Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham as Gabriel steps up and Bukayo Saka shows quality
Arsenal claimed a tense 1-0 win over Tottenham in the North London Derby. The Gunners got off to a slow start in the game as the lack of Martin Odegaard or Declan Rice proved to be key. Spurs had chances through Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke, but David Raya stood firm.
Without much midfield control it seemed a counter attack would be Arsenal’s best bet and Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz both went close. The game remained tense and tetchy though with seven yellow cards being shown in the first half alone.
The tight affair continued into the second period, but it was Arsenal who eventually got their noses in front after Gabriel’s header from Bukayo Saka’s inch perfect corner.
David Raya: Some superb saves in the early stages to keep the game at 0-0. Remained focused as Spurs peppered the goal with shots. Proved his value once again on his 29th birthday. 7.
Ben White: Had a tough afternoon up against Son Heung-min who beat him constantly. A couple of cheap giveaways on the ball too. Didn’t look as mobile as he normally is. 5.
William Saliba: Struggled at times when dealing with Dominic Solanke. Generally defended solidly though. Decent on the ball as ever. 6.
Gabriel: Made block after block as Arsenal were up against it for periods. Loves these kind of deep defensive games. Popped up with a superb run and header for the goal too. 8.
Jurrien Timber: There were suggestions that he could have been sent off in the first half but that’s ridiculous. Showed the fight required for this fixture and was rarely beaten by Johnson. 7.
Thomas Partey: Decent when playing from the back for the most part. His lack of mobility was a touch exposed in this double pivot without Rice’s legs next to him. 6.
Jorginho: His lack of mobility really showed at times. Turned very easily by Kulusevski on a few occasions. Asking him to high press is just not his game. Feels harsh to mark him down given he was doing a job for the team, but he’s better as a lone pivot. 5.
Bukayo Saka: Saka has now scored or assisted in every game he’s played for Arsenal this season. His corner for Gabriel was inch perfect. The difference on the day. 8.
Gabriel Martinelli: Got into some good positions with his running down the left but his decision making still leaves a bit to be desired. One great cross to Havertz that could have got him an assist on another day. 6.
Kai Havertz: Some impressive hold up play as Arsenal looked for a release valve from the Tottenham pressure. Good quality on the ball in the final third too. 7.
Leandro Trossard: A little slow on the ball on occasion. Not his usual decisive self in the final third. Showed some moments of using the ball well in build up though. 6.
Gabriel Jesus: Showed his versatility by playing both up front and on the right wing. Can always be relied upon to do a job in a game like this. 6.
Raheem Sterling: Only really on the ball in flashes. One moment where he had the chance to cut inside from the left and took too long on the ball. Needed to be coached a fair bit by Arteta off the ball. 6.
Ethan Nwaneri: Came on too late for a rating. n/a.
