Arsenal ratings: Havertz pulls the strings for the Gunners but Raya single-handedly brings Spurs back into the game
ARSENAL just about held on to their early lead to secure a 3-2 win over fierce rivals Tottenham.
The Gunners forced a first half capitulation from Spurs when they went 3-0 up after just 38 minutes.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz added to a Pierre-Emile Hojburg own goal to put Mikel Arteta‘s side in the driving seat.
But a second half blunder from David Raya gifted Spurs a way back into the game, before Son Heung-Min netted a penalty after Declan Rice clumsily brought down Ben Davies in the area.
It was a nervy last 15 minutes for Arsenal who had to hold on to what become a slender lead to try and keep their place in the Premier League title race.
And Mikel Arteta’s men just about managed to get over the line despite the best efforts of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crowd to suck a third goal into the net.
Ultimately it was a valuable three points for Arsenal that not only keeps them in the title race but also secures a second consecutive finish above Tottenham.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal players’ individual performances…
DAVID RAYA – 6
Aside from Van de Ven’s disallowed goal, the Spaniard did not have to make a save until he orchestrated a way for Spurs to get back into the game himself.
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A horrendous pass out from the back that was scuffed straight to Romero and easily converted. An uncharacteristic error from Raya.
Had no chance stopping Son’s late penalty.
BEN WHITE – 7
Was an utter nuisance from set-pieces and backed into Vicario to make room for Havertz as it went to 3-0. Adds a necessary steel and nastiness to this back four that was on show here.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
A mature performance from a player who has been slightly off it in recent weeks. Only time he got caught out was when Son raced in behind but blazed his finish over.
GABRIEL – 8
On course to be Arsenal’s Player of the Year with more displays like this. Never gets flustered and defended the box very well from Spurs’ first half onslaught.
TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – 7
Got into a physical battle with Kulusevski in the opening few minutes and lost his way soon after that, but played his part in forcing Hojbjerg’s own goal from a corner.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
A shock inclusion but brought in for his physicality. An early mistake on the ball led to a Spurs counter that led to nothing but recovered well with some cute dinks and turns.
Lost Romero from a free-kick and the Argentine smacked a header against the post. A mixed day but more minutes in the tank.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Solid for the majority of this one. Took a big risk with a tackle on Maddison in the box that paid off before Saka’s strike to double Arsenal’s lead.
Grabbed an assist with a corner soon after finding the head of Havertz but then gave away a late penalty for a rash kick that missed the ball and took out Davies.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
Latched onto a Partey chip over the top and teed up Havertz only for his jinking run be ruled slightly offside. Continued to push Arsenal forward in a real captain’s outing on Derby Day.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
Did the dirty work well and had moments in attack. Produced the corner that forced the opener, not that it was his best delivery.
And then, out of nowhere, a sublime finish on the counter attack. Should have had another in the second half but for a stunning Vicario stop.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 7
Tracked back brilliantly at times, but lucky not to give away a first half penalty for a trip on Kulusevski, who tried to stay on his feet rather than go down.
KAI HAVERTZ – 9
Had the ball in the net inside 15 minutes but for an offside call. His beautiful ball over the top set up Saka’s composed finish to make it 2-0.
Got his goal in the 38th minute to make it 3-0 – a simple header from a Rice corner – and his influence grew after the break.
SUBS
GABRIEL MARTINELLI (for Trossard) – 6
Got into an early foot race with Van de Ven on goal only to lose out to the Dutch defender. Had some moments but could not test Vicario.
JAKUB KIWIOR (ODEGAARD, 89) – N/A