Bentancur and Danso Have North London Derby Forgettable Performances

Arsenal Player Performance Reviews

David Raya Barely touched the ball as the Gunners commanded the match. Is likely disappointed to have been caught napping by the Brazilian forward. 6

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

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

Piero Hincapié Looked assured in filling in for the Brazilian defender. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with skill 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 typical authority. Fortunately, his mistake in giving the ball away for the consolation strike didn’t affect the result. 7

Declan Rice Should have done better with early chance but can never question his effort. Tottenham could not handle his powerful runs from deep. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the club he rejected in the summer. Delivered a moment of magic 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. Enjoyed celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a willing runner playing up front and provided a moment of class with a sublime pass for the left winger's goal. 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

Tottenham Player Performance Reviews

Guglielmo Vicario Two decent saves as he perfected the art of timewasting in the first half. Little opportunity with any of the goals. 6

Kevin Danso Made a shaky start after being introduced to a three-man defense. Expected that he was replaced 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 speedy Dutchman came to his side’s rescue on more than one occasion. Yet he was powerless to stop Arsenal once they hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to react to stop the winger's goal and found himself pinned back. A difficult 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 Eze from running past to score his first. 4

João Palhinha Put himself about in the center but was guilty of leaving an huge space for Eze to capitalise on twice. 5

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to handle Saka. At fault for Arsenal’s third 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 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 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 arguing with the midfielder 6.

Dean Wilson
Dean Wilson

A film critic and historian with over a decade of experience, specializing in independent cinema and international films.