Danso and Bentancur Have North London Derby Forgettable Performances

Gunners Squad Performance Reviews

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

Jurriƫn 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 Spurs' defensive approach. There will be tougher challenges to come in the next few weeks without his usual defensive partner. 7

Piero HincapiĆ© Appeared confident in filling in for the Brazilian defender. Doesn’t possess the his physical prowess but makes up for it with skill 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 field. 8

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

Declan Rice Should have done better with early chance but can never fault his effort. Tottenham could not handle his marauding runs from midfield. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the club he turned down in the summer. Delivered a moment of magic to score a brilliant first before excellent finishes for his second and third 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 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

Tottenham Player Performance Reviews

Guglielmo Vicario Two good 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 nervous start after being introduced to a three-man defense. Expected that he was replaced at half-time. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable last line of defence but could not cope with 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 more than one occasion. Yet he was powerless to stop Arsenal once they found their rhythm. 6

Djed Spence Too sluggish to respond 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 the attacker from running past to score his first. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it tough to contain Saka. To blame 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 the defender. 5

Richarlison Struggled to make any impact in the first half. But his superb 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 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 Rice 6.

Sheena Martin
Sheena Martin

A digital nomad and minimalist lifestyle coach, sharing strategies for intentional living and sustainable habits.