Bentancur and Danso Endure Derby Forgettable Performances

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya Hardly handled the ball as Arsenal controlled the fixture. Will be frustrated to have been surprised by the Brazilian forward. 6

Jurriën Timber Seldom puts a foot wrong and was able to push forward at will. Determination paid off in his key pass for Eze’s second goal. 8

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

Piero Hincapié Appeared confident 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 issue but didn’t look off the pace. Provides Arsenal with excellent energy all over the pitch. 8

Martín Zubimendi Controlled the game from the base of midfield with typical authority. Fortunately, his mistake in giving the ball away for Richarlison’s goal didn’t affect the result. 7

Declan Rice Should have done better with first opportunity but can never fault his effort. Tottenham could not handle his powerful runs from midfield. 8

Eberechi Eze It had to be him against the team he turned down in the summer. Delivered a moment of brilliance to score a superb first before superb 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 scorer did. 8

Mikel Merino Always a willing runner filling in up front and provided a moment of quality with a sublime pass for the left winger's goal. 8

Leandro Trossard Skillfully 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 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

Tottenham Player Ratings

Guglielmo Vicario Two good saves as he perfected the art of slowing play in the first half. No chance with any of the goals. 6

Kevin Danso Made a shaky start after being introduced to a back three. No surprise that he was substituted at half-time. 5

Cristian Romero Usually a dependable center-back but could not cope with Arsenal’s incessant pressure. Completed 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 hit their stride. 6

Djed Spence Far too slow to respond to stop Trossard scoring 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 far better to stop the attacker from dribbling through to score his first. 4

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

Destiny Udogie Found it difficult to handle Saka. To blame 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 change out of Timber. 5

Richarlison Struggled to make any impact in the first half. But his excellent lob at least gave Tottenham something to take pride in. 7

Mohammed Kudus Almost anonymous aside from a couple of promising early moments. Needs more support but spends too much time on the fringes. 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 arguing with Rice 6.

Joshua Carter
Joshua Carter

A passionate gamer and writer with over a decade of experience in competitive gaming and content creation.

January 2026 Blog Roll

Popular Post