Mohammed Kudus Spurs performance: Mohammed Kudus delivered a dazzling performance as Tottenham Hotspur edged fierce rivals Arsenal 1-0 in a pulsating preseason clash during the Herbalgy Trophy showdown in Hong Kong. The match, part of the Hong Kong Football Festival, marked the first-ever North London Derby held on Asian soil and Kudus made it one to remember.
The 24-year-old Ghanaian forward, who joined Spurs just 21 days ago in a £55 million summer move, has wasted no time making an impact. On July 31, 2025, Kudus was at the heart of Tottenham’s hard-fought win, putting in a complete display that drew widespread praise from both fans and coaching staff.
From the first whistle, Kudus looked razor-sharp. Arsenal’s young defender Myles Lewis-Skelly struggled to cope as Kudus used his strength, quick footwork, and intelligent movement to slice through the Gunners’ backline. Kudus created multiple chances and linked play with ease, showcasing his elite dribbling and composure in tight spaces.
What truly elevated his performance, however, was his defensive work rate. Critics have previously questioned his off-the-ball contributions, but in Hong Kong, Kudus flipped the script. He sprinted back to stop a break led by Declan Rice and later tracked all the way into his own box to help contain Gabriel Martinelli. It was a performance that demonstrated grit, maturity, and a hunger to contribute across all phases of play.
Kudus lasted until the 63rd minute before being substituted. His exit was noticeable, as Spurs lost some attacking verve with Brennan Johnson unable to replicate the same intensity. Fortunately for Tottenham, the damage was already done Pape Matar Sarr’s thunderous first-half strike was enough to secure victory.
After the match, Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank was full of admiration for Kudus’ performance. “He was excellent,” Frank said. “His composure, hold-up play, and creativity were top class. And what impressed me even more was his defensive discipline. He’s going to be a real asset for us this season.”
This win marked more than just a preseason triumph it brought silverware. The Herbalgy Trophy is Kudus’ first piece of silverware in Spurs colours and a symbolic milestone just weeks into his North London journey. For Tottenham, it also meant North London bragging rights in the debut edition of this overseas derby.
The atmosphere in Hong Kong was electric, and both teams treated the match with serious intent. Coach Frank acknowledged the intensity of the contest. “It didn’t feel like a friendly at all,” he noted. “You could feel the competitiveness. We’re working on building our identity, from pressing high to defending deep when needed and tonight showed how far we’ve come.”
Tottenham’s preseason continues with a clash against Newcastle United on August 3, followed by a high-profile encounter with Bayern Munich. But all eyes will soon be on their UEFA Super Cup showdown against Paris Saint-Germain on August 13 in Udine, where Kudus will have another shot at glory.
With three strong preseason outings under his belt, Mohammed Kudus is quickly proving why Tottenham made him a marquee signing. Spurs fans have every reason to be optimistic ahead of the new Premier League campaign, which kicks off against Burnley.
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