Arsenal demolished Tottenham in the North London Derby as Eberechi Eze’s hat-trick earned him a perfect 10 rating, while another star was worthy of a nine with three 8/10s
Arsenal surged six points ahead at the summit of the Premier League following a stunning victory in the North London Derby.
The Gunners seized the lead through a superb finish from Leandro Trossard, courtesy of a lofted pass from Mikel Merino. Eberechi Eze then sent the crowd into a frenzy with a brilliant finish against the team he chose not to join.
Just moments after the whistle blew for the second half, Eze bagged his second, driving a left-footed shot past Vicario. Richarlison then pulled off an impressive lobbed strike from near the halfway line.
However, the day belonged entirely to Eze with his third goal, concluding the match and creating the highlight of the Gunners’ season so far. Here’s how Football London rated the performances of the Arsenal players.
Starting XI:
David Raya – Caught out by Richarlison, but the strike was flawless. Comfortably gathered Xavi Simons’ long-range effort to regain some confidence. 6.
Jurrien Timber – Showcased exceptional close control and passing, and instigated the cross leading to Eze’s goal. Delivered the pass to Eze for Arsenal’s third goal of the night. 7.
William Saliba – Had to remain robust and steady throughout as the Frenchman operated without his usual defensive partner. Engaged in a few tussles with Richarlison but ultimately emerged victorious. 7.
Piero Hincapie – Executed a fantastic diving header clearance from Odobert’s cross in the second half. Stepping in for Gabriel, the Ecuadorian performed excellently all round. 7.
Riccardo Calafiori – The Italian put in a dogged performance, providing excellent service to Leandro Trossard throughout the match. 7.
Martin Zubimendi – He was the maestro of the midfield, nearly finding the back of the net with a shot from the edge of the box that was blocked. However, he was caught out by Palhinha for holding onto the ball too long before Richarlison’s stunning strike. 6.
Declan Rice – He had an early opportunity with a volley saved by Vicario at close range. He then found Eze with a first touch pass, dispelling any notion that he doesn’t pass forwards. 8.
Eberechi Eze – He delivered a delightful chip ball over for Rice in the early stages of the game. His beautiful strike gave Arsenal control in the first half, showing great footwork before finding space to unleash his right boot with the help of a Van de Ven deflection. His second goal, scored with his weaker foot, was arguably even better as he curled a strike around Vicario. Then came the hat-trick, a right-footed curler into the back of the net. 10.
Bukayo Saka – He was a constant thorn in the side of Destiny Udogie and Rodrigo Bentancur who struggled to keep up with the Arsenal winger. He tested Vicario with a couple of free-kicks from the right to the far corner. He forced another save from the Italian in the second half, curling a shot towards the far post from the right. 8.
Mikel Merino – He found the perfect pass to get the Belgian in behind, as Merino explored a false nine style of play. The Spaniard may not be a centre-forward but once again he put in a solid performance to help his team secure a win in a crucial match. 8.
Leandro Trossard – His first touch seemed to have squandered the opportunity, but the spin and finish with his left foot was exquisite. Beyond the goal, his performance was outstanding, and his pressing, defensive work, and chance creation undoubtedly place him among the top scorers. He also managed to bag an assist, with the pass across for Eze’s third goal. 9.
Substitutes:
Noni Madueke – Made a powerful run down the left only to see his cross blocked. 6.
Ethan Nwaneri – Came on to replace Mikel Merino and helped secure the victory. N/A.
Cristhian Mosquera – Replaced Piero Hincapie and assisted in seeing out the win. N/A.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Subbed in late to replace Riccardo Calafiori. N/A.
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