Danso and Bentancur Have Derby Forgettable Performances

Gunners Squad Performance Reviews

David Raya Rarely saw the ball as Arsenal dominated the match. Will be frustrated to have been caught off guard by Richarlison. 6

Jurriën Timber Rarely ever puts a foot wrong and was able to advance at will. Persistence paid off in his key pass for Eberechi Eze's second goal. 8

William Saliba Seldom challenged by Tottenham’s defensive tactics. There will be tougher challenges to come in the next few weeks without his usual defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Appeared confident in deputising for Gabriel Magalhães. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with skill and good judgment. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Hadn’t trained 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 Controlled the game from the base of midfield with typical authority. Fortunately, his mistake in losing possession for the consolation strike didn’t affect the outcome. 7

Declan Rice Could have done better with first opportunity but can never question his work rate. Tottenham could not cope with his powerful 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 excellent 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 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 sublime pass for the left winger's goal. 8

Leandro Trossard Skillfully 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

Spurs Squad Performance Reviews

Guglielmo Vicario Two decent saves as he mastered the art of slowing play in the first half. No chance with any of the Arsenal strikes. 6

Kevin Danso Made a shaky start after being introduced to a three-man defense. Expected that he was substituted at half-time. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable center-back but could not cope with Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Added to his 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 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 English full-back. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon struggling to keep up. Could have done far better to stop Eze from running past to score his opening goal. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to handle the winger. To blame for Arsenal’s third goal and doubts remain about his defensive abilities. 5

Wilson Odobert Was hard to work out what role he had been asked to play. Couldn’t get any success out of Timber. 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 promising early touches. Needs more support but spends too much time on the periphery. 5

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a impact with eagerness to advance 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.

Tara Cortez
Tara Cortez

A passionate mountaineer and travel writer with over a decade of experience exploring Europe's peaks, sharing stories and practical advice.