Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr continued his fine pre-season form with a brilliant goal against Arsenal in the North London derby win
Whilst only a friendly fixture, Tottenham Hotspur bagged the North London derby bragging rights by beating Arsenal 1-0 in Hong Kong on Thursday evening. It was the first-ever North London derby away from the English shores, and Spurs made it monumental for the Hong Kong fans as well as the travelling contingent by winning it.
It was not easy for new Tottenham gaffer Thomas Frank managing in his first North London derby against a well-oiled, strong Arsenal side. The Dane didn’t have a full squad to compete thanks to injury problems, yet his team came all guns blazing and picked up the victory. And the man who was the difference between both sides was Pape Matar Sarr.
The Senegal international decided the contest in spectacular fashion, stunning the jam-packed Kai Tak Sports Park with an effort from halfway line just before the break. He caught Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya off his line, retained his composure to quickly curl over a shot over the retreating Spaniard to give the Lilywhites the lead.
It was a magical moment in a game that had struggled to come to life, with the referee’s constant whistling interrupting the proceedings as both teams struggled to find any sort of rhythm.
Thomas Frank impressed with midfielder’s attitude and work ethic in training and friendly fixtures
Apart from the goal, Pape Matar Sarr looked impressive in the middle of the park against Arsenal. The African was a crisp passer of the ball, engaged in physical duels and kept things ticking over for Tottenham. Off the ball, he was tenacious, dogged and won back possession many times.
The 22-year-old’s goal capped off his fine work in the derby, one the fans simply just cannot stop raving about. After the game, Frank waxed lyrical about Sarr’s goal too and admitted that he has been impressed with his performances in training and games over the last four weeks.
“It’s so far the goal of the season!” he told us. “It was great. I know he won Player of the Match and, for me, he was Player of the Match. He took it (the goal) so well and so quickly, saw David Raya was too far out of his goal and put it away,” Frank said in his post-match press conference.
“By the way, I think Pape has been amazing. I really like how he has played and performed in the last four weeks, training and in games. He’s building, and his all-round game today… top.”
Pape Matar Sarr growing in confidence under new Spurs boss
With the outrageous lobbed goal against the Gunners, Sarr took his goal tally during this summer’s pre-season. Frank has used him in an advanced midfield role unlike his predecessor Ange Postecoglou, and less focus on defensive work has paid rich dividends for the youngster.
The Senegalese netted a brace in the 2-2 draw with League One opposition Wycombe Wanderers in a behind-the-closed-doors friendly last weekend before the squad jetted out to Asia. Sarr has shown glimpses of potential at White Hart Lane, but struggled for consistency, which is seemingly changing under the new gaffer.
Adding goals to his game, as he is demonstrating in pre-season, could make the Thiaroye-born talent a crucial component in Frank’s midfield. Now with Joao Palhinha closing in on a loan deal from Bayern Munich, we all could see Sarr play more in an advanced role in the upcoming season.