Player ratings as Arsenal’s Young Gunners gun Spurs out of the top 10 in devastating derby win

In a one-sided evening of football, Arsenal smashed Spurs in the North London derby to rise into the top half of the table.

The win was the Gunners’ third in a row, but also Spurs’ third loss in a row. It also marks the first time Arsenal have won two consecutive NLD’s since September 2013. Yes, it’s been that long!

Here’s how the players rated at the Emirates Stadium:

Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale – 7 – Many were perplexed when Arsenal spent £30m to sign a back-up goalkeeper.

Turns out they were signing the starter and in that role Ramsdale excels.

A talented stopper with a big personality, he dominated his area and drew the love of the crowd, especially for his stoppage time save from Lucas. His devastated reaction upon conceding says everything about his mentality.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 8 Not as assured in possession as he could have been and got cut up for the Spurs goal, but this was a mostly positive display from the new Arsenal man.

Won the ball back a team-high 8 times and his responsibility, whereby he always follows in anticipating a rebound when opponents shoot at his goal, shows a much-needed maturity for the Gunners back-line.

Tony Adams was effusive in praise for Tomiyasu’s positioning after the game, which is about as high praise as you can get for an Arsenal defender. And Tomiyasu is a huge help at the back.

Takehiro Tomiyasu had more touches (67) and made more ball recoveries (8) than any other Arsenal player against Tottenham.

He is yet to be dribbled past by an opponent in the Premier League this season. pic.twitter.com/hKY5AqxUVq

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 26, 2021

Ben White – 7 Looked solid with Gabriel by his side, albeit he was lucky to not concede a penalty for his foul on Kane.

Gabriel – 8 Arsenal’s best defender (team-high 5 clearances) and so important for the club in the build-up phase.

Kieran Tierney – 7 A ferocious presence up and down the left, getting stuck in to Spurs.

Arsenal have lost just one Premier League NLD at home in Bukayo Saka’s lifetime:

WWWWDWWDWLWWWDDDWWDWW

North London is

again. pic.twitter.com/78zhfLemk4

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 26, 2021

Granit Xhaka – 8 – Solid in the middle of the park, playing a huge role in the first goal with a deft touch to accellerate the move. And he was at it again for the second goal with a delightful turn (which may have been a foul, depending on how you look at it) that unlocked Arsenal’s whole counter-attack.

Thomas Partey – 7 – Somewhere near his imposing best as he devoured the Spurs midfield. His only real error was fouling Lucas Moura so he fell into Xhaka, injuring him.

Martin Odegaard – 8 – Odegaard ran the show at the Emirates. No Arsenal player attempted more passs (49) and he completed more than anyone as well with 43 (31 of which in Spus’ half, a game-high). Played small but key roles in the build-up of Arsenal’s first and third goals; a really impressive performance from Arsenal’s new no. 8.

Bukayo Saka – 8 – A mesmeric performance from Arsenal’s no. 7. Created the opener with a lovely cross, scored the third with a great run that saw him almost literally drive through a supine Harry Kane to slap the ball home with his weak foot. Arsenal’s Young Gunners gun Spurs out of the sky and Bukayo Saka was the supreme marksman on the day.

Bukayo Saka’s game by numbers against Tottenham:

54 touches
14 duels contested
6 recoveries
3 chances created
3 tackles
2 fouls won
2 shots
2 shots on target
1 clearance
1 interception
1 goal
1 assist

Bringing the heat.

pic.twitter.com/fEv7sNt2XQ

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 26, 2021

Emile Smith Rowe – 8 – The Croydon De Bruyne was back in business yet again. Smith Rowe opened the scoring with a well-timed run off the left and a neat finish.

He showed a ridiculous burst of pace and eye for a pass as he set-up the Gunners’ second goal. Smith Rowe also played the big pass to get the ball to Saka ahead of the third. Involved in everything for his team, just brimming with confidence. He later said this was the best day of his life, and could you doubt him?

Best day of my life!

pic.twitter.com/kAoOgoo9QK

— Emile Smith Rowe (@emilesmithrowe) September 26, 2021

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7 – Led the line well, scoring Arsenal’s second goal after making a deliciously deft touch in the build-up as well. He even threw in Thierry Henry’s legendary NLD celebration for added flavour.

Substitutes:

Sambi Lokonga (for Xhaka 82′) – 6 – Came on to see the game out and instantly got stuck in.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (for Saka 87′) – n/a – Came on late.

Nuno Tavares (for Smith Rowe 88′) – n/a – Came on late.

----------------------------------------

By: Football Auditor
Title: Player ratings as Arsenal’s Young Gunners gun Spurs out of the top 10 in devastating derby win
Sourced From: www.footballaudit.com/player-ratings-as-arsenals-young-gunners-gun-spurs-out-of-the-top-10-in-devastating-derby-win/
Published Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:53:47 +0000

Read More