Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham – Player Ratings: Which Gunners Player Struggled? Who Was Mikel Arteta’s Key Player 8.5/10 Arsenal Star Shines…

Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham – Player Ratings: Which Gunners Player Struggled? Who Was Mikel Arteta’s Key Player? And Which Spurs Defender Faced Challenges?

8.5/10 Arsenal Star Shines: Player Ratings and Match Highlights as Gunners Triumph Over Tottenham

Arsenal secured a vital three points in the North London Derby against Tottenham on Wednesday night.

The home team started with intensity, employing a rapid and aggressive strategy that applied early pressure on Spurs, leading to some nervous moments for Ange Postecoglou’s squad. Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was particularly targeted from the outset, especially during set pieces, which have been crucial for Arsenal this season.

Although Arsenal dominated the first 20 minutes, it was Spurs who struck first. Before the goal, Spurs had two significant opportunities through Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski, but neither could find the net. The only player to capitalize was Son Heung-min, who scored with the aid of a deflection.

Despite Spurs taking the lead, the momentum remained with Arsenal, who quickly regained control.

They equalized just five minutes before halftime with another expertly executed set piece, as Gabriel headed in the goal, benefiting from a slight deflection off Solanke.

There was some contention surrounding the goal, as Pedro Porro argued that the corner should have been awarded as a goal kick for Spurs, but the referee did not agree.

The away team’s inability to capitalize on their 1-0 advantage ultimately proved detrimental, as the home side reversed the situation within a mere four minutes, taking the lead just before halftime. Leandro Trossard surged down the left flank and unleashed a fierce shot that somehow found its way into the net. Kinsky will likely feel regret upon reviewing the goal, as he made solid contact with the shot but still allowed it to slip past him. This marked the final action of the first half, with the hosts heading into the break leading 2-1.

Postecoglou opted for two significant attacking substitutions at halftime, bringing on Brennan Johnson and James Maddison to replace defensive midfielders Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr, who had struggled in the opening 45 minutes. These adjustments immediately made an impact, as Spurs appeared more dangerous in their offensive play.

Although Spurs started the second half strongly, Arsenal largely controlled the remainder of the match and came close to extending their lead on multiple occasions. Kinsky made a crucial double save, partially redeeming himself for his earlier mistake.

The match concluded with a score of 2-1, and despite some late pressure from Spurs, Arsenal secured all three points.

Arsenal Player Ratings

GK: David Raya – 6.5/10

The goalkeeper had little chance of stopping Son’s goal due to a deflection. Aside from one save in the first half, he was largely untested.

RB: Jurrien Timber – 7/10

Timber defended effectively against Son, limiting his opportunities. He also displayed composure in possession.

CB: William Saliba – 7.5/10

Saliba managed Solanke well and appeared confident in defense throughout the match.

CB: Gabriel – 8/10

Gabriel made several crucial tackles at key moments, effectively neutralizing Solanke and preventing him from threatening the goal.

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7.5/10

The young player continues to improve with each match. Lewis-Skelly remained calm and composed on the ball, showing maturity beyond his years.

CM: Thomas Partey – 6.5/10

Partey delivered a dependable performance but occasionally hindered the pace of play in midfield.

CM: Declan Rice – 8.5/10

His exceptional set-piece delivery throughout the match consistently troubled the Spurs goalkeeper and defense. In addition to his set-piece prowess, Rice effectively contested in midfield and frequently advanced into promising attacking positions.

CM: Martin Odegaard – 7.5/10

Odegaard put in a strong effort and demonstrated quality in possession. At times, he controlled the midfield and played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s success.

RW: Raheem Sterling – 6/10

Sterling was substituted after an hour, having struggled to make an impact on the match for Arsenal.

ST: Kai Havertz – 6/10

Havertz found it difficult to engage in the game and was largely ineffective in the attacking role.

LW: Leandro Trossard – 8/10

The Spurs goalkeeper may have been expected to save his shot, but Trossard won’t mind. He consistently outmaneuvered Porro, proving to be a challenging opponent throughout the match.

SUB: Gabriel Martinelli – 7/10

After coming on, Martinelli posed a continual threat down the wing.

SUB: Kieran Tierney – N/A

Tierney did not make a significant impact after entering the game.

SUB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – N/A

Zinchenko did not contribute notably after coming onto the pitch.

SUB: Mikel Merino – N/A

Merino did not have any noteworthy involvement after his introduction.