Danso and Bentancur Have Derby Days to Forget

Gunners Squad Performance Reviews

David Raya Rarely saw the ball as the Gunners dominated the match. Will be frustrated to have been caught napping by Richarlison. 6

Jurriën Timber Rarely ever puts a foot wrong and was able to push forward at will. Persistence paid off in his key pass for Eze’s second goal. 8

William Saliba Rarely tested 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 Appeared confident in deputising for the Brazilian defender. Doesn’t possess the Brazilian’s 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

Martín Zubimendi Controlled the game from the midfield anchor with typical authority. Fortunately, his mistake in losing possession for the consolation strike didn’t affect the outcome. 7

Declan Rice Should have done better with first opportunity 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 rejected in the summer. Produced a moment of magic to score a superb first before superb finishes for his next two goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few handbags with the defender in the first half before coming alive. Enjoyed celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a willing runner playing up front and provided a moment of class with a sublime pass for the left winger's goal. 8

Leandro Trossard Expertly took his goal. Will be difficult to displace 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 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 Ratings

Guglielmo Vicario Two decent 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 nervous start after being brought into a three-man defense. No surprise that he was substituted at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable center-back but could not handle Arsenal’s constant 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 more than one occasion. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they found their rhythm. 6

Djed Spence Too sluggish to react to stop Trossard scoring and found himself pinned back. A testing 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 opening goal. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it tough to handle Saka. At fault for Arsenal’s third 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 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 touches. Needs more support but spends too much time on the fringes. 5

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a impact with eagerness 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 over 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game arguing with Rice 6.

Elizabeth King
Elizabeth King

Elena is an environmental scientist and sustainable living advocate with over a decade of experience in eco-friendly home design and urban gardening.