Tottenham defeat Arsenal in pre-season clash as Richarlison and Gabriel Magalhães trade blows online

Tottenham Hotspur edged past Arsenal 1–0 in a high-stakes preseason friendly, with post-match tensions spilling over onto social media between Brazil internationals Richarlison and Gabriel Magalhães.

Sarr’s Goal Seals Win for Spurs

In a tightly contested encounter ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Pape Matar Sarr scored the decisive goal for Spurs, handing them a confidence-boosting victory over their North London rivals. The match, though labeled a friendly, had all the intensity of a derby, especially as players looked to sharpen form before the Premier League kicks off.

Richarlison, who was named Man of the Match, added fuel to the rivalry by posting a photo on Instagram tagging Gabriel Magalhães, his compatriot and Arsenal defender, in a clear attempt at provocation.

Gabriel Responds with Premier League Stats

Gabriel responded promptly, sharing a post featuring three Man of the Match awards from past Premier League encounters between Arsenal and Tottenham, all won by Arsenal. The defender’s message was seen as a reminder of his dominance in official league meetings.

The online spat between the two Brazilian internationals quickly gained traction, with fans from both sides weighing in on social media.

Richarlison’s Future at Spurs Remains in the Spotlight

Despite transfer interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Brazil, Richarlison is expected to remain at Tottenham, where he is under contract until 2027. In Brazil, Fluminense and Palmeiras are monitoring the striker, but his €20 million market valuation (approx. R$128 million) and high salary are seen as major obstacles.

Since joining Spurs, Richarlison has made 90 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists. However, his stint in London has been hindered by recurring injuries, which have affected his consistency and form.

Arsenal Prepares for Premier League Kickoff

Arsenal, meanwhile, will continue preseason preparations with matches against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup, before launching their Premier League campaign with a high-profile clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford. They are also set to face Leeds United and Liverpool, who are reportedly eyeing Rodrygo in the current transfer window.