Bentancur and Danso Experience North London Derby Forgettable Performances

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya Hardly handled the ball as Arsenal commanded the fixture. Is likely disappointed to have been caught off guard by Richarlison. 6

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

William Saliba Seldom challenged by Tottenham’s defensive tactics. There will be bigger tests 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 skill 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 fantastic energy all over the field. 8

Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the midfield anchor 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 handle 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 superb finishes for his second and third goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few handbags with the defender in the first half before springing to life. Loved celebrating the three goals almost as much as the scorer did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a willing runner filling in up front and provided a moment of quality with a exquisite pass for the left winger's goal. 8

Leandro Trossard Skillfully took his goal. Will be difficult to displace him from the left flank once the rest of Arsenal’s forward players 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 good saves as he mastered the art of timewasting in the first half. Little opportunity with any of the Arsenal strikes. 6

Kevin Danso Made a nervous start after being introduced to a three-man defense. Expected that he was substituted at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable center-back but could not cope with 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 powerless to stop Arsenal once they hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Too sluggish to react 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 struggling to keep up. Could have done much more to stop the attacker from dribbling through to score his opening goal. 4

João 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 difficult to handle Saka. To blame for Arsenal’s third goal and question marks remain about his defending. 5

Wilson Odobert Was difficult to work out what role he had been asked to play. Couldn’t get any success out of the defender. 5

Richarlison Struggled to make any influence in the first half. But his excellent lob at least gave Tottenham something to cling on to. 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 impact with willingness to drive forward with ball 6; Pape Sarr (for Odobert, 67) Added some drive 6; Randal Kolo Muani (for Bentancur, 67) Looked slow 5; Brennan Johnson (for Kudus, 78) The game was already over 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game arguing with Rice 6.

Nicholas Glenn
Nicholas Glenn

Elara Vance is a seasoned journalist and cultural critic, known for her engaging storytelling and deep dives into societal trends.