corner.

The fans - and everyone in the press box - are in shock.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Another corner sees Raya throwing his arms around like one of those inflatables outside car showrooms.

It comes through a sea of players and strikes the far post, with Riicharlison unable to convert the rebound.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Kiwior is robbed of the ball and Kudus' shot deflects out wide to Odobert.

He looks to roll one into the far corner but it strikes the post and goes wide for a corner.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

The defender is able to continue as the physio gives the thumbs-up to the bench.

All of that was as a result of a foul the Arsenal man committed.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Once again the German lays on the turf expecting a decision to go his way.

So far in this game the Arsenal attacker has spent more time face down in the grass than Snoop Dogg.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Just as easily as he picks the pocket of an Arsenal player, a poor touch sees him gift possession back.

It has all got a little scrappy in the middle of the park currently.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

He gets it all wrong as he plays it into the path of Rice, who is through on goal.

His first touch takes him a little wide and he is forced to try and cut it back but Spurs are able to put it behind for a corner.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Who says no-one is interested in pre-season friendlies.

Both managers are looking very animated on the touchline.

View from SunSport's Jordan Davies in Hong Kong

Mikel Arteta is secretly loving the intensity of this one, even if Spurs have come back into it in the past few minutes, berating the fourth official and the linesman - as well as some of his own players!

Bukayo Saka got an earful for straying offside. Thomas Frank is noisy in the technical era too.

You can already tell they will have a few ding-dongs next season...

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Raya is looking to hit some direct balls out to the flanks.

Saka does well to get it under control but the flag goes up for offside.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

He appeals to the referee like Richarlison has stolen his arm.

The official is having none of it and plays continues.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

It beats everyone and crashes against the back post.

Richarlison tries to turn the rebound goalwards but it is well-blocked.

So close to an opening goal in this game.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR kept Dream Team managers guessing throughout 2024/25.

Spurs endured a miserable domestic season, finishing 17th in the Premier League, but triumphed in the Europa League to claim their first major trophy in 17 years.

PLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON: OVER £100,000 IN PRIZE MONEY!

These European exploits combined with Ange Postecoglou’s (overly) ambitious tactics meant the North Londoners provided loads of Dream Team points, despite regular embarrassments in the league.

With Thomas Frank now at the helm, it will be interesting to see whether Spurs will stabilise and what it all means for their Dream Team returns.

Ahead of Gameweek 1, let’s analyse their top performers, smart selections and potential flops.

Top Performers

Only Daniel Munoz (£5.5m) earned more points than Pedro Porro (£5m) among defenders last season.

The Spaniard conceded a lot of goals as the regular right-back in a leaky backline but he more than made up for it with 51 bonus points, 101 tackles and 14 goal involvements.

Porro is rare in that he is a defender whose viability does not rely on clean sheets, assuming he is encouraged to keep getting forward.

Dominic Solanke (£5m) is expected to lead the line, a prime role in a team likely to opt for a front-foot approach.

Dream Team bosses only have to look at the stats of Yoane Wissa (£4.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£5.5m) in recent times to see how attacking threats can flourish under Frank.

Despite not always looking his most effective, the England striker scored 16 goals and registered 10 assists on his way to 266 points — just a slight improvement would make him a 300-point asset, a very rare thing indeed.

Like Porro, James Maddison’s (£4.5m) attributes lend themselves to the world of Dream Team.

As an advanced midfielder who is always looking for the killer pass and not shy of a shot, the 28-year-old tends to deal in goal contributions.

In fact, he was one of just ten players in his position to reach double figures for both goals and assists last season.

Maddison’s minutes have not always been guaranteed but if he establishes himself as starter under Frank then he has the potential to linger at the top end of the rankings for months on end.

Smart Selections

Mohammed Kudus (£4.5m) is currently the seventh-most popular midfielder in Dream Team with an ownership of 16.1%.

It’s no wonder so many gaffers are tempted by the Ghanaian winger as he’s a natural footballer, as evidenced by the fact only Jeremy Doku (£4.5m) and Morgan Rogers (£5.5m) completed more successful dribbles in 2024/25.

Truth be told, Kudus didn’t look all that motivated at West Ham last season but if a fresh start sets him straight then he will be tough to ignore.

Probably not a selection for Gameweek 1 but Mathys Tel (£3.5m) might look very affordable if he pins down a starting spot, perhaps on the left flank.

The 20-year-old showed glimpses of his talent last season without ripping up any trees but many supporters are calling for him to be given a more prominent role.

