Arsenal Player Ratings: Eze Shines Again, Saving Declan Rice in Thrilling North London Derby Against Tottenham

ARSENAL picked up another 4-1 win over Spurs, this time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, amid an intense Premier League title race with Manchester City.

The Gunners were only two points ahead of City after Wednesday’s shock draw at Wolves but bounced back with a massive victory over their biggest rivals that restored a five-point lead over City, who have a match in hand.

Arsenal won the North London Derby against rivals Arsenal Eberechi Eze put together another stunning performance for Arsenal against Tottenham with a brace So did Viktor Gyokeres who also notched a double for Arsenal Both Gyokeres and Eze shone the brightest for Arsenal

Eberechi Eze put together another stunning performance three months after leading Mikel Arteta’s men to another 4-1 win over the team that almost signed him last summer with a hat-trick at the Emirates.

This time it was only a brace for Eze, 27, who hit the target in the 32nd and 61st minute.

Viktor Gyokeres also got a double with two clinical finishes two minutes into the second half – shortly after Randal Kolo Muani’s equaliser – and four minutes into stoppage time.

But who was man of the match? SunSport’s Simon Collings rates every single Arsenal star:

David Raya – 8

Looked like a man with a point to prove after the shambolic ending to Arsenal’s draw at Wolves. Utterly dominant when claiming crosses all game – and showed incredible reactions late on to stop an effort from Richarlison sneaking over the line.

Jurrien Timber – 6

Looked off the pace at Wolves and he was a bit leggy in this game, too. Made a sloppy pass and was then booked for hauling down Pape Matar Sarr. Assisted Gyokeres’ goal, but came off before the hour mark.

William Saliba – 6

Wasted a golden chance early on when he headed wide from a corner in the opening 20 minutes. The odd shaky moment in the first half and not as sharp as he has been this season.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 6

Will have breathed a huge sigh of relief when Kolo Muani had what he thought was a second goal ruled out for a push in the Brazilian’s back. It would have been two cock-ups in a week by Gabriel after his error at Wolves.

Piero Hincapie – 7

Appears to have moved ahead of fellow left-back Riccardo Calafiori in the pecking order. He will be hard to dislodge, too, as this was another strong showing. Created a great chance for Saka with a stunning long ball as well.

Martin Zubimendi – 6

Looks like a man in need of a few days off, which he will get next week. Did help Arsenal control much of the possession, though, and was neat and tidy on the ball.

Declan Rice – 5

It is so rare that he makes an error, which made this one even worse. Absolutely gifted Spurs an equaliser by trying to dribble in the wrong area of the pitch. Will be more relieved than anyone that Arsenal turned it around in the second half, when he was better in fairness.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Restored to the right wing after playing the previous two matches before this as a No10 – and enjoyed a proper ding-dong with Spurs left-back Djed Spence. Helped create the opener and went close to his own goal on a few occasions.

Eberechi Eze – 9

Arsenal’s hero against Tottenham for the second time this season. Clearly there is something about the North London Derby that sparks Eze into life. Scored two goals and looked like the player that fired Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory last season.

Leandro Trossard – 6

Back in the team after being on the bench for the draw at Wolves. A steady showing, but did not pull up any trees. Ballooned one shot miles over the bar, however he was inches from scoring in the first half, too.

Viktor Gyokeres – 9

His best game in an Arsenal shirt. Scored the Gunners’ second goal with a wonderful hit from outside the box and bagged another one late on. His overall game caught the eye as well as he linked the play between attack and midfield nicely.

Subs

Cristhian Mosquera (Timber 57’) – 6

Filled in at right-back for the final 30 minutes or so, with Ben White missing from the squad due to injury. Steady as ever.

Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 76’) – 6

Brought some legs to the attack as Arsenal saw out the closing stages.

Martin Odegaard (Eze 77’) – 6

Off the bench as he returned from injury. Picked up an assist as he teed up Gyokeres for his second. A handy cameo. Noni Madueke (Saka 91’) N/A

Subs not used: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Norgaard, Gabriel Jesus.