Danso and Bentancur Endure North London Derby Forgettable Performances
Gunners Squad Ratings
David Raya Rarely saw the ball as the Gunners commanded the game. Will be disappointed to have been surprised by Richarlison. 6
Jurriën Timber Seldom puts a foot wrong and was able to push forward 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 usual defensive partner. 7
Piero Hincapié Appeared confident in deputising for the Brazilian defender. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with technique and good judgment. 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 pitch. 8
Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the base of midfield with typical authority. Fortunately, his mistake in giving the ball away for the consolation strike didn’t affect the result. 7
Declan Rice Could have done better with first opportunity 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 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 coming alive. Loved celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8
Mikel Merino Always a eager runner playing up front and provided a moment of quality with a sublime pass for Trossard’s strike. 8
Leandro Trossard Expertly took his goal. Will be hard 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 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 good saves as he perfected the art of slowing play in the first half. Little opportunity with any of the Arsenal strikes. 6
Kevin Danso Made a nervous start after being brought into a three-man defense. Expected that he was substituted at the break. 5
Cristian Romero Usually a dependable center-back 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 more than one occasion. Yet he was powerless to stop Arsenal once they found their rhythm. 6
Djed Spence Far too slow to respond to stop Trossard scoring and found himself pinned back. A difficult occasion for the English full-back. 5
Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows. Could have done far better to stop the attacker from dribbling through to score his opening goal. 4
João Palhinha Put himself about in the center but was at fault of leaving an huge space for the playmaker to capitalise on twice. 5
Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to contain Saka. To blame for Arsenal’s third and question marks 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 Timber. 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 promising early moments. Needs more support but spends too much time on the fringes. 5
Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a impact with willingness to advance with ball 6; Pape Sarr (for Odobert, 67) Added some drive 6; Randal Kolo Muani (for Bentancur, 67) Looked off the pace 5; Brennan Johnson (for Kudus, 78) The game was already lost 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game arguing with Rice 6.