Credit: Imago / SpursPlay

Harri Burton

Thu 31 July 2025 22:15, UK

Pedro Porro caught the attention of Tottenham duo James Maddison and Cristian Romero on social media after a high-profile on-pitch clash.

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The Spurs full-back’s clash with Mikel Arteta was the main talking point from the friendly fixture over in Hong Kong, with Pape Sarr scoring the only goal of the game from the halfway line on Thursday, 31 July.

Despite beating Newcastle United in their previous game, the Gunners created very little in terms of clear-cut chances, with Thomas Frank‘s side pouncing on one moment of magic from their midfielder.

While not all signs from pre-season have been positive for the Lilywhites, drawing against both Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town back in England, there is a basis for the squad to build on.

Despite Ange Postecoglou’s sacking by Daniel Levy, his winning of the Europa League title against Man United has offered a lot of hope ahead of the new season, and that will need to transfer to the Premier League.

Thomas Frank oversaw victory in Hong Kong.

(Credit: Imago)

Taking to Instagram (31 July), Porro wrote: “Game’s back,” alongside cheeky wink and love-heart eye emojis, clearly pleased with himself after clashing with the Gunners boss.

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Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Djed Spence, and Micky van de Ven all liked the post, as did senior duo James Maddison and Cristian Romero after victory in Hong Kong.

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Football Insider verdict

Arteta heads into the new season under heavy pressure at Arsenal, having not lifted silverware since the 2019/20 FA Cup, while Spurs ended their 17-year trophy drought with victory in Bilbao.

With Andrea Berta in the building, the Gunners have added Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the squad.

While not all of these have sparked excitement, the addition of a world-class centre-forward has been anticipated in North London, and Gyokeres certainly meets that criterion.

(Credit: Imago)

The final piece of the Gunners’ puzzle looked to be a striker, and with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus injured, Mikel Merino was needed to adapt from his normal centre-midfield spot.

While the Spaniard flourished in the final third, notching nine goals and five assists, it was never going to be a full-term fix if Arsenal were going to win trophies, and that was eventually proven.

A second-place finish in the Premier League.
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