Bentancur and Danso Endure North London Derby Humiliating Afternoons

Gunners Squad Performance Reviews

David Raya Barely touched the ball as Arsenal commanded the fixture. Is likely disappointed to have been surprised by Richarlison. 6

Jurriën Timber Rarely ever puts a foot wrong and was able to push forward at will. Determination 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 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. Doesn’t possess the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with skill and good decision-making. 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 pitch. 8

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

Declan Rice Could 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 club he turned down 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 handbags with the defender in the first half before springing to life. Enjoyed celebrating Eze’s hat-trick almost as much as the goal-getter did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a eager runner playing 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 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

Tottenham Player Ratings

Guglielmo Vicario Two good saves as he perfected the art of slowing play 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. Expected that he was substituted at half-time. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable center-back but could not handle Arsenal’s constant 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 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 Trossard scoring and found himself under pressure. A testing occasion for the English full-back. 5

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

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

Destiny Udogie Found it tough to handle Saka. 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 the defender. 5

Richarlison Struggled to make any influence in the first half. But his superb lob at least gave Tottenham something to take pride in. 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 difference with eagerness to drive forward with ball 6; Pape Sarr (for Odobert, 67) Added some drive 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.

Matthew Walker
Matthew Walker

A theoretical physicist specializing in spin dynamics and quantum information theory, with over a decade of research experience.