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Mohammed Kudus adds to excitement with impressive display as defensive structure is rewarded

Pape Sarr scored the winner as Spurs beat Arsenal 1-0 in Hong Kong

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Matt Verri

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Pre-season or not, little lifts the mood at Tottenham like a win over Arsenal.

Thomas Frank described the Gunners as one of the best teams in the world at his pre-match press conference but Spurs got the better of them with a 1-0 win in Hong Kong.

Pape Matar Sarr scored the only goal, finishing superbly from just inside the Arsenal half to catch David Raya off his line.

From there it was an impressive defensive showing from Spurs, this a performance offering plenty to build on with the UEFA Super Cup against PSG less than two weeks away.

Here, Standard Sport looks at three things we learned from the match...

Spurs display new set-piece threat

Ange Postecoglou made no secret of his views on set-pieces during his time in the Spurs dugout.

"I'm just not interested in it," was Postecoglou's verdict. "I never have been."

Thomas Frank has made it clear he wants Spurs to have a better set-piece record

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Frank has a very different approach. Andreas Georgson has joined him at Spurs as a set-piece specialist and the work on the training pitch already appears to have had an impact.

Pedro Porro and Mohammed Kudus both almost scored direct from corners in the first half, their deliveries bouncing back off the woodwork. Richarlison should have scored the rebound on both occasions.

Micky van de Ven was used to pin David Raya and Spurs offered a real threat from every set-piece.

It was not quite so convincing defensively from corners, with William Saliba and Kai Havertz both close to scoring, but there were positive signs that Spurs can maximise set-pieces this season.

Kudus offers real excitement

There has been lots of talk about who Spurs have missed out on in the transfer window, after the pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White ended unsuccessfully.

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However, the arrival of Kudus from West Ham already appears to be £65million well-spent.

The winger has impressed in the opening pre-season matches of the summer and that continued with another bright showing here.

Mohammed Kudus caused Myles Lewis-Skelly real problems

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Kudus was strong on the ball, holding it up when necessary and causing Myles Lewis-Skelly real problems. His work-rate off the ball was also noticeable, charging back to stop one counter from Declan Rice and then doubling up in his own box on Gabriel Martinelli.

Spurs were far less dangerous when Kudus went off after an hour, as Brennan Johnson struggled to make an impact.

Frank has no shortage of wingers to choose from, but on current evidence it is clear who should be the first name on the team sheet in wide areas.

Defensive structure rewarded

Guglielmo Vicario kept only four Premier League clean sheets last season but he came away with one here, largely due to the efforts of those in front of him.

The Spurs goalkeeper had only one save to make in the match, keeping out a tame effort from Kai Havertz in the 70th minute.

There was no repeat of the high-line seen for much of Postecoglou’s tenure but Spurs still caught Arsenal offside three times in the opening 20 minutes, dealing well with a more direct approach from the Gunners.

Spurs produced an encouraging defensive display

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Bukayo Saka was doubled up on and crosses into the box were mopped up. One loose header from Cristian Romero did give Arsenal some rare space in attack, but Pedro Porro was there to bail his team-mate out.

It was not a display full of high pressing but when Spurs did push up they picked their moments successfully. Myles Lewis-Skelly was isolated on the halfway line, dispossessed and Sarr scored brilliantly.

Frank’s side dropped deeper in the second period, with periods where every player was behind the ball. There was little space for Arsenal and Spurs did not allow themselves to be caught on the counter.

Romero was replaced in the second half and Kevin Danso stepped in well, punching the air in delight at full-time to show this meant more to Spurs than a normal pre-season friendly.

The challenge will be adding more of a threat in attack to this structured, disciplined approach, but this was an encouraging platform on which to build.

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History is being made in Hong Kong this afternoon as Arsenal and Tottenham face off in the first north London derby to be held outside the UK. Based less than four miles between each other, the two rivals have travelled almost 6,000 miles to meet at the Kai Tak Sports Park today. This game will perhaps not have the bite of a usual derby, but both managers and squads will be keen to earn early bragging rights.

Arsenal’s new £64m striker, Viktor Gyokeres, hopes to make his debut, but starts on the bench. Both Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined for Mikel Arteta. Young star Max Dowman will hope to get minutes again, however, after starring off the bench against Newcastle. Spurs are again missing Dominic Solanke, in a concern ahead of the new season, and James Maddison is on the bench.

The Gunners are looking to make it four wins on the spin in pre-season, while Spurs were last seen limping to a 0-0 draw at Luton Town. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Arsenal reporter Simon Collings and Tottenham reporter Matt Verri.

Viktor Gyokeres is on the Arsenal bench for their pre-season friendly against Tottenham in Hong Kong.

The striker is among the substitutes in Hong Kong, having only started training with his new team-mates this week and following a disrupted summer while he future was sorted.

“He’s done all the medicals, everything is looking good, but to get him up to speed with the right levels of fitness, I think is very important,” said Mikel Arteta ahead of the game.

