Danso and Bentancur Endure Derby Humiliating Afternoons

Gunners Squad Ratings

David Raya Hardly handled the ball as Arsenal commanded the game. Is likely disappointed to have been surprised by Richarlison. 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 filling in 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 issue but didn’t look sluggish. Provides Arsenal with fantastic energy all over the pitch. 8

Martín Zubimendi Directed the game from the base of midfield with usual authority. Luckily, his mistake in giving the ball away for Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the outcome. 7

Declan Rice Could have done better with first opportunity but can never fault his effort. Tottenham could not cope with his powerful runs from deep. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he rejected in the summer. Delivered a moment of magic to score a superb first before superb finishes for his second and third 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 scorer 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 Expertly took his goal. Will be hard 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 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 perfected the art of slowing play in the first half. Little opportunity with any of the Arsenal strikes. 6

Kevin Danso Made a nervous start after being brought into 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. 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 several instances. Yet he was powerless to stop Arsenal once they hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Too sluggish to respond to stop the winger's goal and found himself under pressure. A testing occasion for the England defender. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur Spent most of the afternoon struggling to keep up. Could have done much more to stop Eze from dribbling through to score his opening goal. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult 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 change 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 Virtually anonymous aside from a couple of encouraging early touches. Needs more service but spends too much time on the periphery. 5

Subs: Xavi Simons (for Danso, ht) Made a impact with willingness to drive forward with ball 6; Pape Sarr (for Odobert, 67) Added some drive 6; Randal Kolo Muani (for Bentancur, 67) Looked slow 5; Brennan Johnson (for Kudus, 78) The game was already over 6; Pedro Porro (for Spence, 78) Ended game exchanging words with the midfielder 6.

John Newton
John Newton

A film critic with over a decade of experience, specializing in indie cinema and international film festivals.