Keep an eye on Tel’s progress.

Potential Flops

It pains us to say it but Son Heung-min’s (£5m) time as a viable Dream Team option may be at an end.

The South Korean superstar has delivered hundreds of points over the course of the last decade but it seems as if time is catching up to him.

It’s a measure of Son’s quality that he somehow amassed 272 points via 11 goals and 14 assists last season despite operating at half capacity but his declining form can’t be ignored.

Nothing would please us more than for the 33-year-old to prove us wrong once the campaign gets underway but it’s a brave gaffer who chooses him over the other forwards (and midfielders) in the same price range.

Under no circumstances are we labelling Micky van de Ven (£3.5m) a potential flop but the fact he’s in contention to start the season as the most popular defender in the game is an interesting discussion point.

The rapid centre-back has caught the eye with some superb defensive interventions since he arrived on English soil but it’s simply a fact that his Dream Team returns have been moderate at best.

Spurs have struggled for clean sheets and the Dutchman doesn’t offer much of an attacking threat.

He’s also suffered rotten luck with injuries, another dent to his viability.

In fairness, Van de Ven’s price of £3.5m is undoubtedly a factor in his popularity and he may well prove to be a helpful enabler but we would encourage Dream Team bosses to consider all their options before committing to such a strategy.

THOMAS FRANK will have a chance today to see just how far his new Tottenham side have come on set-pieces when they take on the masters of the craft.

No one scored more goals from dead-ball situations, excluding penalties, in the Premier League last season than Arsenal, who face North London rivals Spurs in Hong Kong this lunchtime.

The Gunners netted a whopping 17 times from those scenarios, inspired by their set-piece specialist coach Nicolas Jover.

German-born Frenchman Jover, 43, fast became a household name among Gooners for the way he leaps into action, barking orders from Mikel Arteta’s technical area whenever Arsenal get a free-kick or corner.

Frank has his own grand plans to turn Spurs into set-piece experts - and has hired an ex-Gunners coach to help him do it.

Andreas Georgson spent a year as Arteta’s set-piece coach between 2020 and 2021, having left Frank’s Brentford to take up the position.

The Swede, 43, was replaced by Jover before going on to hold similar roles at Southampton and Manchester United, as well as more senior roles back in Scandinavia.

Georgson’s latest gig is at Spurs, where he became part of Frank’s new-look coaching staff that was announced earlier this month.

He holds the title of first-team assistant coach, but his specific focus will be set-pieces.

Frank excelled from the routines at Brentford, netting 14 league goals from them last term and conceding a Prem-best three.

SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN

It is not just from corners and free-kicks that he looks to gain an advantage, either.

Fans will remember how his Bees, remarkably, scored virtually from the kick-off in three successive games last September.

The remarkable hat-trick saw them make Premier League history by becoming the first team to net within the first minute in a trio of back-to-back fixtures.

Long throws are also something he is happy to employ, with footage from Destiny Udogie’s Snapchat appearing to reveal Spurs have held ‘long throw auditions’ in pre-season training.

Centre-back Micky van de Ven is hoping all the extra work on dead-ball situations will pay off this season.

The Dutchman, 24, said on Tuesday: “We have had a lot of training sessions already where we are working on set-pieces. I know you guys love talking about set-pieces and Tottenham.

“I hope we can change that this year and make it a strong point for us on the offensive and defensive side.”

The "I know you guys love talking about set-pieces and Tottenham" remark related to the furore surrounding them under predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

In truth, it was a mountain made out of a molehill by Postecoglou himself, and it came after a North London derby defeat to today’s opponents.

Spurs conceded twice from corners in their 3-2 home loss to Arsenal in April 2024, during Postecoglou’s first campaign.

At the time, it took the club’s tally of goals conceded from set-pieces to nine, which was not terrible but not great either. It just required an acknowledgement that things could have been improved and a promise to work on them.

Postecoglou instead appeared to dismiss set-pieces altogether after the game, then doubled down on that view again a few days later in his next press conference.

After that, a narrative emerged that he did not care about them at all, which was brought up every time Spurs subsequently conceded from a dead-ball situation, not including spot-kicks.

Frank has been very clear about how much he values them and spoke of his pride after his new team scored their first goals under him from set-pieces in his opening friendly, a 2-0 win at Reading, earlier this month.

Arsenal set the bar for success in this area - today Spurs can get an early idea of how they measure up at the Kai Tak Stadium today.

They will do it, meanwhile, wearing kit with bespoke, jazzy-looking shirt numbers designed by local artists.

