Danso and Bentancur Experience North London Derby Forgettable Performances

Gunners Squad Ratings

David Raya Rarely saw the ball as the Gunners controlled the match. Will be frustrated to have been caught off guard by Richarlison. 6

Jurriën Timber Rarely ever puts a foot wrong and was able to advance at will. Persistence paid off in his key pass for Eze’s second goal. 8

William Saliba Rarely tested by Spurs' defensive tactics. There will be bigger tests to come in the next few weeks without his regular defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Appeared confident in filling in for Gabriel Magalhães. Doesn’t possess the his 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 sluggish. Provides Arsenal with fantastic energy all over the pitch. 8

Martín Zubimendi Controlled the game from the base of midfield with usual authority. Luckily, his mistake in giving the ball away for the consolation strike didn’t affect the result. 7

Declan Rice Should have done better with early chance but can never fault his effort. Tottenham could not cope with his powerful runs from midfield. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he turned down in the summer. Produced a moment of magic to score a superb first before excellent finishes for his next two 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 exquisite pass for the left winger's goal. 8

Leandro Trossard Expertly took his goal. Will be hard 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 Ratings

Guglielmo Vicario Two decent 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 shaky start after being brought into a back three. Expected that he was substituted at half-time. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable center-back but could not cope with Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Completed misery by receiving a booking that means he is now suspended. 5

Micky van de Ven The speedy 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 the winger's goal and found himself under pressure. A testing occasion for the English full-back. 5

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

João 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 Saka. At fault for Arsenal’s third and question marks remain about his defensive abilities. 5

Wilson Odobert Was difficult to work out what role he had been asked to fulfil. Couldn’t get any success out of Timber. 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 touches. Needs more support but spends too much time on the fringes. 5

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a difference with eagerness 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 over 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game exchanging words with Rice 6.

Terry Richards
Terry Richards

A Berlin-based tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in web development and creative content.