Tottenham Hotspur secured a narrow 1–0 win over Arsenal in a tightly contested preseason friendly on Thursday, thanks to a late first-half goal from Pape Matar Sarr.
The breakthrough came in the 45th minute, as Sarr calmly finished to give Spurs the lead going into the break. That strike ultimately proved decisive, with both teams unable to convert limited chances in a largely cautious affair.
Midfield battles dominated the encounter, with Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur receiving a yellow card in the 36th minute. Arsenal’s Mikel Merino and Spurs’ Brennan Johnson were also booked during stoppage time.
Despite the lack of goals, the match provided both North London sides with a valuable test of fitness and tactical shape ahead of the new season.
Though only a friendly, the result handed Thomas Frank’s Spurs the early bragging rights over their local rivals.
