Danso and Bentancur Have Derby Forgettable Performances

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya Hardly handled the ball as Arsenal controlled the match. Will be frustrated to have been surprised by Richarlison. 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 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 Looked assured in deputising for the Brazilian defender. Lacks the his physical prowess but makes up for it with technique and good judgment. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Didn't practice all week due to a hip problem but didn’t look sluggish. Provides Arsenal with excellent energy all over the pitch. 8

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

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

Bukayo Saka A few handbags with Udogie in the first half before springing to life. Loved celebrating the three goals 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 Skillfully took his goal. Will be hard to displace him from the left flank once the rest of Arsenal’s attacking options 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 Performance Reviews

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 brought into a three-man defense. Expected that he was substituted at half-time. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable center-back 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 quick Dutchman came to his team's rescue on more than one occasion. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to react 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 the attacker from dribbling through to score his opening goal. 4

João Palhinha Put himself about in midfield but was at fault of leaving an enormous space for the playmaker to exploit twice. 5

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to contain the winger. To blame 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 fulfil. Couldn’t get any change out of the defender. 5

Richarlison Found it hard to make any impact in the first half. But his superb lob at least gave Tottenham something to cling on to. 7

Mohammed Kudus Almost 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 advance 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.

Donald Nguyen
Donald Nguyen

Elara Vance is a cybersecurity specialist with over a decade of experience in digital forensics and threat analysis.