Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham: North London Derby defeat

Arsenal fell to defeat away at Tottenham in the final pre-season fixture of the summer as Heung-min Son’s second half goal ensured the Mind Series and North London Derby spoils went to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Mikel Arteta opted to make changes from the defeat to Chelsea, some enforced, with Ben White earning his first start in an Arsenal shirt since making his £50m move from Brighton. Bukayo Saka was also fit for the bench and there was no room in the squad for Willian or Joe Willock.

In midfield there was also a start for Albert Sambi Lokonga, who partnered Granit Xhaka, a pairing that most supporters hope to be the one that kicks off the Premier League season away at Brentford on Friday.

The hosts started the stronger of the teams and forced a few nervous moments in the Arsenal backline. Bellerin looked out of position with Mari and a few alarm bells began ringing, only for the visitors to settle themselves and take control of the game.

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Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham as Heung-min Son goal seals 1-0 Mind Series win for Spurs that spells North London Derby defeat for Gunners

Alexandre Lacazette came closest to breaking the deadlock when his fierce effort from outside the box beat Hugo Lloris, but not the woodwork. The best chance, however, fell to Dele Alli when he somehow spurned a huge opportunity from near the six-yard box, one he also struck against the post.

Arsenal’s control of the first half did not transfer over into the second period in what was a distinctly less organised and messy affair. Tottenham almost punished the Gunners with 30 minutes to go when Alli once again struck the post, only this time from Davinson Sanchez’s knock on.

Changing shape into a back three saw Arsenal gain more control on proceedings with Saka coming on to add some energy on the left, although there were no clear cut chances as a result.

However, it was Tottenham who took the lead as some calamitous defending from Mari – who was bizarrely trying to play offside – resulted in Heung-min Son firing past Bernd Leno inside the box. Smith Rowe came close late on but Son’s goal ensured back-to-back defeats to London rivals.

Not ideal. It may be pre-season but losing to Tottenham is not easily forgotten.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK) – 7/10 – Made a fine save in the first half which resulted in a hearts in mouth moment as he stayed down, but it turned out only to be winding.

Looked fairly solid, which comes with the caveat of not being tested too much. Passing was decent.

Hector Bellerin (RB) – 5/10 – A couple of very dodgy moments in the opening few minutes but started to settle himself more as the match wore on.

Some of his positioning when Spurs were in the Arsenal third was suspect and got caught out over the top too often. He needs to a fresh start this summer.

Ben White (CB) – 8/10 – It all looked rather easy for White on his first Arsenal start. Aerially he was well positioned, out of the ball he ushered opposition runners into the right zones and on the ball he showed a few of his trademark carries to the halfway line.

More of that, please. If we’re looking for a supremely premature takeaway then it is that £50m was a bargain.

Pablo Mari (CB) – 4/10 – Some undesirable positioning when Spurs were in and around the Arsenal penalty box. As seen against Chelsea, he also struggles with the high line Arsenal adopt, getting caught in behind and mistiming his pressing too often.

Baffling defending for Spurs’ goal. Need Gabriel back.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 6/10 – Had the beating of his marker on a few occasions and whipped in a couple of tasty deliveries but the combination play with Aubameyang wasn’t as effective as hoped and works better in situations where Arsenal see less of the ball.