Here’s our Arsenal vs Tottenham player ratings as the Gunners beat their fierce rivals 2-1 in the North London derby on Wednesday.
Arsenal Clinch Derby Win Against Tottenham
Arsenal moved to within four points of leaders Liverpool after beating Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League title race is really beginning to hot up after a Dominic Solanke own goal and a Leandro Trossard strike gave the Gunners a much needed victory.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the early exchanges but fell behind to Son Heung-min’s deflected opener. The Reds rallied and scored both of their goals right before half-time.
Going into the second-period, Arteta’s men failed to extend their advantage. However, they done enough to clinch the win and successfully capitilised on the Merseysiders inability to beat Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
From Spurs’ perspective, manager Ange Postecoglou is beginning to feel the heat again. The Lilywhites have picked up just five points from the last 27 available.
Arsenal Vs Tottenham Player Ratings
Arsenal Ratings (4-3-3)
David Raya – 7
Not much he could do about the opener after Son’s volley deflected in off Partey. Pulled off a fine save from Kulusevski before that and done what was required throughout.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Another solid showing from the right-back but appeared to miss Saka or Nwaneri higher up the pitch. Nonetheless, he hardly put a foot wrong and defended well.
William Saliba – 7
Not the finest and certainly not the best performance from the French centre-back. His aura and presence always offers encouragement to those around him and looked composed and sprayed around some lovely passes.
Gabriel – 8
Arguably Arsenal’s finest player. Some herculean defending thwarted Dominic Solanke on a couple of occasions. Also provided the back post header which was turned into his own net by Solanke. A glowing performance all around.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Only 18-years-old and it’s hard to believe that with how good he has become this season. Won 4/5 duels and never shied away from a tackle. Looked confident and composed and helped support the attack.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Rarely puts in a bad performance and he was behind everything positive that Arsenal could conjure up. Played with his usual zest and helped create four chances, one of which led to the winner.
Thomas Partey – 7
A little bit hit and miss for the defensive midfielder. Was too stationary in the build up to the corner which led to the opener. However, did win the tackle that ultimately led to Trossard’s winner.
Declan Rice – 7
A decent showing from the club-record signing who fired in some impressive corners throughout the course of the game. Dictated the match with considerable ease.
Raheem Sterling – 7
On just his second league start of the season, the former England winger put in a valiant performance. Caused Spurs problems down the right and defended well. Inability to beat players continues to frustrate.
Kai Havertz – 6
The German international is really struggling to hit the back of the net at the moment. Nonetheless, his work rate was brilliant and he had a couple of chances to make the game safe. Including a header which went straight at Kinsky.
Leandro Trossard – 8
A few eyebrows might have been raised when he was given the nod to start over Martinelli. Took his goal very well and caused plenty of problems for the Spurs defence.
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli – 6 (on for Sterling 61′)
Played on the right-hand side but struggled to have any real influence in the attacking third.
Kieran Tierney – 6 (on for Trossard 77′)
Done a solid job defensively and almost got himself an assist but Odegaard couldn’t finish.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5 (on for Lewis-Skelly 87′)
Wasn’t on the field of play long enough to have any real impact on the final result.
Mikel Merino – 5 (on for Rice 87′)
Done what he had to do with minimal fuss in the final few moments of the game.
Determined. Resolute. Big Gabi.
Last night's POTM as voted by you 👏 pic.twitter.com/P1KG6c2nCl
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 16, 2025
Arsenal Vs Tottenham Player Ratings
Tottenham Ratings (4-3-3)
Antonin Kinsky – 5
After starting life in the white half of North London with two clean sheets, the Czech stopper struggled at the Emirates. He did pull off some decent saves but should have done better with Trossard’s goal.
Pedro Porro – 5
Was caught up the pitch for the winning goal. Didn’t really offer much else but was unlucky to have given the corner away for the equaliser. A substandard day at the office.
Radu Dragusin – 5
Similar to Porro, the Romanian had a game to forget. Wasn’t as commanding as what he can be but did make a strong block from an early Trossard chance.
Archie Gray – 7
One of the better performers on the night. The 18-year-old was impressive throughout and played beyond his years. Looked confident and composed.
Djed Spence – 6
A valiant showing and done well at times down the left-hand side. However, he did lose the ball in key areas but dug in defensively when required.
Pape Matar Sarr – 5
Definitely a night to forget for the 22-year-old midfielder who struggled to make an impact. Was hauled off at half-time but will surely come back stronger.
Yves Bissouma – 4
Similar to Sarr, he was not up to speed for a game of such high importance and ferociousness. A genuine derby-day shocker and was also replaced at the break.
Lucas Bergvall – 7
Probably Spurs’ best performer alongside Gray. The Swede looked confident and composed and started in a more advanced, attacking role. This certainly suited him and he’ll be vital in the coming weeks.
Dejan Kulusevski – 5
An unusually quiet game and was largely ineffective. Did warm the gloves of Raya but other than that, the Swede wasn’t at his best.
Dominic Solanke – 5
Was unlucky with the own goal but rarely threatened at the right end of the pitch. Was starved of service by his teammates but did miss a late overhead kick.
Son Heung-min – 6
A brilliantly controlled volley gave Spurs the lead midway through the first-half. Other than that, the South Korean star was largely anonymous.
Substitutes
Brennan Johnson – 5 (on for Sarr 46′)
Came on to jazz things up but failed to do so. Offered very little in attack.
James Maddison – 5 (on for Bissouma 46′)
Only slightly better than Johnson but not by much. Must do better when given the chance.
Richarlison – 5 (on for Son 78′)
The Brazilian appears to be over his recent injury troubles but needs more time to get up to speed.
