Bentancur and Danso Have Derby Days to Forget

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya Hardly handled the ball as the Gunners controlled the fixture. Is likely disappointed to have been surprised 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 Eze’s second goal. 8

William Saliba Seldom challenged by Spurs' defensive approach. There will be bigger tests to come in the next few weeks without his usual defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Appeared confident in deputising for the Brazilian defender. Doesn’t possess the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with skill and good decision-making. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Hadn’t trained all week due to a hip problem but didn’t look off the pace. Provides Arsenal with fantastic energy all over the pitch. 8

Martín Zubimendi Controlled the game from the midfield anchor with usual authority. Luckily, his mistake in giving the ball away for Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the outcome. 7

Declan Rice Could have done better with early chance but can never fault his work rate. Tottenham could not cope with his powerful runs from midfield. 8

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

Bukayo Saka A few exchanges with the defender in the first half before springing to life. Loved celebrating the three goals 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 exquisite pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

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

Subs: Noni Madueke (for Trossard, 78) A welcome return from knee injury 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 Performance Reviews

Guglielmo Vicario Two good saves as he mastered the art of slowing play in the first half. Little opportunity with any of the goals. 6

Kevin Danso Made a shaky start after being introduced to a three-man defense. No surprise that he was substituted at half-time. 5

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

Micky van de Ven The speedy Dutchman came to his side’s rescue on several instances. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they found their rhythm. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to respond to stop Trossard scoring and found himself under pressure. A difficult occasion for the England defender. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon struggling to keep up. Could have done much more to stop the attacker from dribbling through to score his first. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to contain the winger. To blame for Arsenal’s third goal and question marks remain about his defending. 5

Wilson Odobert Was hard to work out what role he had been asked to play. Couldn’t get any change out of the defender. 5

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

Mohammed Kudus Almost anonymous aside from a couple of encouraging early moments. Needs more service 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 the midfielder 6.

Matthew Lynn
Matthew Lynn

Urban planner and writer passionate about sustainable city design and community-focused development projects.