Bentancur and Danso Experience Derby Days to Forget

Gunners Squad Ratings

David Raya Hardly handled the ball as the Gunners controlled the fixture. Will be disappointed to have been caught napping by the Brazilian forward. 6

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

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

Piero Hincapié Looked assured in deputising for Gabriel Magalhães. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but makes up for it with technique and good decision-making. 7

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

Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the base of midfield with usual authority. Luckily, his mistake in losing possession for the consolation strike didn’t affect the result. 7

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

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the club he turned down in the summer. Delivered a moment of brilliance 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. Loved 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 shift him from the left flank once the rest of Arsenal’s attacking options 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 Ratings

Guglielmo Vicario Two decent saves as he mastered the art of timewasting in the first half. No chance with any of the Arsenal strikes. 6

Kevin Danso Made a nervous start after being brought into a back three. Expected that he was replaced at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable last line of defence but could not handle Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Completed misery by picking up 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 found their rhythm. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to react to stop Trossard scoring and found himself under pressure. A difficult 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 dribbling through to score his opening goal. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to contain the winger. To blame 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 success 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 encouraging early touches. Needs more service but spends too much time on the periphery. 5

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a difference with willingness to advance 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 arguing with the midfielder 6.

Brittany Stone
Brittany Stone

A software engineer and tech writer passionate about open-source projects and AI advancements.