“So we’re not going to stop him, we want him with us as quick as possible, but we’ll have to assess, and the medical team will do that.”

Mikel Arteta has made five changes from last weekend’s win over Newcastle.

Riccardo Calafiori is missing after going off injured against Newcastle, while Gabriel, Jurrien Timber and Kepa Arrizabalaga are also absent.

“He said that he felt a little tweak, so I don’t know how big it is, but hopefully not,” Arteta said about Calafiori before the game.

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The 17-year-old did not travel with Tottenham for their pre-season tour to Hong Kong and South Korea, with it decided that Moore should stay in the UK to explore potential loan moves.

A number of Championship clubs are believed to have been keen on signing Moore but it is Rangers who are in pole position to win the race.

Reports suggest that the Scottish club are close to reaching an agreement to bring Moore to Ibrox on a season-long loan deal.

At a press conference in Hong Kong ahead of Spurs’ pre-season meeting with Arsenal on Thursday, Frank explained the club’s decision to let Moore go out on loan this season.

“I think for all players, but especially the younger players, they need to get that first-team consistent football into their bodies.

Brennan Johnson, Heung-min Son, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison are among the options available to Frank, who is keen to have different types of wingers to turn to.

“I think first and foremost it’s important that we have some depth in the squad,” Frank said.

“But also with Richarlison I see him more as a striker that also can play to the side. Sonny we know can play both positions. Mathys Tel also is a winger but also can play as a striker.

“You need different skillsets. The perfect player is difficult to find. You need players that can run in behind, you need players that can go one-on-one and players hopefully that can score goals. That’s a big part of it.

“As well you need players that can press. Some of them have the in behind skills, others very good ball carriers, others are very good pressing players. That’s what I look for.”

Thomas Frank insists Tottenham captain Heung-min Son will have a "very good role" at the club next season despite transfer speculation over his future.

Son has been at Spurs for a decade and in May became the first captain of the club to lift a European trophy for 41 years with the Europa League triumph.

There have been suggestions that both Spurs and Son are ready to part ways, allowing the player to go out on a high after ending a long trophy drought, and MLS side LAFC have been heavily credited with interest.

No deal is considered imminent, though, with Spurs in Asia and reportedly at risk of losing money should the South Korean superstar not feature.

And Frank has given no indications that his captain could leave this summer.

"I think first and foremost, Son's legacy here is remarkable," Frank told Men In Blazers. "He's been a fantastic player for Tottenham, he is a fantastic player for Tottenham.

"I see a player that that can play a very good role here next season. He's come in, very good mindset, trained very hard, pushed the players. So I'm excited about it."

Tottenham could have James Maddison and Dominic Solanke back for their pre-season clash with Arsenal in Hong Kong.

Spurs have flown out for the start of their tour, which will also take them to South Korea for a fixture against Newcastle in Seoul on Sunday.

First though it is a north London derby as Thomas Frank looks for an improved showing from his side.

Spurs played twice in a day on Saturday but did not win either match, drawing 2-2 in a friendly with Wycombe at the training ground before being held to a goalless draw by Luton later in the day.

Maddison has not yet played a part in the pre-season fixtures after suffering a serious knee injury at the end of last season, but he has returned to full training and could feature against the Gunners.

With Spurs expected to be cautious over his return to action, minutes off the bench appear more likely than a start.

Solanke started in the win over Reading earlier this month but a minor ankle injury kept him out last weekend. That was believed to be precautionary.

Mohammed Kudus has impressed in pre-season so far and could potentially be given a more central role. With Maddison not yet at full fitness, Dejan Kulusevski still injured and Mikey Moore not on the tour, Frank is somewhat short of No10 options.

There are no such problems in wide areas, with Mathys Tel, Heung-min Son, Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson among those pushing to start.

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal Eze bid; Isak Liverpool snag; Chelsea Rogers dream; Man Utd

Record-breaking summer window to step up another gear

Top targets: Alexander Isak, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers

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Transfer news LIVE!

The madness of this summer’s transfer window continues, with Premier League clubs left, right, and centre willing to spend big in a pursuit for success this season. Arsenal, who finished second in the division last term, have just landed Viktor Gyokeres for an initial £64million, and he has been given Thierry Henry’s iconic No14 shirt number as he settles in to his new surroundings in north London. Now, Mikel Arteta wants to continue his lavish spending spree, targeting Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

As for Arsenal’s north London rivals, Tottenham were dealt a serious blow late on Saturday when Morgan Gibbs-White did a stunning U-turn to sign a new contract at Nottingham Forest, having previously agreed on a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs are also interested in Joao Palhinha, who has been a target for Manchester United in the past. Ruben Amorim’s side are in the market for a striker, considering the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins.

Also on the striker market is Alexander Isak - who wants to leave Newcastle - and Liverpool are circling, preparing a massive bid to add the Swede to striking ranks that already contain Hugo Ekitike, who was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt last week. Chelsea are focusing on deals for two Dutchmen - RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!

