TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR BEAT ARSENAL 1-0 TO BRING CURTAIN DOWN ON HISTORY-MAKING HONG KONG FOOTBALL FESTIVAL
The history-making, record-breaking Hong Kong Football Festival (HKFF) reached its stunning crescendo on Thursday night with Tottenham Hotspur beating Arsenal 1-0 to capture The Herbalgy Trophy at a sold-out Kai Tak Stadium.
Befitting the occasion, a record 49,975 fans turned out to see their heroes in action – the most people ever to watch a game of football in Hong Kong - and they were in full voice from the first whistle.
Both clubs came to the party, packing their starting line-ups with superstars for the first North London Derby to be played outside the United Kingdom.
The likes of Spurs hero Son Heung-min and Arsenal's new signing Viktor Gyökeres, along with teenage sensation Max Dowman, all got a run out.
Given the historic rivalry between the two teams, the atmosphere – and the action – was intense from the start, keeping the fans on the edges of their seats throughout.
It took a moment of magic from Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr to settle the battle, as he caught Arsenal keeper David Raya off his line on 45 minutes with an audacious lob that went into the back of the net.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank was delighted with the result, and the experience of coming to Hong Kong and to the Kai Tak Stadium. Asked if he'd be keen on a return, the answer was "definitely."
"It was not a friendly, it felt like a competitive match," said Frank. "Just to see the sell out tonight, the fantastic fans. All the things that had to be arranged here have just been perfect. A very good hotel, the training pitch has been good, and then, of course, the stadium pitch. So we are very pleased."
As always, the numbers help paint the full picture of both the night and of the HKFF.
Across the two matches hosted by the HKFF there were 99,679 people inside the Kai Tak Stadium – with the 49,704 who attended AC Milan's 4-2 win over Liverpool FC for the opening The Standard Chartered Trophy. Visitors came from far and wide with an estimated 35% coming from overseas to take in the football – and the sights - over the past week.
Hong Kong was the centre of the footballing universe over the past week, as international club football marked a triumphant debut at the new Kai Tak Stadium venue that has strengthened Hong Kong's position as Asia's hub for hosting international events - and it left fans buzzing about what the football future holds.
The inaugural Hong Kong Football Festival was organised and promoted by global events producer and promoter TEG Sport and was sanctioned by the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, reflecting the commitment they both have towards spreading the benefits of sport across the entire community.
"It's been a thrilling experience for everyone involved and we can proudly say that the Hong Kong Football Festival has delivered on its promise to provide an unprecedented experience for football fans, right here in Hong Kong," said Rachael Carroll, Managing Director of TEG Sport.
"Thanks go to the clubs, our event partners, the Government of the Hong Kong SAR and the thousands upon thousands of passionate fans who have supported the Hong Kong Football Festival.
"TEG Sport has set a high standard of excellence over the past week, but this is only the beginning. The mission ahead is to continue to join with our various partners in providing Hong Kong with the very best in international sport, and with memories to last a lifetime."
The Hong Kong Football Festival, Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – The Herbalgy Trophy was supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the Major Sports Event Committee Cultural, with Herbalgy as the presenting match sponsor, AIA as the Diamond Sponsor, Keeta as the official delivery partner, Trip.com as the official travel experience partner, Now TV as the official broadcast partner and supporting organisations the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Football Association of Hong Kong China, POAD, Kai Tak Sports Park and Cityline.
Hong Kong Football Festival is proud of being an "M" Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia's sports event capital. The "M" Mark awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolising intense, spectacular and signature event in the territory sports calendar.