Arsenal ratings: Rob Holding is worst player on pitch against Tottenham while Aaron Ramsdale does what he can in mauling
ARSENAL’S Champions League hopes have been dealt a huge blow after being humiliated by Tottenham in the North London derby. The Gunners were outclassed away at Spurs as Antonio Conte’s men ran out easy 3-0 winners on Thursday night. Spurs now trail Arsenal by just one point in the race to secure fourth spot with […]
ARSENAL’S Champions League hopes have been dealt a huge blow after being humiliated by Tottenham in the North London derby.
The Gunners were outclassed away at Spurs as Antonio Conte’s men ran out easy 3-0 winners on Thursday night.
Spurs now trail Arsenal by just one point in the race to secure fourth spot with two matches left to play.
It couldn’t have been a worse night for Mikel Arteta, who saw Rob Holding sent off in the first half.
Brazilian centre-back Gabriel then went off injured late in the second half to spark concern he will miss Monday’s crucial trip to Newcastle.
Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates and slates Arsenal.
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Aaron Ramdsdale – 7
Nothing he could do about the penalty, up against one of the best 12-yard takers in world football.
Neither could he be blamed for the other two goals with the mess that was in front of him, and made decent stops to deny Emerson and Kane.
Cedric Soares – 4
Gave away the penalty with a shove on Son in the box that was not needed. Tried to make up for it with a few lung-busting runs to keep up with Kane.
Yet it was that penalty that sparked the capitulation for Arsenal.
Rob Holding – 1
Got into a few niggly tussles with Son Heung-min and his ego of wanting to knock the Spurs forward off the ball earned him an unnecessary early yellow card.
He then completely lost the plot after a needless off the ball collision with Son earned him a 34th minute red card.
Gabriel – 5
Hardly Arsenal’s worst defender of the night but was caught short on a few occasions and let Harry Kane nutmeg him more than once.
Ended his night on a sour note after hobbling off with an injury.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6
Forced to play in an unnatural left-back role with Kieran Tierney missing.
He did little wrong and filled in at centre back after Rob Holding’s red card.
Mohamed Elneny – 6
Was tasked with keeping Kane at bay and did well for the opening 20 minutes until Arsenal went down to ten men.
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Granit Xhaka – 6
Attempted to marshal the troops after the red card but was mostly chasing shadows alongside his team-mates.
Martin Odegaard – 7
The Norwegian’s press pushed the Gunners up the pitch well in the first few minutes and looked to be dictating the game.
Was arguably their best player and the only one to leave Tottenham’s ground with any satisfaction as he had a late effort well stopped by Lloris.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Was running riot in the first couple of minutes and looked a real threat. Even down to ten men he led the line albeit with no real success.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Began brightly down the left and had Emerson Royal for the taking, and perhaps should have unleashed a shot early on to test Hugo Lloris.
Became increasingly frustrated as the game wore on and it showed in his end product.
Eddie Nketiah – 6
Looked to have Tottenham’s back three on edge but failed to influence the game in any real capacity soon after – not that he can be blamed for that.
But he did lose Kane at the far post at a corner that allowed the Spurs striker to score.
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Emile Smith Rowe (on for Martinelli, 63) – 6
Had the impossible task of getting Arsenal back into this game only to see his time on the ball starved.
Alexandre Lacazette (On for Nketiah, 73) – 5
Provided a focal point up top at least, but barely did anything worth noting.