Bukayo Saka: The Arsenal striker applauded on the pitch in front of the Tottenham fans in a pre-season friendly

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Bukayo Saka applauded by the Tottenham fans after he was applauded on the pitch

Tottenham fans have put the north London rivalry aside to welcome Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka back to his domestic duties for the first time since Euro 2020.

Saka’s entry in Arsenal’s 1-0 pre-season defeat at Tottenham Hotspur was his first appearance since being subjected to racist abuse after missing a penalty in England’s penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the final.

With no outside fans in attendance for any of the Mind Series matches, Tottenham fans gave a standing ovation to Saka as captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was replaced.

Tottenham fans also held a banner that read: “North London stands with Bukayo Saka and all players against racism and discrimination.”

Saka almost scored well but new Tottenham goalkeeper Pierluigi Giulini kept the 19-year-old’s low shot.

His England teammate Ben White made his Arsenal debut but Harry Kane was absent from the hosts.

Kane, the subject of Manchester City’s interest, is training alone at Tottenham’s training ground, where he is isolated after returning from vacation.

After Dele Alli hit the post twice from close range, Son Heung-min secured the win for the hosts 10 minutes from the end when he came home after Japhet Tanganga was knocked out.

Sunday’s match was played in front of the biggest crowd at Tottenham Hotspur since March 2020, Danny’s first goal.

Elsewhere, Danny Ings scored on his debut when Aston Villa came from behind to defeat Serie A newcomer Salernitana at Villa Park.

Ings, who signed for Southampton for £25m, called off Joel Obi’s opener before awarding Anwar El Ghazi a penalty for Villa 2-1 at the end of the first half.

Former England international Ashley Young, who returned to the club earlier this summer, sealed the win in the second half.

Dean Smith’s side opened their campaign at newly promoted Watford on Saturday.

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