Bentancur and Danso Endure North London Derby Humiliating Afternoons

Gunners Squad Ratings

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

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

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

Piero Hincapié Looked assured in deputising for the Brazilian defender. Lacks the Brazilian’s physical prowess but compensates with skill and good decision-making. 7

Riccardo Calafiori Didn't practice all week due to a hip problem but didn’t look sluggish. Provides Arsenal with fantastic energy all over the field. 8

Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the base of midfield with usual authority. Fortunately, his mistake in giving the ball away 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 deep. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he turned down in the summer. Produced a moment of magic to score a brilliant first before superb finishes for his next two goals. 9

Bukayo Saka A few exchanges with the defender in the first half before coming alive. Loved 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 exquisite pass for Trossard’s strike. 8

Leandro Trossard Skillfully took his goal. Will be difficult to displace him from the left flank 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 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 nervous start after being brought into a three-man defense. No surprise that he was substituted at the break. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a reliable last line of defence but could not handle Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Completed misery by receiving a booking that means he is now banned. 5

Micky van de Ven The quick Dutchman came to his team's rescue on several instances. Yet he was unable to stop Arsenal once they hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to respond to stop the winger's goal and found himself under pressure. A testing occasion for the English full-back. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon struggling to keep up. Could have done far better to stop Eze from dribbling through to score his first. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to handle the winger. To blame for Arsenal’s third goal and question marks 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 impact 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 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 advance 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 arguing with Rice 6.

Ann Brown
Ann Brown

Maya Chen is a tech journalist and innovation strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital transformation.