Latest transfer news headlines

Big week for Sesko

This coming week will be important in the world of Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian looks set to depart RB Leipzig, and Fabrizio Romano reports that Newcastle are in hot pursuit, ready to offer a big contract and approach Leipzig formally to begin negotiations.

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West Ham pushing Paqueta out the door

Another West Ham update? What is going on!

The Hammers are reportedly looking to sell Lucas Paqueta this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

Apparently, the east Londoners would take €35million to land him.

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West Ham after Piccoli

Another target for West Ham is Roberto Piccoli, Calciomercato reports.

The Hammers are looking at the Italian forward, who plays for Cagliari, and could be available for around £26million.

Benfica are also rumoured to be interested in the striker.

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West Ham eye Schmid

West Ham are targeting Romano Schmid.

The Hammers want the Austrian attacking midfielder, who plies his trade at Werder Bremen.

The Guardian report that Schmid could be available for £13million, with Aston Villa and Fulham also interested in his services.

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Benfica pushing for Felix

Benfica are pushing for Joao Felix to return to the club, according to Sky Germany.

The Liga Portugal side want the Chelsea attacking midfielder back, but they face competition from Al-Nassr, according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that the Saudi side have almost completed a deal for the Portuguese international.

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Fulham advance on Nelson

Fulham are in advanced talks to re-sign Reiss Nelson.

The Arsenal forward was on loan at the Cottagers last term, and Marco Silva is looking to bring him back west either on another loan with an option to buy, or a permanent deal, according to The Athletic.

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Everton near Fofana deal

Everton are closing in on a deal for Malick Fofana from Lyon.

L’Equipe have built on Fabrizio Romano’s earlier report that the Toffees were in for the Belgian, and they have offered £31.5million for him.

Lyon reportedly want £35m to sell.

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Liverpool hit Isak snag

Liverpool’s move for Alexander Isak could hit the rocks if the Reds are not able to sell a key player.

Luis Diaz is a wanted man, with Bayern Munich set to return with a second bid for the Colombian, who wants to leave Anfield.

The Germans bid £58.5million first time around, and will come back with another.

However, the Daily Express report that should the Reds not get their £80m that they deem Diaz to be worth, then their transfer kitty might not be as strong as they need it to be to land Isak, who will cost north of £120m.

AFP via Getty Images

Chelsea close in on Simons

Xavi Simons is closing in on a move to Chelsea, according to Nico Schira.

The Italian journalist reports that the Dutchman could seal a €70million move from RB Leipzig, and sign a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea to facilitate Sterling move

Chelsea could subsidise Raheem Sterling’s salary in order to push through a move to Fulham.

Sterling is out of the picture at Stamford Bridge and needs a transfer to guarantee game time. Marco Silva’s side, according to Football Transfers, hold an interest in the winger, who spent a short period on loan at Arsenal last term.

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Spurs had attempted to trigger the midfielder’s release clause earlier this month, but could not get the deal over the line.

Forest took issue with the situation, filing an official complaint with the Premier League about the nature of Spurs’ approach, which they considered illegal.

The saga has now been brought to an end, though, as the 24-year-old has committed his future to the Midlands club, extending his stay at the City Ground through 2028 in what the club has described as a ‘record deal’.

“The support from the fans, my teammates, 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."

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis described Gibbs-White as a ‘special’ player: "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."

Pape Matar Sarr, operating in an advanced midfield role, scored twice including a second half equaliser in an additional fixture designed to give players as many minutes as possible heading into the new season.

Though new head coach Thomas Frank was unable to call upon three senior players across both fixtures with Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dominic Solanke all absent.

That said, summer signing Mohammed Kudus was on show at Kenilworth Road and he came closest to breaking the deadlock in an otherwise dull first-half of the second friendly.

Played in by Mathys Tel - getting his first pre-season minutes after representing France at the U21 European Championships earlier in the summer - Kudus’ effort beat former Spurs keeper Josh Keeley but Christ Makosso got back to make an excellent goal-line clearance.

Tottenham had Antonin Kinsky to thank for not falling behind early in the second half as the substitute goalkeeper was equal to a volley from Nahki Wells. At the other end, Kudus almost forced a winner with his final touch of the game but the hosts managed to scramble the ball clear.

A raft of changes from both sides in the final 15 minutes resulted in the game become rather disjointed, although Will Lankshear - who scored in the win over Reading last week - spurned a great chance to win it for Spurs right at the end but rolled his effort wide of the post.

Ultimately for the north London outfit, the result and performance was never going to be of massive importance as Frank achieved his goal of getting more minutes into the legs of several first-team players as well as handing more youngsters an opportunity.

Spurs head to Hong Kong next week for their pre-season summer tour of Asia, facing Arsenal on Thursday before travelling to South Korea to play Newcastle on August 3.

Frank’s side will conclude their pre-season on August 7 in Germany as they take on Bayern Munich and Harry Kane before their campaign officially gets underway with the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain at in Udine on August 13.