Arsenal player ratings: Jorginho has nightmare but Declan Rice imperious as ever before injury
ARSENAL’S unbeaten start to the new Premier League season continued in the North London derby.
The Gunners twice took the lead as they drew 2-2 at home to rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
An own goal from Cristian Romero had put the hosts in front at the Emirates Stadium before Son Heung-min pulled Spurs level.
Bukayo Saka restored Arsenal’s lead from the penalty spot after the interval, only for Son to equalise once again.
Declan Rice impressed for the Gunners before being forced off at half-time, with his replacement Jorginho gifting Spurs a goal.
Here is how each of Arsenal’s stars performed against Tottenham:
David Raya – 6
His third start in a row, supporting the theory that he is indeed now Mikel Arteta’s No1, no matter what the Spaniard says publicly. Flying stop to deny Brennan Johnson on full debut towards the end of the first half, but his decision to flap a wayward Pape Sarr effort back into play led to Spurs’ leveller.
Ben White – 7
Won the penalty at the start of the second half when his swivel and shot hit Cristian Romero’s hand. Dealt fairly well with Johnson’s pace.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
A fluid counter-attack from Spurs may well have ended with Son Heung-min powering home from Pedro Porro’s cross – were it not for Gabriel’s intervention. Arsenal shipped two goals but neither centre-back were at fault.
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William Saliba – 7
Brilliant, last-ditch tackle to deflect Son’s shot into the side netting at 2-2, whe the South Korean was on a hat-trick.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Became Arsenal’s auxiliary holding midfielder as he does but was also kept busy by the industrious Dejan Kulusevski.
Declan Rice – 7
Looked imperious as ever in his first North London derby. Almost caught out Yves Bissouma with his pressing towards just before the break, but then sadly came off injured in the interval.
Fabio Vieira – 6
Got the nod over Kai Havertz, despite the German’s improved performance against PSV in midweek. His teasing cross would have resulted in an instant second Arsenal goal were it not for Micky van de Ven’s intervention.
Martin Odegaard – 5
In the week he signed a new, five-year deal worth £200,000 a week, the Gunners captain had a quiet day where his creative talents were largely overshadowed by that of James Maddison. Was booked for demanding a yellow card.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Battle with Udogie down Arsenal’s right was riveting. The Italian went into the book early on for fouling Saka, who created the opener when his cross/shot was diverted into the net by the unfortunate Cristian Romero. Took his spot-kick very coolly by clipping it down the middle for 2-1, though was caught out by James Maddison for Spurs’ first equaliser.
Eddie Nketiah – 5
Drew chants of ‘Eddie, Eddie’ from the crowd as he went crunching into challenges, including on James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario (for which he was booked). Could not beat Vicario though when sent through on 16 minutes and you wonder if he has the quality to take Arsenal on another level.
Gabriel Jesus – 7
Started wide left in the absence of injured pair Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. His early shot from an acute angle was brilliantly pushed wide by Vicario. Nicked possession off Maddison but then blazed his shot over the bar. Came off as Arsenal chased the game for Reiss Nelson – but fans were not happy.
Subs
Emile Smith Rowe – 6
Came on in the seventh minute of injury time, which is no kind of opportunity to make an impact.
Jorginho – 4
Inexplicable decision to try a drag-back under pressure from Maddison saw him lose the ball and Spurs make it 2-2.
Reiss Nelson – 6
A rare late appearance as Arsenal pushed for a winner.
Kai Havertz – 5
On at half-time for Vieira but made little impact and was quickly booked. Blasted a late half-chance over the bar.