Danso and Bentancur Experience Derby Forgettable Performances

Arsenal Player Performance Reviews

David Raya Barely touched the ball as the Gunners commanded the match. Will be frustrated to have been caught napping by Richarlison. 6

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

William Saliba Rarely tested by Spurs' 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 his physical prowess but makes up for it with skill and good decision-making. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Didn't practice all week due to a hip issue but didn’t look sluggish. Provides Arsenal with fantastic energy all over the pitch. 8

Martín Zubimendi Controlled the game from the base of midfield with typical authority. Luckily, his mistake in losing possession for the consolation strike didn’t affect the outcome. 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 deep. 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 superb finishes for his second and third goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few exchanges with Udogie in the first half before springing to life. Enjoyed celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the scorer did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a eager runner playing up front and provided a moment of quality with a sublime pass for the left winger's goal. 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 positive 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. Little opportunity with any of the Arsenal strikes. 6

Kevin Danso Made a shaky start after being brought into a three-man defense. No surprise that he was replaced at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable center-back but could not handle Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Completed misery by receiving a booking that means he is now banned. 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 respond to stop the winger's goal and found himself pinned back. A testing occasion for the England defender. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows. Could have done much more to stop the attacker from running past to score his first. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to handle Saka. To blame for Arsenal’s third goal and question marks remain about his defending. 5

Wilson Odobert Was hard to work out what role he had been asked to play. Couldn’t get any change out of Timber. 5

Richarlison Struggled to make any influence in the first half. But his superb lob at least gave Tottenham something to take pride in. 7

Mohammed Kudus Virtually anonymous aside from a couple of promising early moments. Needs more support 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 drive 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.

Isabel Booker
Isabel Booker

Maya Chen is an urban planner and writer with over a decade of experience in sustainable city development and community engagement.