Danso and Bentancur Have North London Derby Humiliating Afternoons

Gunners Squad Ratings

David Raya Barely touched the ball as the Gunners commanded the fixture. Will be disappointed to have been surprised 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 Eberechi Eze's second goal. 8

William Saliba Rarely tested by Tottenham’s defensive approach. 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. Lacks the his physical prowess but makes up for it with skill and good decision-making. 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 pitch. 8

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

Declan Rice Should have done better with first opportunity but can never question 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. Produced a moment of magic to score a brilliant first before excellent finishes for his next two goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few exchanges with Udogie in the first half before coming alive. Enjoyed celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a eager 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 wing once the rest of Arsenal’s forward players return. 8

Subs: Noni Madueke (for Trossard, 78) A welcome return from injury layoff 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 mastered the art of timewasting 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. No surprise that he was replaced at half-time. 5

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

Micky van de Ven The quick 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 Too sluggish to respond to stop Trossard scoring and found himself under pressure. A difficult occasion for the England defender. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows. 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 tough to handle the winger. At fault 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 fulfil. Couldn’t get any change out of the defender. 5

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

Mohammed Kudus Virtually anonymous aside from a couple of encouraging early moments. Needs more support but spends too much time on the periphery. 5

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a difference 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 lost 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game arguing with the midfielder 6.

Tammy Smith
Tammy Smith

A passionate football journalist with over 10 years of experience covering Italian football and Serie B teams.