Bentancur and Danso Endure Derby Forgettable Performances

Gunners Squad Ratings

David Raya Rarely saw the ball as Arsenal commanded the match. Is likely frustrated to have been surprised by Richarlison. 6

Jurriën Timber Rarely ever puts a foot wrong and was able to push forward at will. Determination paid off in his assist for Eberechi 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 usual defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Appeared confident in deputising for Gabriel Magalhães. Doesn’t possess the Brazilian’s physical prowess but makes up for it with technique and good judgment. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Didn't practice 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 midfield anchor with usual authority. Luckily, his mistake in giving the ball away for Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the outcome. 7

Declan Rice Should have done better with early chance but can never fault his work rate. 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. Produced a moment of brilliance to score a brilliant first before superb finishes for his second and third goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few handbags with Udogie in the first half before coming alive. Loved 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 quality with a sublime pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

Leandro Trossard Skillfully took his goal. Will be difficult 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 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 introduced to a three-man defense. No surprise that he was replaced at half-time. 5

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

Micky van de Ven The speedy Dutchman came to his team's rescue on several instances. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to respond to stop the winger's goal and found himself pinned back. A testing occasion for the English full-back. 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

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

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to handle Saka. To blame for Arsenal’s third goal and doubts 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 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 fringes. 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 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 exchanging words with Rice 6.

Robert Ward
Robert Ward

A business strategist and innovation consultant with over 15 years of experience helping companies navigate digital transformation.