Danso and Bentancur Experience North London Derby Forgettable Performances

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya Rarely saw the ball as Arsenal dominated the game. Is likely frustrated to have been surprised by Richarlison. 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 Seldom challenged by Tottenham’s 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 filling in for the Brazilian defender. Doesn’t possess the his physical prowess but makes up for it with technique and good judgment. 7

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

Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the midfield anchor with usual authority. Fortunately, his mistake in giving the ball away for the consolation strike 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 deep. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he rejected in the summer. Produced a moment of brilliance to score a brilliant first before excellent finishes for his second and third goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few handbags with Udogie in the first half before coming alive. Loved 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 Skillfully took his goal. Will be difficult to shift him from the left flank once the rest of Arsenal’s forward players return. 8

Subs: Noni Madueke (for Trossard, 78) A positive 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

Spurs Squad Performance Reviews

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

Kevin Danso Made a nervous start after being introduced to a back three. Expected that he was substituted at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable center-back but could not cope with 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 side’s rescue on several instances. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to react to stop the winger's goal and found himself pinned back. A difficult occasion for the England defender. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows. Could have done far better to stop the attacker 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 capitalise on twice. 5

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

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

Richarlison Found it hard to make any impact in the first half. But his excellent 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 service but spends too much time on the fringes. 5

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

Andrew Stevens
Andrew Stevens

A tech journalist and AI researcher with over a decade of experience covering digital innovations and emerging technologies.