Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham: North London is Red

Arsenal secured north London bragging rights as they came from behind to beat Tottenham 2-1 in the Premier League’s on Sunday, with Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty securing the three points.

Mikel Arteta opted to make three changes from the starting lineup from the 3-1 Europa League win over Olympiacos, with Cedric Soares and Emile Smith Rowe coming into the side while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped in place of Alexandre Lacazette for ‘disciplinary reasons’.

Seeing the entirety of possession when the whistle was blown, it was control in every for Arsenal who didn’t give their opponents a sniff.

Emile Smith Rowe came closest to opening the scoring when his thunderous effort crashed off the underside of the bar, as the Gunners looked threatening with every attack.

Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham in the North London Derby as Alexandre Lacazette secures comeback win

Of course, as per narrative, Tottenham scored with their first shot. No point beating around the bush, it was utterly world-class and sometimes you have to take your hat off.

But Arsenal continued to push and hit the woodwork again via Cedric Soares, before Martin Odegaard got the goal the home side richly deserved via a deflection.

After the break it was as you were from the first half as it was one way traffic, just this time at the other end. With Spurs offering no threat, the Gunners completed the comeback when Alexandre Lacazette both won and converted a penalty after a clumsy Davinson Sanchez foul.

Erik Lamela (finally) got sent off but despite having all the possession against eleven men, Arsenal became horribly nervous in the latter stages and had the post to thank for Harry Kane not equalising.

But Arsenal held on. And if it wasn’t already plainly clear, north London is red.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK) – 7/10 – Had absolutely nothing to do apart from pick the ball out of the net. Considering that, a seven will do, probably.

Cedric Soares (RB) – 8/10 – Supported Saka throughout the match and was desperately unfortunate not to grab a goal in the first half, although why Lacazette left it in the first place is anyone’s guess. Gave Arsenal plenty to work with at both ends of the pitch.

David Luiz (CB) – 8/10 – When he’s on-song, that being when he’s given the mantle to be a creator, his range of pass is exemplary. So often fans are dished up helpings of his bad side, but this was Luiz using the art of the pass to great effect. Excellent range of pass.

Gabriel (CB) – 9/10 – Arteta clearly wanted to play his best central defenders for this match and the call to keep Gabriel in over Pablo Mari was vindicated. The Brazilian was solid throughout. He took risks in possession that could easily have proved fatal, but they didn’t, so it’s not an issue.

Timing his pressures well and battling in the air. Outstanding block in the dying embers. Arsenal finally have a proper centre-back.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 9/10 – Exceptional. Truly outstanding performance from the Scot who was destructive down that left hand side and had the beating of Matt Doherty every single time. In fairness, Doherty’s name can be replaced with most full-backs in the country as it’s not an uncommon occurrence.

His deliveries was dangerous all the way through and, finally, someone converted one of them. Superb.

Arsenal Midfielders Ratings

Thomas Partey (CM) – 7/10 – Significant improvement from the Europa League win over Olympiacos, as Partey pulled strings in the centre of the park either with lofted balls beyond the Spurs defence or tracking runners going beyond.

An all-round commanding display from the Ghanaian up until the final ten minutes where he made silly errors in possession and gave away poor fouls. Shame he can’t shoot, either.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 8/10 – Just as tidy as his teammate in midfield, Xhaka was smart in his choice of pass and didn’t slow down the play when Arsenal were tightening their grip in the final third.

Really refreshing to see the Swiss make the right decisions in possession as much as he did, even if that’s become a regular feature in recent months.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – 8/10 – Grabbed the goal, albeit fortuitously, but it was Odegaard’s leadership in the front that stood out. He was the one instructing the press and where to run, taking it upon himself to give the Spurs centre-backs no time on the ball.

Such a tactically wise operator. Silky on the ball.

Arsenal Forwards Ratings

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 7/10 – Was brought off at half-time having played an obscene amount of football this season. Saka was causing Sergio Reguilon issues throughout the first half, setting the press from the front, but the damage caused down the opposite flank took centre stage.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 7/10 – Has to be more clinical. Having started the match sharp and physical, he maintained that standard just couldn’t match it with a finishing touch. With Arsenal so dominant in the first half, they needed someone to add that final touch. Lacazette didn’t have it…until it was presented to him from the penalty spot.

That goal is all that matters.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – 9.5/10 – What did Emile Smith Rowe have for breakfast? Quite possibly his best game as an Arsenal player. He was outstanding on the left flank when linking with Tierney, demonstrating outstanding touches and movement either off the shoulder of the defender or moving infield to the half-spaces. Every time he touched the ball it meant danger.

How he sees the game is special. I don’t normally give half points as it feels like cheating, but Smith Rowe deserves one.

Arsenal Substitutes Ratings

Nicolas Pepe – 6/10 – That pass to Lacazette for the penalty? Worthy of a score of ten alone. Not quite the impact he would have liked though, which is a shame as the second goal presented him with a perfect platform. Still, was lively in that second half.

Willian – 6/10 – Nothing overly useful on the ball. Likely coincidental but the nerves cranked up when he came on.

Mohamed Elneny – N/A – Not on long enough to earn a rating.