Raya embarrassed as Gyokeres makes debut – Arsenal players ratings v Tottenham
Arsenal suffered defeat in a pre-season North London derby with rivals Tottenham as Pape Sarr’s wonder strike proved the difference in a 1-0 defeat.
Pape Sarr punished Myles Lewis-Skelly for giving the ball away and hit a glorious strike from the half-way line over goalkeeper David Raya.
The Gunners had plenty of possession in the match, but in a turn of events Spurs were dangerous from set-pieces and should’ve gone ahead before they scored.
The pressure on the Spurs goal intensified in the second half, but it did not warrant an equaliser as Thomas Frank’s side held on.
Raya and Lewis-Skelly suffer in Arsenal loss
David Raya – 4
Arsenal had some defensive issues from set-pieces and Spurs should have capitalised. Raya was left floundering from corners and left in no man’s land for the Spurs goal.
Ben White – 6
In his preferred right-back slot had mixed fortunes against Wilson Odobert with the winger proving he was capable of causing White problems.
William Saliba – 6
Nearly scored the game’s opening goal inside the first four minutes with a header just wide of the post from a corner. Played more like a midfielder for most of the match and was dependable as usual when called upon defensively.
Jakub Kiwior (Off for Mosquera 77′) – 6
Important block to deny a goal-bound effort from Mohammed Kudus. Like Saliba, the Polish international saw a lot of the ball in midfield and was solid when required.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Off for Zinchenko 77′) – 4
Was an injury concern for Arteta after requiring treatment, but carried on and lost possession in the centre-circle which led to the opening goal. It was criminal to lose the ball in that position with goalkeeper Raya well off his line.
Odegaard influence can’t inspire Gunners
Declan Rice (Off for Mikel Merino 77′ ) – 6
Plenty of energy and wanted to drive forward and support the attack at every opportunity. Whipped in a couple of delightful corners which Arsenal couldn’t capitalise on.
Christian Norgaard (Off for Zubimendi 68′ ) – 5
Sat deep and showed his physicality in the middle of the park, but was sometimes left behind by the pace of Spurs’ counter-attacks.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Instrumental in Arsenal’s positive start to the game and proceed to dictate the game in the midfield. His importance to the team once again underlined by his performance.
Gabriel Martinelli (Off for Trossard 68′) – 4
Failed to make an impact on the match, it was a frustrating match for the Brazilian who is facing increased competition for places this season with the arrival of Noni Madueke. Skied a chance over the crossbar when well-placed in the second half.
Kai Havertz (Off for Gyokeres ) – 6
With Viktor Gyokeres watching on from the bench, Havertz now has big competition to keep his spot in the starting XI. Put himself about well, but did not have a big chance in the game.
Bukayo Saka (Off for Dowman 77′ ) – 6
Saka was given plenty of the ball down the right flank, but Djed Spence stood up to the winger well to deny him any major influence on proceedings. Did force Rodrigo Bentancur into the first yellow card of the game when he did manage to burst away from Spence.
Gyokeres makes first appearance
Substitutes
Viktor Gyokeres (On for Havertz 77′ ) – 6
The first chance for Arsenal fans to see Gyokeres, but the striker only had 13 minutes to make an impact and was not presented with a chance on goal.
Leandro Trossard (On for Martinelli 68′ Off for Nelson 85′) – 4
No impact on the game and then was substituted again with five minutes remaining as he picked up an injury.
Reiss Nelson (On for Trossard 85′) – 6
Did not make an impact in the little time he had on the pitch.
Max Dowman (On for Saka 77′) – 6
The star of Arsenal’s pre-season tour could not save the Gunners from defeat. A different proposition for the 15-year-old with Spurs sitting deep in a low defensive block. Was positive though and kept Spence on his toes.
Mikel Merino (On for Rice 77′) – 5
Merino was booked after an altercation with Brennan Johnson which was the Spaniard’s flash point in the time he was on the pitch. Got in the box to support Gyokeres, but given no service.
Martin Zubimendi (On for Norgaard 68′) – 5
One of his first actions of the match was to force Vicario into a stretching save to tip his volley wide. Had another chance 18 yards out which he dragged wide. With Arsenal dominating the ball and pushing for an equaliser he showed a more attack minded side of his game than against Newcastle.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (On for Lewis-Skelly 77′ ) – 6
Came in at left-back and was playing as high as a winger such was Arsenal’s dominance. Did not make an impact though going forward.
Cristhian Mosquera (On for Kiwior 77′) – 6
Another debut in the Arsenal ranks since his arrival from Valencia. Mosquera was barely tested defensively and there will be bigger tests for the Spaniard to navigate.