Danso and Bentancur Have North London Derby Days to Forget

Gunners Squad Performance Reviews

David Raya Rarely saw the ball as Arsenal controlled the match. Is likely disappointed to have been caught napping 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 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 usual defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Looked assured in filling in for Gabriel Magalhães. Doesn’t possess the Brazilian’s physical prowess but makes up for it with technique and good decision-making. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Hadn’t trained all week due to a hip problem but didn’t look off the pace. Provides Arsenal with fantastic energy all over the field. 8

Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the base of midfield with usual authority. Fortunately, his mistake in giving the ball away for Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the outcome. 7

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

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

Mikel Merino Always a willing runner playing up front and provided a moment of quality with a exquisite pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

Leandro Trossard Expertly took his goal. Will be hard to displace him from the left wing once the rest of Arsenal’s forward players return. 8

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

Tottenham Player Performance Reviews

Guglielmo Vicario Two decent saves as he perfected the art of timewasting in the first half. Little opportunity with any of the goals. 6

Kevin Danso Made a nervous start after being brought into a back three. No surprise that he was replaced at half-time. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable last line of defence but could not handle Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Completed misery by picking up a booking that means he is now banned. 5

Micky van de Ven The speedy 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 Trossard scoring and found himself under pressure. A testing occasion for the England defender. 5

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

João Palhinha Put himself about in the center but was guilty of leaving an huge space for the playmaker to exploit twice. 5

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to contain Saka. To blame for Arsenal’s third goal and question marks 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 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 Virtually anonymous aside from a couple of promising early moments. 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 energy 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 the midfielder 6.

Michael Roberts
Michael Roberts

Wildlife biologist and conservationist with a passion for sloth research and environmental advocacy.