The North London derby is always a must-win game; This year, even more so as Arsenal were in a position to reestablish their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side certainly did just that as Eberechi Eze's hat trick saw the Gunners to a 4-1 victory over their bitter rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, at the Emirates Stadium.
A well-rounded and complete display from the Red side of North London ensured Spurs were sent home with their tails between their legs. It was simply too Eze for Arsenal.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
David Raya – 6
The Arsenal stopper only faced 0.07 expected goals and three shots. But the strike he did concede was a freak of nature by Richarlison.
The Brazilian forward, often amongst the most despised opposition players on the pitch, saw the goalkeeper off his line and lobbed him with an audacious effort from just inside the Gunners’ half.
Other than that, it was a comfortable display from Raya.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Timber has been outstanding in the first third of the campaign, and against Tottenham, he was no different.
Marshalling the truthfully told, feeble Spurs left flank was no problem for the full-back, who even chipped in with an assist for Eze’s second goal.
William Saliba – 7
Arsenal’s defence were in for one of the more comfortable matches they will have this season, but that was not to be known by the Gunners contingent.
Saliba was often caught off guard by Gabriel’s absence last campaign, but alongside Piero Hincapie, he looked his usual best, mopping up the rare forays forward by Spurs.
Piero Hincapie – 7
On his first Premier League start, Hincapie was very impressive. There were questions about who would fill the void left by Arsenal’s defensive colossus, Gabriel, but the Ecuadorian quickly erased any pre-match concerns.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Calafiori put in another consistent performance, helping the Gunners to remain solid defensively. The Italian also galloped forward, helping Leandro Trossard to cut inside and provide an attacking threat.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
At times, Zubimendi was sloppy on the ball, but he remained solid, especially in the second half when he was called into action defensively as Spurs looked to repair the damage inflicted upon them.
Declan Rice – 8
As usual, Rice was brilliant. The duel-winning midfielder dominated his opponents and probably should have opened the scoring within the opening exchanges after he drilled an effort straight at Guglielmo Vicario.
Nevertheless, Rice keeps on proving why the Gunners forked out £105m on their prize midfielder.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Despite not featuring amongst the goals and assists, Saka was one of the Gunners’ most impressive players on the pitch.
Spurs fouled Saka four times, making him the most fouled player on the pitch. Arsenal’s starboy attracts the opponents' attention whilst the likes of Trossard silently inflict damage on them.
Eberechi Eze – 10
Eze became the first Arsenal player to score a North London derby goal since Alan Sunderland in 1978. Spurs were within hours of making him their star signing last summer, but the Gunners swooped in and brought him home. That action could be the difference between the Reds winning or losing the league title.
Leandro Trossard – 8
It looked like Trossard was on his way out of the club in the summer; Fenerbahce were perhaps the most interested side in the Belgian’s services, but a contract extension kept him in North London.
Again, that has proved an inspired decision. Trossard has been excellent as the season has developed, and a goal and assist in the derby has taken his Premier League contributions to six already.
Mikel Merino – 7
The Gunners were without a recognised centre forward once again. There were pre-match concerns about how Arsenal would overcome a Spurs five-at-the-back formation.
However, Merino proved to be an admirable stand-in for the injured forwards. A dinked pass over the capitulating Spurs line enabled Trossard to turn and finish. Having a natural midfielder as the number nine does have its benefits at times. This was one of them.
Substitutes
Noni Madueke – 7
Madueke returned from injury and looked dangerous from the off. His pace against a tiring and demoralised defence enabled Arsenal to get up the pitch and inflict more damage upon Spurs.
Cristhian Mosquera – N/A
Ethan Nwaneri – N/A