Arsenal Vs Spurs: 5 things we learned – Well, that was wild

3. Guendouzi the star

Matteo Guendouzi was the best player on the pitch. And it wasn’t particularly close.

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Playing on the right side of a central midfield trio, Guendouzi, even during Arsenal’s more worrying moments, was the most positive player. His passing was superb throughout, always looking to play forwards, feeding teammates in attacking areas, his athleticism and grit were immediately noticeable as he made seven ball recoveries, and he produced the crucial piece of quality in the match.

Receiving the ball in midfield, Guendouzi dribbled forward, span away from a Spurs defender and settled himself just outside the penalty area. With no Spurs midfielder closing him down, Guendouzi looked up, surveyed the field, and pierced the Spurs defence with a terrific, slicing, clipped through pass that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang studded past Hugo Lloris, using the speed of the pass to his advantage.

To dominate a North London Derby at 20 years of age is remarkable, a clear illustration of his inordinate ability and potential. What may come of Guendouzi this season remains to be seen, but he has been one of Arsenal’s very best players so far. It might be time for him to replace an incumbent midfield partner.