Real Madrid's Alexander-Arnold May Return to Face Liverpool in Forthcoming European Clash
-
- By Brittany Stone
- 18 May 2026
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
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.
A software engineer and tech writer passionate about open-source projects and AI advancements.