Herbalgy Trophy: Mohammed Kudus Claims First Trophy as Tottenham Beat Arsenal in Hong Kong
- Mohammed Kudus has secured his maiden trophy with Tottenham Hotspur just weeks after completing his move to the club
- The 24-year-old joined Spurs' in a deal worth over £50 million
- Kudus now has his sights set on a bigger prize, with Tottenham set to battle PSG for the UEFA Super Cup title next month
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It has taken Mohammed Kudus only 21 days to make his presence felt at Tottenham Hotspur, and he's already got silverware to show for it.
The Ghanaian forward, who arrived this summer in a deal worth £55 million, has hit the ground running.
His performances throughout preseason have caught the eye, and his latest display at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong only added to the excitement surrounding his arrival.
Source: Getty Images
Mohammed Kudus shines as Tottenham pip Arsenal
Up against Arsenal in a fiery North London clash, the first of its kind to be held outside the United Kingdom, Kudus once again showed why Spurs made him a top priority in the transfer window.
From the onset, Kudus brought urgency and grit to Tottenham’s play. He held the ball with confidence, bullied his markers, and was a nightmare for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Off the ball, he worked tirelessly, sprinting back to thwart Declan Rice on a counter and later doubling up with a teammate to block Gabriel Martinelli’s advances inside the box, as noted by The Standard.
When he was substituted in the 63rd minute, Spurs noticeably lost their attacking bite. Brennan Johnson, who came on in his place, struggled to replicate Kudus’ influence.
Source: Getty Images
Mohammed Kudus wins first trophy with Tottenham
Despite losing some momentum after Kudus left the pitch, Tottenham held firm.
A thunderous strike from Pape Matar Sarr in the first half was enough to seal a 1-0 victory over the Gunners.
More than just a pre-season win, the result gave Spurs bragging rights in the inaugural North London derby played on Asian soil.
To cap it off, they lifted the Herbalgy Trophy, a symbolic reward that also marked Kudus' first taste of success in Spurs colours, even if unofficial.
It also coincided with the first edition of the Hong Kong Football Festival, adding extra sparkle to the occasion.
Tottenham coach reacts after victory
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank was satisfied with what he saw, noting how seriously both sides approached the match.
“It was very pleasing, of course, because it was clear that this was not a friendly,” Frank said, as quoted by Hayters.
“It felt like a competitive match, and I think you saw it was competitive. We played it as very competitive.
“Something we’ve been working on is the combination of the defensive organisation, so high pressure, middle, and low, those clear principles, but also that desire to keep a clean sheet because that makes you have a big opportunity to win football matches.”
Read also
Arsenal fans react to loss against Kudus' Tottenham in North London derby: "We miss Partey"
Kudus' next chance to chase silverware will come on August 13, when Tottenham face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.
5 Ways Mohammed Kudus can thrive at Tottenham
YEN.com.gh previously outlined five key aspects Mohammed Kudus must focus on to flourish at Tottenham.
To turn things around, these aspects, if worked on, could be vital to unlocking his full potential in North London.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