‘ParentsParents’, a collective of artists from diverse backgrounds in graffiti, illustration and geometry style character, designed the numbers, using themes, colours and symbols meaningful to Hong Kong.

You can put your shirt on set-pieces playing a key role in today’s friendly version of the North London derby on the far side of the world.

MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE has sensationally snubbed Tottenham and will STAY at Nottingham Forest - thanks to a dramatic intervention by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The Greek billionaire flew to the club’s training camp in Portugal for face-to-face talks with Gibbs-White, who was lined up to join Premier League rivals Spurs in a £60m deal.

And Marinakis won the England star over with a passionate speech about how important he was to Forest and their ambitious plans for the future.

Gibbs-White, 25, has now signed an improved and extended contract to 2028 at the City Ground in a major blow to Tottenham and executive chairman Daniel Levy.

Spurs triggered the player’s £60m release clause earlier this month, prompting fury and threats of legal action from Forest.

But after more than a fortnight of uncertainty, Marinakis took decisive steps to end the saga.

Gibbs-White, 25, did not initially fly to the Algarve with the rest of the Forest squad for personal reasons, but joined them later last week.

Marinakis arrived ahead of Saturday night's friendly against Fulham and went to meet Gibbs-White.

He told the star that he was determined to keep on making Forest bigger and stronger and how he wanted the former Wolves man to be at the heart of it.

Gibbs-White is understood to have been so impressed by Marinakis’ enthusiasm and vision for Forest’s future that he agreed not to pursue a transfer to Tottenham.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK

His new deal is believed not to include a release clause.

Confirming Gibbs-White's new contract alongside a picture of the midfielder alongside Marinakis, Forest wrote on X: "A statement of intent from our owner Evangelos Marinakis, as Morgan Gibbs-White signs a record deal at the Club until the summer of 2028."

Upon signing the deal, Gibbs-White said: "I’ve felt at home at Forest from the moment I arrived.

"The support from the fans, my team-mates, and everyone around the club has been unbelievable.

"I believe in what we're building here – and with the backing of Mr Marinakis and the enormous ambition he has, I want to be part of making something special. I’m excited for what’s to come."

Marinakis, 57, added: "Morgan is a special player – not just in terms of talent, but character and mentality. He represents everything we want this football club to be: he is a winner, talented, ambitious, fearless, and proud.

"There was significant interest from various clubs, but we were determined to build our future with Morgan at the heart of it. I promised our fans we would not only compete, but grow stronger and stronger every season. Today is another big step in that journey."

Gibbs-White’s decision will be a massive disappointment to Spurs.

They targeted the attacking midfielder to be the creative hub of a revamped team under new boss Thomas Frank, with Levy leading the bid to sign him.

But everyone at Forest will be delighted that one of their key players will stay after Marinakis took matters into his own hands.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW

TOTTENHAM Hotspur’s pre-season preparations continued with a 2-2 draw against League One side Wycombe Wanderers at the club's Enfield training ground.

Spurs were forced to come from behind after a costly error from goalkeeper Brandon Austin but Pape Sarr's brace ensured the game ended all square.

Thomas Frank's side had the early advantage in the 15th minute. Wilson Odobert, one of the standout performers in the opening exchanges, cut in from the right and unleashed a shot from just outside the box.

Wycombe goalkeeper Mikki van Sas parried the effort only for the ball to spill into the path of Pape Sarr who calmly slotted home for a 1-0 lead.

It was a promising start for Spurs, who looked comfortable with their mix of first-team regulars and exciting newcomers.

Odobert in particular had been lively on the right flank, showing glimpses of the flair that has caught the eye in pre-season.

However, Spurs’ momentum was stunted in the 34th minute when a mistake from Austin allowed Wycombe to equalise.

A well-timed run by Wycombe’s Junior Quitirna forced a shot on the edge of the box and although Austin initially got a hand to it, the ball squirmed under him and trickled into the net.

Tottenham had dominated possession in the first half but were punished for Austin’s blunder, leaving the game level at the break.

The second half started with more fireworks. Just five minutes after the break, Wycombe took the lead with a clinical strike from their winger, Quitirna.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK

The pacy wide-man darted inside from the left, evading a couple of Tottenham challenges, before firing a powerful shot past Austin for a 2-1 advantage to the visitors.

The goal left Spurs with work to do, but they responded well to the setback. Odobert continued to impress down the right, and Richarlison, Son, and Sarr all combined to create chances in the final third.

