Arsenal beaten by Tottenham as Viktor Gyokeres makes debut
Arteta turned to Gyokeres with 14 minutes left of the friendly and with Arsenal behind after Pape Sarr's long-range effort on the stroke of half-time, but Swedish forward Gyokeres was a largely isolated figure and failed to stop a 1-0 loss.
After a flurry of early Arsenal set-pieces in the first north London derby to be played outside of England, Spurs' Pedro Porro hit the post in the ninth minute direct from a corner.
Outrageous from Pape Sarr 😮💨
Don't miss the action – watch the second half live on SPURSPLAY 📺
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025
Wilson Odobert and Richarlison also struck the woodwork for Tottenham during a first half which seemed destined to end goalless until Sarr's sublime intervention.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya raced out to pass to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was dispossessed and Sarr was alert to chip into the empty net from close to the halfway line in the 45th minute.
Chances were few and far between in the second half before Arteta turned to his bench after Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and summer recruit Martin Zubimendi had been wasteful in front of goal.
Gyokeres was introduced for Havertz in the 76th minute and while he fashioned a late missed chance for Zubimendi, the former Sporting Lisbon attacker's first appearance for Arsenal ended in defeat.
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Daily Mail
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'On the other hand, the club is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceeding in England. The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him. The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case. Due to the law in England in relation to ongoing proceedings the club is unablé to comment further. 'Villarreal CF wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals.' Partey's bail conditions prohibit him from contacting any of the three women involved and require him to inform police of any permanent address changes or international travel. Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward, KC, said: 'He's charged with six sexual offences, five of rape, one of sexual assault. He was first arrested in relation to two of the charges on 4 July 2022 and released under investigation on 2 August 2023. 'He has attended, during the course of the past three years, three voluntary interviews. A postal requisition was sent on 4 July 2025 requiring his attendance today for a first appearance. 'Five of the offences, the charges of rape, are indictable only offences and the only possibility for this court is to send them to the crown court.' On the sexual assault allegation, she said: 'The complainant attended Mr Partey's address and he sexually assaulted her by lying on top of her, trying to kiss her and touching her all over her body over clothing without consent. 'She tried to push him off and after a couple of minutes he stopped.' Protesters held up a sign criticising Arsenal's alleged handling of the case when Partey arrived at court. It read: 'Arsenal said: 'We do the right thing'. Then did nothing.' The offences are alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. According to the Metropolitan Police, the first report of a rape allegation was received in February 2022. The CPS said the charges came after it 'carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence' during an extensive three-year probe. 'Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him,' his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said. 'He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.' Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid for around £45million. He made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals. Arsenal were previously in talks over extending Partey's contract, but an agreement could not be reached, resulting in him leaving as a free agent. Head coach Mikel Arteta had described him as a 'really important player for us'. During Arsenal's pre-season tour in the Far East, following Partey being charged, Arteta said he was '100 per cent' comfortable with how the club handled the case. However, the Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence Group gathered outside Westminster Magistrates' Court to protest the club's alleged actions. 'While we recognise that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, we would find any scenario in which a club was to continually select and promote a player under investigation for sexual offences deeply concerning,' the group previously said. 'This would give the suggestion that success on the pitch far outweighs respect for victims of sexual violence.' An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: 'The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.'
