Danso and Bentancur Endure Derby Humiliating Afternoons
Gunners Squad Performance Reviews
David Raya Hardly handled the ball as Arsenal controlled the game. Will be frustrated to have been surprised by Richarlison. 6
Jurriën Timber Rarely ever puts a foot wrong and was able to attack at will. Determination paid off in his key pass for Eze’s second goal. 8
William Saliba Rarely tested by Tottenham’s 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 the Brazilian defender. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with skill 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 excellent energy all over the pitch. 8
Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the base of midfield with usual authority. Luckily, his mistake in losing possession for the consolation strike didn’t affect the result. 7
Declan Rice Should have done better with first opportunity but can never fault his work rate. Tottenham could not cope with his marauding runs from deep. 8
Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he rejected in the summer. Produced 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 coming alive. Enjoyed celebrating the three goals almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8
Mikel Merino Always a willing runner filling in up front and provided a moment of class with a exquisite pass for Trossard’s strike. 8
Leandro Trossard Expertly took his goal. Will be hard to shift 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
Tottenham Player Ratings
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 shaky start after being brought into a three-man defense. Expected that he was substituted at half-time. 5
Cristian Romero Usually a dependable last line of defence but could not handle Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Added to his 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 unable 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 testing occasion for the England defender. 5
Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows. Could have done far better to stop Eze from dribbling through to score his first. 4
João Palhinha Put himself about in midfield but was guilty of leaving an huge space for Eze to exploit twice. 5
Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to handle Saka. At fault for Arsenal’s third and doubts remain about his defensive abilities. 5
Wilson Odobert Was difficult to work out what role he had been asked to play. Couldn’t get any change out of the defender. 5
Richarlison Struggled 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 service but spends too much time on the periphery. 5
Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a difference with willingness to drive forward 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 exchanging words with the midfielder 6.
