Arsenal came out 4-2 winners over Spurs in the first North London derby of the season at the Emirates.
Great game to watch as a neutral and even better if you are an Arsenal fan.
So, here are my Arsenal player ratings from today’s result:
Bernd Leno – The German goalkeeper did well in his first north London Derby today. Made a couple of good saves throughout but will be disappointed to have let Tottenham’s first goal. 7/10
Hector Bellerin – Got forward well and added an extra attacking option out wide. The Spaniard also showed passion and fight and defended admirably. One of his best performances this season by far. 7.5/10
Sokratis – The Greek centre-back was a bit clumsy in the tackle and was drawn out of position quite a bit. But he was rock solid in the back-line today. Getting better and better with every game that passes. 7.5/10
Shkodran Mustafi – Did well alongside Sokratis. Got stuck in and positioned well throughout. 7/10
Rob Holding – Was deployed in the left side of the back three and apart from conceding a penalty (which was dubious to say the least) the young defender had a decent game alongside the more experienced Mustafi and Sokratis. 7/10
Sead Kolasinac – Looked up for it and aggressive from the get-go. Bombed forward with success, delivering some good balls in the box from wide areas and was competent at the back as well. 7.5/10
Granit Xhaka – Kept things tidy in midfield and passed the ball around well from side to side. Was overshadowed by Torreira performance today. 7/10
Lucas Torreira – Easily Man of the Match with his energetic and dogged display in the middle of the park. Was strong in the tackle and showed desire throughout. Capped off a top performance with a goal to settle things. 9.5/10
Alex Iwobi – Made some decent runs forward but lacked in the decisive moments. Was replaced at half-time. 6/10
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Like Iwobi, the Armenian midfielder got forward well but didn’t produce much creativity. Was also replaced at half-time. 6/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Made some great runs forward, scored a brace, and his pace caused all sorts of problems to Spurs’ back-line today. 9/10
SUBS:
Aaron Ramsey – Came on for Mkhitaryan and changed things in midfield for Arsenal. Set-up two goals and always looked to create for the frontmen. 8/10
Alexandre Lacazette – Replaced Iwobi and placed out wide. The Frenchman made some intelligent runs forward and offered more upfront. Scored Arsenal’s third. 7.5/10
Matteo Guendouzi – Came on with 20 minutes to go to add a bit more depth in midfield where Arsenal were being overrun at times. Held his position well throughout and the manager’s decision to put him on was the right call. 6.5/10
