On the evening of July 31, 2025, the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong hosted a historic first-ever overseas North London Derby, pitting English Premier League giants Arsenal against Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur in the "AIA Vitality Cup." Attracting a record-breaking 49,975 spectators, the match surpassed the previous attendance record set by the Liverpool vs. AC Milan game earlier in the month by 271 fans, marking a new milestone for football in Hong Kong.
The atmosphere was electric from the start, with Arsenal fans dominating the stands in their red and white kits, chanting and unfurling a massive "Welcome to Hong Kong" banner. The early exchanges saw Arsenal’s William Saliba miss a header in the 3rd minute, while Tottenham’s Pedro Porro struck the post from a corner. The tension peaked in the 27th minute when Spurs hit the woodwork twice, heightening the excitement. The decisive moment came just before halftime when Arsenal’s left-back Zinchenko lost possession, allowing Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr to unleash a stunning 45-meter lob over goalkeeper David Raya, giving Spurs a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Arsenal mount a spirited comeback. Martinelli’s 57th-minute shot sailed over the bar, and Gabriel Jesus’s 66th-minute header missed the target. Substitutions injected new energy, with Arsenal’s Dusan Vlahovic and Jakub Kiwior entering in the 68th minute, the latter firing wide. The crowd erupted in the 74th minute as Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyokeres and Tottenham’s Son Heung-min came on, boosting the intensity. Despite late efforts from both sides, the score remained unchanged, with Tottenham securing a 1-0 victory—their second consecutive win over Arsenal since May 2022. Post-match, Arsenal players raised a "Thank you for your support" banner, met with warm applause from the red-and-white faithful.
Both teams fielded strong lineups, with Arsenal featuring captain Odegaard, winger Saka, and midfielder Rice, while Gyokeres started on the bench. Tottenham’s defense included Romero and Van de Ven, with Son as a substitute. Fans praised the Kai Tak Stadium’s world-class facilities, particularly its retractable roof, which shielded against the summer heat. Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey hailed the vibrant atmosphere, thanking Hong Kong fans for their unwavering support and highlighting Gyokeres’s potential as a top striker following his move from Sporting CP.
Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau Secretary Rosanna Law described the match’s atmosphere as “supercharged,” with players giving their all until the final whistle. She noted the 49,975 attendees created a carnival-like vibe, overshadowing the result. Post-match, Ure visited Kowloon City for a late-night meal, finding restaurants packed, including a table of Sichuan tourists who lauded Hong Kong’s appeal after nearly 10 visits. She emphasized that such efforts yield rewards, pledging continued improvement with her team.
This landmark event not only showcased a thrilling rivalry but also boosted Hong Kong’s profile as a global sports hub, leaving fans eager for more.