Arsenal travelled to take on Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League clash on Sunday.
In the first North London Derby of the new season, Arsenal secured a 1-0 win thanks to a Gabriel Magalhaes header.
Mikel Arteta had a lot of challenges to contend with heading into this fixture. Arsenal were without a number of key players due to injuries and a suspension.
The likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Merino, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, amongst others, were all absent for the Gunners.
Confirmation of Zinchenko’s injury came close to kick off, in a late blow to the visitors. Even so, Arteta will have expected his side to take the game to their fierce local rivals and will be proud of their triumph.
- READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry
Arsenal player ratings against Tottenham Hotspur
David Raya – 8
Was called into action several times but was always equal to it. David Raya’s impressive recent form continued here with another magnificent performance.
Ben White – 7
A couple of sloppy moments saw Son Heung-min get the better of him but he grew into the game.
William Saliba – 8
William Saliba made some exceptional interventions throughout the match.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 9
Like Saliba, the Brazilian centre-back was solid and contributed a number of vital block and challenges. Gabriel was also the man to provide the breakthrough, nodding in a corner from close range.
Jurrien Timber – 8
An incredibly committed and positive showing from Jurrien Timber, who really looks like a settled and established member of Arteta’s defensive unit now.
Thomas Partey – 6
Worked hard in the middle of the park but struggled to dictate play during the transitions.
Leandro Trossard – 7
Leandro Trossard did an impressive job of deputising for Odegaard.
Jorginho – 6
The longer the match went on the more Jorginho struggled to cope with the pace and intensity of the game. The 32-year-old, who captained the Gunners in the absence of Odegaard, was booked early in the second half after being given the slip by James Maddison. However, his leadership and composure were helpful.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Not a game that Bukayo Saka was able to define, but he still made a vital contribution with the delivery for Gabriel’s goal.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Gabriel Martinelli had a wonderful opportunity in the first half, having been played through on goal by Trossard, but the Brazilian’s tame effort summed up his struggles in recent months. Matt Upson took aim at Martinelli for his poor decision-making in this moment.
Kai Havertz – 7
Kai Havertz was a thorn in Tottenham’s side, as he competed strongly in the air and used his physicality well throughout.
Substitutes
Raheem Sterling – 6
Had little time to impact the match as the Gunners held on, but will be delighted to have made his debut in a North London Derby win.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Replaced Saka late on to make his third senior appearance and showed flashes of exciting quality.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Added energy in the final moments.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
