Danso and Bentancur Endure Derby Humiliating Afternoons

Arsenal Player Performance Reviews

David Raya Barely touched the ball as the Gunners dominated the game. Will be disappointed to have been surprised by the Brazilian forward. 6

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

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

Piero Hincapié Appeared confident in filling in for Gabriel Magalhães. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but makes up for it with skill and good judgment. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Hadn’t trained 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. Luckily, his mistake in giving the ball away for the consolation strike didn’t affect the outcome. 7

Declan Rice Should have done better with first opportunity but can never fault his effort. Tottenham could not handle his marauding runs from midfield. 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 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 Expertly took his goal. Will be difficult 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 nervous start after being brought into a back three. Expected that he was substituted at half-time. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable last line of defence but could not handle Arsenal’s constant pressure. Added to his misery by picking up a booking that means he is now banned. 5

Micky van de Ven The quick Dutchman came to his team's rescue on more than one occasion. Yet he was powerless to stop Arsenal once they found their rhythm. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to respond to stop the winger's goal and found himself pinned back. A testing occasion for the England defender. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows. Could have done much more to stop Eze from dribbling through to score his first. 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 tough to handle Saka. At fault for Arsenal’s third and question marks remain about his defending. 5

Wilson Odobert Was difficult to work out what position he had been asked to fulfil. Couldn’t get any success out of Timber. 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 Virtually anonymous aside from a couple of encouraging early moments. 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 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.

Henry Cooper
Henry Cooper

A seasoned tech writer and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup growth strategies.