Danso and Bentancur Have North London Derby Forgettable Performances

Arsenal Player Performance Reviews

David Raya Hardly handled the ball as Arsenal dominated the fixture. Will be frustrated to have been caught off guard by Richarlison. 6

Jurriën Timber Seldom 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 Appeared confident in filling in for Gabriel Magalhães. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with technique and good decision-making. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Didn't practice all week due to a hip issue but didn’t look off the pace. Provides Arsenal with excellent energy all over the field. 8

Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the midfield anchor with usual 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 question his effort. Tottenham could not cope with his powerful runs from midfield. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the club he rejected in the summer. Produced 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. Enjoyed celebrating the three goals almost as much as the scorer did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a willing runner playing up front and provided a moment of quality with a exquisite pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

Leandro Trossard Skillfully took his goal. Will be difficult to displace him from the left wing 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

Tottenham Player Performance Reviews

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 introduced to a three-man defense. No surprise that he was replaced at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable last line of defence but could not cope with Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Completed 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 several instances. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Too sluggish to react to stop Trossard scoring and found himself pinned back. A difficult occasion for the England defender. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon struggling to keep up. Could have done far better to stop Eze from dribbling through to score his opening goal. 4

JoĂŁo Palhinha Put himself about in the center but was guilty of leaving an huge space for the playmaker to capitalise on twice. 5

Destiny Udogie Found it tough to handle the winger. At fault for Arsenal’s third goal and doubts remain about his defending. 5

Wilson Odobert Was difficult to work out what position he had been asked to play. Couldn’t get any change out of the defender. 5

Richarlison Found it hard to make any impact 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 moments. Needs more support but spends too much time on the periphery. 5

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a impact with eagerness to drive forward with ball 6; Pape Sarr (for Odobert, 67) Added some energy 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 arguing with Rice 6.

Ronald Cox
Ronald Cox

A storyteller and life coach who shares real-world experiences to empower others in their personal and professional journeys.