Danso and Bentancur Experience North London Derby Forgettable Performances

Gunners Squad Performance Reviews

David Raya Rarely saw the ball as the Gunners dominated the fixture. Is likely frustrated to have been surprised by the Brazilian forward. 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 Seldom challenged by Spurs' defensive approach. There will be bigger tests to come in the next few weeks without his regular defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Looked assured 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 Hadn’t trained all week due to a hip problem but didn’t look sluggish. Provides Arsenal with excellent energy all over the field. 8

Martín Zubimendi Controlled the game from the midfield anchor with typical authority. Fortunately, his mistake in giving the ball away for Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the result. 7

Declan Rice Should have done better with first opportunity but can never question his effort. Tottenham could not cope with his marauding runs from midfield. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the club he rejected in the summer. Delivered a moment of brilliance to score a brilliant 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. Loved celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a eager runner playing up front and provided a moment of class with a sublime pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

Leandro Trossard Skillfully took his goal. Will be hard to shift him from the left flank 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

Spurs Squad Performance Reviews

Guglielmo Vicario Two decent saves as he perfected 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. Expected that he was substituted at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable center-back but could not handle Arsenal’s constant 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 more than one occasion. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they found their rhythm. 6

Djed Spence Too sluggish to react to stop Trossard scoring and found himself pinned back. A difficult 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 running past to score his opening goal. 4

JoĂŁo Palhinha Put himself about in the center but was at fault of leaving an enormous space for Eze to exploit twice. 5

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

Wilson Odobert Was hard to work out what position he had been asked to play. Couldn’t get any change out of Timber. 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 Virtually 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 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 over 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game exchanging words with Rice 6.

Tina Johnson
Tina Johnson

A passionate historian and collector specializing in 20th-century artifacts, with over a decade of experience in antique restoration.