Danso and Bentancur Endure North London Derby Forgettable Performances

Gunners Squad Ratings

David Raya Hardly handled the ball as Arsenal commanded the game. Is likely disappointed to have been caught off guard by Richarlison. 6

Jurriën Timber Seldom puts a foot wrong and was able to attack at will. Persistence paid off in his key pass for Eberechi 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 regular defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Looked assured in deputising for the Brazilian defender. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with technique and good judgment. 7

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

Martín Zubimendi Controlled the game from the midfield anchor with typical authority. Luckily, his mistake in losing possession for Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the outcome. 7

Declan Rice Could have done better with first opportunity but can never fault his work rate. Tottenham could not cope with his powerful runs from deep. 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 excellent finishes for his next two goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few handbags with Udogie in the first half before springing to life. Enjoyed celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the scorer did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a willing runner playing up front and provided a moment of class with a sublime pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

Leandro Trossard Skillfully took his goal. Will be hard to displace him from the left wing 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

Spurs Squad Performance Reviews

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

Kevin Danso Made a nervous start after being brought into a back three. Expected that he was substituted at half-time. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable last line of defence but could not cope with Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Completed misery by picking up a booking that means he is now suspended. 5

Micky van de Ven The speedy Dutchman came to his team's rescue on several instances. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Too sluggish to react to stop the winger's goal and found himself under pressure. A testing occasion for the English full-back. 5

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

João Palhinha Put himself about in the center but was guilty of leaving an enormous space for Eze to exploit twice. 5

Destiny Udogie Found it tough to handle Saka. At fault for Arsenal’s third goal and doubts remain about his defensive abilities. 5

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

Richarlison Found it hard to make any influence in the first half. But his superb lob at least gave Tottenham something to take pride in. 7

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

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a impact with willingness to advance with ball 6; Pape Sarr (for Odobert, 67) Added some drive 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 exchanging words with the midfielder 6.

Christopher Mcfarland
Christopher Mcfarland

A seasoned financial analyst and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in market strategy and digital transformation.