Arsenal’s four-match undefeated run in the Premier League came to an end as they were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur away from home.
Arsenal travelled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the favourites for the second North London Derby of the season. Still, their hopes were crushed by Heung-Min Son and Toby Aldeweireld who were on target for Tottenham in their 2-1 win.
The Gunners started the game well and put the Spurs midfield under pressure by continually winning the second ball and turnovers. Their efforts were paid off when Alexandre Lacazette put his entire weight behind a shot that put Arsenal ahead in the 16th minute. Their celebrations were not to last as Son was gifted a goal minutes later.
The second half started similarly, but Spurs seemed reluctant to keep possession this time around and invited Arsenal. It all worked out for them, though, after Son’s corner was brilliantly headed in by Toby Alderweireld who became the first player to score in the North London Derby at both White Hart Lane and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The final whistle goes and the home side take all three points.
? 2-1 ? (FT)#TOTARS
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 12, 2020
The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Mikel Arteta’s men.
Emiliano Martinez: 9/10
Today could have been a lot worse for Arsenal had it not been for the brilliance of Emiliano Martinez. He made seven saves, and one incredible run-out to stop Heung-Min Son in his tracks. He was also able to leap and save Harry Kane’s lob that would have made for a spectacular goal. The only two times when Martinez could not do anything were the times Arsenal conceded today.
What a touch that is from Emi Martinez. ? #TOTARS pic.twitter.com/LtBKlxaLPt
— The Goalkeepers' Union Podcast (@GKUnion) July 12, 2020
His standout moment came when Ben Davies attempted a shot from 35 yards out which would have, without a doubt made the net bulge if not for Martinez’s fingertip save which put the ball off its course and it struck the post.
Shkodran Mustafi: 8/10
Since Mikel Arteta has taken over the sidelines at Arsenal, Shkodran Mustafi is probably the player that has improved most. He continued his impressive form today and was the only defender in red who was not forced into an error. His performance included five clearances, two blocks, two interceptions, two successful tackles and 6/6 successful aerial duels.
David Luiz: 5/10
David Luiz seemed to have been taking a step in the right direction since the shift to a three-man backline, but he was exposed yet again today. In the first half, his poor positioning was nearly taken advantage of when Lucas Moura put in a peach of a lob pass over him to allow Harry Kane to run at goal.
In the second half, his lethargic tracking helped Son take an attempt at goal. Luiz was lucky he had an in-form Martinez behind him today.
Sead Kolasinac: 4/10
An absolute shambolic display from Sead Kolasinac who started on the left side of an unchanged three-person backline. After a few good minutes, the Bosnian nearly single-handedly set up Son’s equaliser after playing a careless pass to David Luiz that never looked like reaching its target.
He practically did nothing the entire game until late in the game when he went missing from the left side when Spurs had a chance to increase their 2-0 lead. A game to forget.
Hector Bellerin: 6/10
Hector Bellerin got the nod over Cedric Soares at right wing-back, but barely did anything to justify his spot. He was faced with Lucas Moura who constantly put him under pressure and exploited the space Bellerin was leaving. The Spaniard attempted three tackles, out of which two were ruled as fouls.
He had the chance to take an attempt at goal but took too long to pull the trigger or set up Aubameyang on the left.
Dani Ceballos: 8/10
Dani Ceballos made the opposition midfielders dance in the centre of the park through his sublime skill and regularly posed a threat to the defence through his creativity in the final third. He completed 89 of his passes (93%) and five of his six long balls. He also won a foul in a dangerous position that was hit wide by Aubameyang on the set-piece. Best outfield player for Arsenal today.
Dani Ceballos completed more passes (40) and made more ball recoveries (6) than any other player in the first half vs. Spurs.
Influential. ?? pic.twitter.com/B9E1t2alwI
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 12, 2020
Granit Xhaka: 7/10
Former Arsenal captain is another player who has revamped his form under new management. Xhaka took 100 touches of the ball and attempted 90 passes, of which 82 met their target. Lacazette converted one of these passes for their only goal of the game. Xhaka was also responsible for causing a lot of turnovers and gave Harry Winks a callous time in midfield.
Kieran Tierney: 6.5/10
Arteta was full of praise of Tierney in the pre-game presser for how well the defender has adjusted to life in a new league. Tierney showed glimpses of his incredible form whipping in dangerous crosses from the left flank. Unfortunately for him, all of them were cleared by a rigorous Spurs defence.
The 23-year-old barely did anything of material in the second half and was subbed off with five minutes remaining.
Nicolas Pepe: 7/10
Pepe replaced Bukayo Saka on the right-wing, and had a lot to prove today. He consistently put Ben Davies under pressure through his silky footwork and off the ball runs. He won both of his attempted dribbles and created a tremendous chance for Aubameyang through a long ball.
Despite his sharp display, Pepe was replaced in the second half to make way for Saka. Signs of better things to come, though.
Alexandre Lacazette: 7.5/10
Alexandre Lacazette's first 14 away PL appearances this season:
0 goalsAlexandre Lacazette's last two away PL appearances:
2 goalsBack-to-back goals on the road in July. ? pic.twitter.com/USAMV7CtN9
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 12, 2020
With Eddie Nketiah suspended, Lacazette had no real competition for the centre-forward role today. He did not disappoint, though. Attempted only one shot through the entire ninety minutes, which ended in the back of the net like a homing missile.
The Frenchman also created a chance for Aubameyang who did not do a lot with it. Overall, an underwhelming game from Lacazette, but with the icing of an absolute belter.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 3/10
The paragraphs above pretty much sum up Aubameyang’s performance tonight, however, to quantify it – Aubameyang took three shots, only one of which was on target, he also hit the woodwork in a one-vs-one situation.
He attempted no more than 20 passes, and still managed to give away possession seven times while trying unnecessary tricks and dribbles. Furthermore, none of his long balls or crosses met their target, and he did nearly nothing to help out the defence. A performance not worthy of the captain’s armband.
SUBSTITUTES
Bukayo Saka: 5/10
Saka was brought on during a time in the game when Arsenal seemed to have full control of the game. However, despite playing 20 minutes, Saka added virtually nothing in attack.
Cedric Soares: N/A
Brought on for the last five minutes, did not have much to do.
Joseph Willock: N/A
Had too little time on the pitch to add anything to the game.
Reiss Nelson: N/A
A five-minute cameo that could not add anything to the game.