Tottenham’s persistence paid off in the 66th minute when Pape Sarr rose to the occasion once again.

A well-timed run from midfield saw Sarr who wen't past his marker before finding himself unmarked in finished confidently past van Sas to draw Spurs level at 2-2.

Despite some late pressure from both sides, neither team could find a winner.

It was a case of two steps forward and one step back for Spurs, as they were unable to put Wycombe away despite a strong second-half performance.

Thomas Frank left the game and headed to Luton where another set of Tottenham player will take on The Hatters.

TOTTENHAM are considering a £15million offer for captain Son Heung-min.

The South Korea star's future in North London is in doubt with him being a target for LAFC.

Spurs have already been active in the transfer market for new manager Thomas Frank.

The club have brought in West Ham attacker Mohammed Kudus and are interested in Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

Son, 33, could head for the exit door as SunSport understands Spurs would accept an offer between £15m and £20m.

A potential switch to the MLS would still rely on the Europa League winner agreeing to the move.

The former Bayer Leverkusen ace could instead decide to stay and fight for his spot at N17.

Son is involved in the discussions over the transfer with all parties.

However, a move will not be immediate as Son is likely to stay at Spurs for their fixtures during the pre-season tour of Asia.

Last season's 17th-placed Premier League finishers face Newcastle in Seoul, South Korea on August 3.

SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN

This match follows on from the North London derby against Arsenal in Hong Kong.

If Spurs were to sell Son before facing the Toon, they would then forfeit up to 75 per cent of the fee they would receive for playing.

Son is down as a "key player" in the contract for the touring Premier League side.

If he were to travel with the squad but not play, then Spurs would be docked half their fee.

The South Korean international is hugely popular in his homeland and wider Asia.

Last season, Son scored seven times and assisted nine goals in 30 Premier League appearances.

Despite the club's shocking performance domestically, Son did become the first captain to lift a trophy since Ledley King in 2008.

Frank has spoken about Son's future and appears to be happy if he decides to stay.

He said: "Right now, I have a player who is fully committed and training well.

"If a player has been at a club a long time, then there will always be a decision for the club to take."

As well as Kudus, Spurs have already signed Japanese ace Kato Takai and made Mathys Tel's loan from Bayern Munich permanent.

The club has also welcomed young defender Luka Vuskovic from Hajduk Split.

Their pursuit of Gibbs-White is at a standstill despite triggering his £60m release clause.

Forest have halted the transfer after claiming the approach from Spurs was "illegal".

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR conceded 89 goals in all competitions last season.

So how on earth did Pedro Porro (£5m) end up as the second-best defender in Dream Team?

PLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON: OVER £100,000 IN PRIZE MONEY!

For our latest SCOUT REPORT, we’re taking a closer look at the Spaniard to understand how he defied his team’s defensive problems to become a top-tier asset.

It took Dream Team managers quite a while to accept Porro for what he was in 2024/25.

Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs suffered several humiliating defeats in the league as opponents repeatedly took advantage of their fragile defensive unit.

As a result, gaffers developed an aversion to their defenders as most want their back line to be populated by players capable of regular clean sheets.

What many Dream Team bosses overlooked was that Porro compensated for his side’s problems with a steady stream of points through various other avenues.

While he’s not the most disciplined defender, the 25-year-old could never be accused of lacking effort; he registered 101 tackles in all competitions last term, the joint-fifth highest tally among players in his position.

An enthusiastic crosser, there are few defenders as influential in the final third.

Porro was one of just two defenders to reach double figures for assists last season - he tied with Antonee Robinson on ten.

And he was good value for that tally as he ranked third in his position for big chances created (15), just behind Lucas Digne (18) and the now departed Trent Alexander-Arnold (16).

Crucially, Porro racked up 51 bonus points, a total only bettered by Ryan Gravenberch among all assets.

His tackle count, creativity and penchant for bonus points meant he amassed 295 points when all was said and done - Daniel Munoz was the only defender to breach the 300-point mark last season.

Porro’s story is also a lesson in the importance of the additional competitions.

Spurs endured a miserable league campaign but all the additional fixtures on the road to their Europa League triumph meant the Spain international often made up for the weekend’s disappointment with healthy Thursday night returns.

Whether Porro will be able to replicate his success this coming season remains to be seen.

Points may be harder to come by in the Champions League and many gaffers will be unsure of Thomas Frank’s ability to stabilise what has been a chaotic team in recent times.

But Porro’s impressive record means he’s a player of huge interest ahead of the new campaign - he currently features in 7.1% of teams.