Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham: Player ratings as spoils shared in North London Derby

A Son Heung-min brace ensured the spoils were shared in the North London Derby on Sunday as Arsenal played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with their rivals.

There was no frantic derby opening on this occasion as the two sides spent some time feeling each other out. Spurs enjoyed plenty of possession in their own third, with Arsenal’s press rendering it tough for the visitors to play out.

Eventually, the Gunners got ahold of proceedings and started to assert themselves upon the visitors. Gabriel Jesus came close to breaking the deadlock before a swift transition led to Cristian Romero diverting Bukayo Saka’s effort into the Spurs goal.

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At 1-0, Arsenal smelt blood and they had an excellent opportunity to double their lead through Jesus, but he blazed his effort over after dispossessing James Maddison.

Maddison then had a big role to play in Tottenham’s equaliser, as he spun Saka and teed up Son Heung-min amid a strong conclusion to the first half for the visitors.

A bonkers opening to the second-half saw goals arrive at both ends. Saka converted from the penalty spot after Romero’s handball was eventually punished, but a horrible Jorginho error meant Arsenal quickly relinquished their lead with Maddison and Son once again combining.

There was less action than expected thereafter, with both managers changing personnel as the clock ticked down. The addition of ten minutes at the end of the contest ignited the Emirates crowd once more, and the Gunners responded as they sought to claim a late winner. However, a string of corners failed to produce the goods, with the sides being forced to share the derby spoils.

Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from Sunday’s North London Derby.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) – 6/10 – Made a ludicrous save in the first half, but otherwise wasn’t overly impressive. Distribution was a little shaky at times.

Ben White (RB) – 7/10 – Timing of his overlaps was majestic throughout and he had a big say in both of Arsenal’s goals. Held up well going the other way.

William Saliba (CB) – 8.5/10 – Recovery defending was immense throughout and was one of few Arsenal players who reliably retained possession.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – A sturdy performance from the Brazilian.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 6.5/10 – Coped well defensively for the most part but didn’t have his typical influence with the ball.

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