Arsenal clashed heads with Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates earlier this evening as they looked to secure all three points on their home turf. The hosts started the contest in a strong fashion as they dominated the majority of the proceedings for the first twenty minutes, but it was Erik Lamela’s rabona shot that handed the visitors a 1-0 lead against the run of play. Martin Odegaard put the ball past Hugo Lloris right before the half-time whistle to equalise for the Gunners. Alexandre Lacazette converted from the spot in the second half to put his side in the lead followed by which Erik Lamela was shown the second yellow card after he swung an arm to block Tierney.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player performed during the clash against the Lilywhites.
Bernd Leno – 6.5/10
The German shot-stopper wasn’t made to work too often but he had a decent game overall. However, there’s nothing he could have done much to stop Erik Lamela’s rabona shot as his line of sight was completely blocked by the Arsenal defenders.
Cedric Soares – 6/10
The Portuguese defender looked full of energy at the back and even hit the post in the first half. However, he had a couple of nervy moments against Erik Lamela.
David Luiz – 6.5/10
The Brazilian centre-back didn’t do much wrong throughout the game, but he might have done better to get something on Erik Lamela’s rabona shot which lead to the first goal of the contest.
Gabriel – 7/10
Gabriel made some crucial blocks (especially the one that came off the post in the 90th minute) and clearances to help his side stay in the lead.
Kieran Tierney – 8/10
On several occasions, the Scottish left-back drove forward to help his side on the other end of the pitch and even got himself an assist right before the 45-minute-mark.
Granit Xhaka – 7/10
The Swiss midfielder was mostly concerned with the duties in his own half of the pitch. He stayed back and shielded his back-four throughout the game.
Thomas Partey – 6.5/10
The Ghana international ‘s pressing was quite average but he won the ball high up the pitch on a few occasions.
Emile Smith Rowe – 7.5/10
The English youngster created loads of menace for the Tottenham defenders down the left flank. He even hit the crossbar in the first-half and paired well with Kieran Tierney throughout the match.
Martin Odegaard – 8.5/10
The Norwegian international looked very lively tonight as he scored the equalising goal for the hosts.
Bukayo Saka – 6/10
The Englishman didn’t have much impact on the match in the first forty-five minutes and was later replaced by Nicolas Pepe before the commencement of the second half.
Alexandre Lacazette – 8/10
The Frenchman found himself on the end of a dozen chances in the first half but lacked the clinical touch in front of the goal. However, he did get his name on the scoresheet by converting a penalty in the 64th minute.
SUBSTITUTES:
Nicolas Pepe – 6/10
The Ivorian international provided his side with some extra energy going forward.
Willian – 6/10
Provided his side with some extra energy in the closing stages.
Mohamed Elneny – N/A
It was too late when he came on.
