Tottenham player ratings vs Arsenal with Xavi one of six 4/10s in loss | Football | Sport
Igor Tudor’s first match as Tottenham manager ended in a heavy defeat in the north London derby against Arsenal. Spurs equalised 24 seconds after the restart following Eberechi Eze’s opener, which came from his first Premier League shot on target since these two teams last met in November. But Viktor Gyokeres restored Arsenal’s lead two minutes into the second half before Eze’s second of the evening – and his fifth of the season versus Spurs – killed the game on the hour mark.
Gyokeres scored the visitors’ fourth in stoppage time to give Arsenal their biggest win at Spurs since 1978 and a repeat of the scoreline between these two at the Emirates three months ago. League leaders Arsenal move five points clear at the summit while Spurs remain just four points clear of West Ham in the relegation zone. Express Sport rates and slates the Tottenham players after interim manager Tudor’s disappointing dugout debut…
Came out to make an early diving header and produced a crucial one-on-one save from Saka in the first half. Denied Saka again in the second half and appeared to have thwarted him a third time only for the ball to break to Eze to score. Could do little about the goals.
Struggled at times on the right of the back three but was unlucky for the third Arsenal goal.
Apart from being dispossessed during one run out of defence, the Romanian was Spurs’ best defender in the first half. However, it was his poor header that helped Arsenal break for Eze’s second goal on the hour mark and he endured a difficult time from that point onwards.
Off the pace in the first half with Saka getting in behind him on several occasions and the captain for the day never really found his rhythm.
Took an elbow to the face in the first half, leaving him with a bloody nose. The teenager had a difficult afternoon and was frequently left isolated against two Arsenal attackers.
Another new manager to impress and he displayed considerable enthusiasm for the cause despite it being a losing effort. One of the few players to emerge from the match with some credit.
Contributed very little in midfield beyond the occasional tidy touch.
Had limited success dealing with Saka, with Tudor shouting at him on several occasions to close down the Arsenal winger more tightly. Moved to the right late on and created a chance for Richarlison.
Worked tirelessly and saw a deflected cross converted by Kolo Muani only for it to be disallowed for a push. Substituted after an hour without making much impact.
Fortunate when a wayward pass went straight to Trossard outside the Spurs box as the Belgian blazed well over. Failed to find his rhythm in the first half but forced a save from Raya early in the second period.
Selected to lead the line and he capitalised by dispossessing Rice and racing into the box from the left to net his maiden Premier League goal. Thought he’d scored again after converting Gallagher’s deflected cross early in the second half but was deemed to have fouled Gabriel. Grafted hard before being replaced by Richarlison.
Beyond a few neat touches, he contributed little to the Spurs cause.
Had an effort clawed off the line by Raya and worked hard to make his presence felt throughout.
Introduced as a left wing-back late in the match, though the role failed to utilise him effectively. Surely Souza would have been the more sensible option for that particular position?









