Danso and Bentancur Experience Derby Humiliating Afternoons

Gunners Squad Ratings

David Raya Barely touched the ball as Arsenal commanded the match. Will be frustrated to have been caught napping by the Brazilian forward. 6

Jurriën Timber Rarely ever puts a foot wrong and was able to advance at will. Determination paid off in his key pass for 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 regular defensive partner. 7

Piero Hincapié Looked assured in deputising for the Brazilian defender. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with technique and good judgment. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Hadn’t trained all week due to a hip issue but didn’t look sluggish. Provides Arsenal with excellent energy all over the field. 8

Martín Zubimendi Directed 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 Should have done better with first opportunity but can never fault his work rate. Tottenham could not handle his marauding runs from deep. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he turned down in the summer. Produced a moment of brilliance to score a brilliant 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. Enjoyed celebrating the three goals almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a eager runner filling in up front and provided a moment of class with a sublime pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

Leandro Trossard Expertly 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 positive 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 good saves as he mastered the art of timewasting in the first half. Little opportunity with any of the goals. 6

Kevin Danso Made a nervous start after being brought into a three-man defense. No surprise that he was replaced at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable center-back but could not handle Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Added to his misery by picking up a booking that means he is now banned. 5

Micky van de Ven The speedy 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 react to stop Trossard scoring and found himself under pressure. A difficult occasion for the English full-back. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows. Could have done far better to stop the attacker from running past to score his first. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it tough to contain the winger. To blame for Arsenal’s third and question marks remain about his defensive abilities. 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 excellent lob at least gave Tottenham something to cling on to. 7

Mohammed Kudus Virtually anonymous aside from a couple of encouraging 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 energy 6; Randal Kolo Muani (for Bentancur, 67) Looked off the pace 5; Brennan Johnson (for Kudus, 78) The game was already over 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game exchanging words with Rice 6.

Susan Thomas
Susan Thomas

A seasoned bridge champion with over 20 years of competitive play, specializing in bidding systems and defensive tactics.