Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham: Player ratings as Gunners claim huge derby victory
Arsenal claimed local bragging rights on Saturday afternoon as they beat ten-man Tottenham 3-1 at the Emirates.
The Gunners began the contest on the front foot but the opening goal came through an unlikely source in Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian’s strike from the edge of the box was certainly fitting of the occasion.
Spurs quickly grew into the derby, however, and Arsenal looked vulnerable in transition. Eventually, the hosts were made to pay as Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot after the visitors broke in behind.
A Hugo Lloris error gifted Arsenal a second lead at the start of the second half as Gabriel Jesus poked home before an Emerson Royal red card tilted the contest entirely in the Gunners’ favour. The hosts smelt blood and they swiftly made Emerson pay by taking a 3-1 lead through Granit Xhaka, who fired home with conviction after some great work from Gabriel Martinelli to create the opening.
Antonio Conte rang the changes in a bid to establish some stability, but Spurs were never going to get back into the contest and Arsenal prevailed as 3-1 victors.
Here are the Gunners’ player ratings from their North London derby triumph.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 6/10 – Made a brilliant save to deny Richarlison early on but wasn’t tested much thereafter despite Spurs having some good moments in the first half.
Ben White (RB) – 6.5/10 – Didn’t appear to be incredibly active defensively but he got on the overlap well on occasions.
William Saliba (CB) – 9/10 – Wow. Wow. Wow. What else is there to say?
Gabriel (CB) – 5.5/10 – Struggled against Kane in the first half and gave away the penalty. Improved once Spurs went down to ten.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 5.5/10 – Looked a little lost in the first half, and many supporters were clamouring for Kieran Tierney at half-time. Brightened up after the break but wasn’t hugely influential.
Continued on the next slide…