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Tottenham player ratings vs Arsenal: Guglielmo Vicario exposed again in controversial derby

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the table after a 3-2 win over Tottenham in an entertaining and controversial north London derby.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg headed Bukayo Saka’s corner into his own net before the England winger doubled the visitors’ lead with a brilliant finish - moments after Dejan Kulusevski appeared to have been fouled in the Arsenal box.

Mikel Arteta’s side exploited Spurs’ weaknesses at set-pieces again before half-time, Kai Havertz heading home Declan Rice’s corner to leave them in complete control at the interval.

Spurs pulled a goal back when Cristian Romero finished coolly following a mistake by David Raya and set up a tense finale when Heung-min Son converted from the penalty spot after Rice’s foul on Ben Davies.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players…

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Made a brilliant save with his feet to deny Saka a fourth but his reluctance to come for corners was exposed again.

Pedro Porro 6

Dealt well with Arsenal’s threat down the left and created a chance for Son with a raking pass in the first half.

Cristian Romero 7

Had all of Spurs’ best chances, with three headed efforts before he pulled one back with a canny finish. Robust defensively.

Micky van de Ven 8

The closest play to Havertz for Arsenal’s third goal. Unlucky to have an equaliser ruled out for a fractional offside at 1-0 and his pace was so important at covering behind in the second half.

Ben Davies 6

Bamboozled by Saka for Arsenal’s second goal but won the penalty with his last act of the game.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 5

Unfortunate to head into his own net to open the scoring. His quality at playing out was exposed by Arsenal’s excellent press.

Rodrigo Bentancur 5

Struggled to make an impact on the game and replaced by Sarr at half-time with Spurs trailing 3-0.

James Maddison 6

Got into some good positions in the first half but not at his free-flowing best.

Dejan Kulusevski 8

Perhaps unlucky to be denied a penalty moments before Arsenal’s second goal. Played well, helping Spurs to hold up the ball and delivering some dangerous crosses.

Timo Werner 5

Forced off after 30 minutes with a suspected muscle injury without making a significant impact.

Heung-min Son 7

Dispatched his penalty well to give Spurs hope of a comeback. Blazed his only opening from open play over the bar in the first half and generally well-shackled by Arsenal’s defence.

Subs

Brennan Johnson (Werner 30’) 6

His directness caused Takehiro Tomiyasu problems in the second half but his final ball was lacking.

Richarlison (Maddison 63’) 7

Spurs improved when he went through the middle, the Brazilian providing them with a focal point and a physical presence.

Yves Bissouma (Hojbjerg 63’) 7

Swept up nicely around the half-way line as Spurs pushed forward in the second half.

Giovani Lo Celso (Davies 87’) 6

Not enough time to impact the gameNot used: Austin, Dragusin, Gil, Emerson, Lo Celso, Sarr.