Bentancur and Danso Endure Derby Days to Forget

Gunners Squad Performance Reviews

David Raya Barely touched the ball as Arsenal controlled the game. Is likely disappointed to have been surprised by the Brazilian forward. 6

Jurriën Timber Seldom puts a foot wrong and was able to push forward at will. Persistence paid off in his assist for Eberechi Eze's second goal. 8

William Saliba Seldom challenged by Spurs' 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 filling in for Gabriel Magalhães. Doesn’t possess the his physical prowess but compensates with skill and good decision-making. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Hadn’t trained all week due to a hip problem but didn’t look sluggish. 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 Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the result. 7

Declan Rice Could have done better with first opportunity but can never question his work rate. Tottenham could not handle his marauding runs from deep. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he rejected in the summer. Delivered a moment of magic to score a brilliant first before excellent finishes for his next two 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 eager runner filling in up front and provided a moment of quality with a sublime pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

Leandro Trossard Skillfully took his goal. Will be difficult to displace him from the left flank once the rest of Arsenal’s attacking options return. 8

Subs: Noni Madueke (for Trossard, 78) A positive 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

Spurs Squad Performance Reviews

Guglielmo Vicario Two good saves as he perfected the art of slowing play in the first half. No chance with any of the Arsenal strikes. 6

Kevin Danso Made a shaky start after being introduced to 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 receiving a booking that means he is now suspended. 5

Micky van de Ven The quick Dutchman came to his team'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 the winger's goal and found himself under pressure. A testing occasion for the England defender. 5

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

João Palhinha Put himself about in the center but was at fault of leaving an enormous space for the playmaker to capitalise on twice. 5

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to contain Saka. To blame for Arsenal’s third 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 success out of Timber. 5

Richarlison Struggled to make any impact 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 the midfielder 6.

James Newton
James Newton

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in helping startups scale through innovative marketing campaigns.