Mikel Arteta ended a worrying week at Arsenal with a big victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
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Arsenal returned to winning ways in style against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening, securing their place at the top of the Premier League.
There was huge pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side, with the Gunners having seen a 2-0 lead slip away against Wolves on Wednesday. A Manchester City victory on Saturday will have had the London outfit looking over their shoulders.
Eberechi Eze once again stepped up to the plate on derby day with confident showings all over the pitch. Here’s how the Arsenal players rated.
Arsenal player ratings v Tottenham
GK - David Raya, 8
Impressive when speeding out to end a dangerous Spurs break early on the first half. Could perhaps have done better to save the Tottenham goal, getting his leg out rather than going with his hands - but the critical errors for that came from Declan Rice and the defence. Made a brilliant reaction stop on a Richarlison flick in the final 10 minutes.
LB - Piero Hincapie, 7
A confident showing. Didn’t look fazed by the Spurs attacking options. Annoyed at himself when heading out for a goal kick rather than a throw in the first half, showing the high standards he sets himself.
CB - Gabriel, 7
Was caused some problems by Kolo Muani, perhaps lucky not to be penalised for a free-kick before half time when blocking the striker’s run without much intent on playing the ball. Did well to turn a very light push into a foul and see the striker’s second goal disallowed.
CB - William Saliba, 6
Had a very good chance to head home early on but couldn’t get the power behind the shot. Criticised for a ‘nothing challenge’ prior to the Spurs goal by Gary Neville on commentary, and that is probably a fair assessment.
RB - Jurrien Timber, 6
Booked early on for clattering into Pape Matar Sarr. Looked a little leggy today and was taken off early in the second half.
CM - Declan Rice, 7
Marked down for a rare error when overplaying the ball prior to the Spurs goal. Looked devastated to have made that mistake and bounced back well to energise the team from the centre of midfield.
CM - Martin Zubimendi, 7
Not one of the days when Zubimendi stole the show but his diligent work in midfield was as important as ever.
CM - Eberechi Eze, 10
Brilliant. The former Crystal Palace man has dominated in both North London derby encounters this season. It was one of those games where the midfielder spent periods without being involved but took his moments superbly. Very neat to control and poke home the ball for his first, and in the right place at the right time for the second. Also caused serious headaches without the ball thanks to his movement.
LW - Leandro Trossard, 7
Other players stole the show this evening but the Belgium international looked capable of causing a problem at any time. Constantly looking to stretch the Spurs defence.
ST - Viktor Gyokeres, 10
One of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt, hard to find any fault with that outing. Looked a real handful from the start and a huge physical presence. Smashed home his first goal and still hungry late on to find another. Looks to have finally arrived in full in the Premier League.
RW - Bukayo Saka, 8
Mr Persistent. Regularly hacked at by the Spurs defence but kept battling on - his determination to make something happen was crucial in making his side’s third and putting the game to bed.