Danso and Bentancur Experience North London Derby Days to Forget

Arsenal Player Performance Reviews

David Raya Hardly handled the ball as the Gunners commanded the game. Is likely disappointed to have been caught napping by the Brazilian forward. 6

Jurriën Timber Seldom puts a foot wrong and was able to push forward at will. Determination paid off in his key pass for Eberechi Eze's second goal. 8

William Saliba Rarely tested by Spurs' defensive approach. There will be tougher challenges to come in the next few weeks without his regular defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Looked assured in filling in for Gabriel Magalhães. Doesn’t possess the Brazilian’s physical prowess but makes up for it with technique and good decision-making. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Didn't practice all week due to a hip problem but didn’t look sluggish. Provides Arsenal with fantastic energy all over the pitch. 8

Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the midfield anchor with typical authority. Luckily, his mistake in giving the ball away for the consolation strike didn’t affect the result. 7

Declan Rice Could have done better with first opportunity but can never fault his work rate. Tottenham could not handle his marauding runs from midfield. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he turned down in the summer. Delivered a moment of magic to score a superb first before superb finishes for his next two goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few exchanges with the defender in the first half before springing to life. Enjoyed celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a eager runner filling in up front and provided a moment of quality with a sublime pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

Leandro Trossard Expertly took his goal. Will be hard to shift him from the left flank once the rest of Arsenal’s forward players return. 8

Subs: Noni Madueke (for Trossard, 78) A welcome return from injury layoff 7; Ethan Nwaneri (for Merino, 86) n/a; Cristhian Mosquera (for Hincapie, 86) n/a; Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Calafiori, 90) n/s

Tottenham Player Ratings

Guglielmo Vicario Two decent saves as he perfected the art of slowing play in the first half. No chance with any of the goals. 6

Kevin Danso Made a shaky start after being introduced to a three-man defense. Expected that he was substituted at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable center-back but could not handle Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Completed misery by picking up a booking that means he is now banned. 5

Micky van de Ven The quick Dutchman came to his team's rescue on several instances. Yet he was powerless to stop Arsenal once they found their rhythm. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to respond to stop the winger's goal and found himself under pressure. A difficult occasion for the English full-back. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows. Could have done far better to stop Eze from running past to score his first. 4

João Palhinha Put himself about in midfield but was guilty of leaving an huge space for the playmaker to exploit twice. 5

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to handle Saka. To blame for Arsenal’s third and doubts remain about his defending. 5

Wilson Odobert Was difficult to work out what position he had been asked to fulfil. Couldn’t get any success out of the defender. 5

Richarlison Struggled to make any influence in the first half. But his excellent lob at least gave Tottenham something to cling on to. 7

Mohammed Kudus Virtually anonymous aside from a couple of encouraging early touches. Needs more support but spends too much time on the fringes. 5

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a difference with eagerness to drive forward with ball 6; Pape Sarr (for Odobert, 67) Added some energy 6; Randal Kolo Muani (for Bentancur, 67) Looked slow 5; Brennan Johnson (for Kudus, 78) The game was already lost 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game arguing with Rice 6.

Kathy Elliott
Kathy Elliott

A digital strategist and content creator passionate about blending creativity with technology to drive impactful online experiences.