Danso and Bentancur Have North London Derby Forgettable Performances

Gunners Squad Ratings

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

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

William Saliba Rarely tested by Tottenham’s defensive tactics. There will be tougher challenges to come in the next few weeks without his usual defensive partner. 7

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

Riccardo Calafiori Hadn’t trained all week due to a hip problem but didn’t look sluggish. Provides Arsenal with excellent 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 Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the result. 7

Declan Rice Could have done better with early chance but can never fault his effort. Tottenham could not handle his powerful runs from deep. 8

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

Bukayo Saka A few handbags with the defender in the first half before coming alive. Enjoyed celebrating the three goals almost as much as the scorer did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a willing runner playing up front and provided a moment of quality with a exquisite pass for the left winger's goal. 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 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 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 dependable center-back but could not cope with Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Added to his misery by receiving a booking that means he is now suspended. 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 Trossard scoring and found himself pinned back. A testing occasion for the English full-back. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon struggling to keep up. Could have done much more 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 huge space for the playmaker to capitalise on twice. 5

Destiny Udogie Found it tough to handle the winger. At fault for Arsenal’s third and doubts remain about his defending. 5

Wilson Odobert Was difficult 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 take pride in. 7

Mohammed Kudus Almost 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 difference with willingness to drive forward with ball 6; Pape Sarr (for Odobert, 67) Added some energy 6; Randal Kolo Muani (for Bentancur, 67) Looked off the pace 5; Brennan Johnson (for Kudus, 78) The game was already over 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game exchanging words with Rice 6.

Kristen Harris
Kristen Harris

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering AI and emerging technologies, passionate about demystifying complex innovations.