Tottenham Hotspur player ratings vs Arsenal – Relegation is a reality

The full-time whistle has blown in the Premier League match between Tottenham and Arsenal, and it’s time for our player ratings.

Tottenham Hotspur fell apart in the second half of their north London derby encounter after going into the break at 1–1, with the Gunners taking all three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, beating Spurs 4–1.

Let’s take a look at how the individual players got on:

Guglielmo Vicario – The Italian made a smart save in the first half when Bukayo Saka went through on goal, but there was little he could do to prevent Arsenal’s three strikes. 5.

Archie Gray – Booked in the first half for kicking the ball away after Tottenham’s equaliser, he endured a difficult second period as Spurs struggled defensively. There was little he could do to stem the tide. The teenager was well outmuscled by Gyokeres for Arsenal’s fourth. 4.

Joao Palhinha – A poor second-half outing from the Portuguese, who was barely tested before the break. He was dragged out of position on several occasions and did not recover well in the tackle. For Arsenal’s third, a disappointing mix-up saw Palhinha caught out. 4.

Radu Dragusin – The young centre-back impressed in the first half with several key blocks and clearances. After the restart, he looked far less assured, and his poor-headed clearance led directly to Arsenal’s third. 4.

Micky van de Ven – A difficult evening for the Dutchman, who blocked when Saka struck for Arsenal’s second but could not prevent the goal as his block ricocheted down the path of Eze. The defence lost its shape in the second half, and there was little the captain could do. 5.

Djed Spence – Struggled to contain Saka in the first half, and it was more of the same after the interval, with the full-back often playing himself into trouble. He did come close to creating a chance for Richarlison late on in the second half after some nice play on the right, but the Brazilian’s effort was cleared off the line. 4.

Pape Matar Sarr – Applied pressure high up the pitch in the first half and helped Spurs fashion promising moments. The intensity dropped after the break as Arsenal stepped up a gear, though he did produce a couple of well-timed clearances. 5.

Yves Bissouma – Composed before the interval, breaking up play and disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm. For the Gunners’ second, however, he was absent as Viktor Gyokeres had time to control Jurrien Timber’s cross and finish. 5.

Xavi Simons – Combined well with Muani early in the second half and tested David Raya from the edge of the box, but the effort was comfortably dealt with. He continued to drive forward from deep without decisive impact, with his influence ultimately reducing as the game went on. 4.

Conor Gallagher – Operated deeper than usual rather than as a second striker, yet still looked to join attacks. His overlapping run and cross appeared to set up Muani for an equaliser, but the goal was ruled out. 5.

Randal Kolo Muani – Thought he had his second after finishing from Gallagher’s cross, only for the effort to be disallowed following a slight touch on Gabriel. Linked play well at times in a frustrating second half. 7.

Substitutes

Richarlison – Replaced goalscorer Randal Kolo Muani and led the line. He came close to grabbing Spurs’ second, but his effort was cleared off the line by Raya. 6.

Dominic Solanke – Introduced for Conor Gallagher after Arsenal’s third, though he had limited opportunity to influence proceedings. 5.

Mathys Tel – The young forward came in for Joao Palhinha as Tudor looked to push for a goal. N/A.