Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel puts in impeccable defensive display as Declan Rice replacement struggles

GABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.

The Gunners were without two key midfielders thanks to Declan Rice’s suspension and an injury to Martin Odegaard.

But that did not stop Mikel Arteta from masterminding another victory over their arch-rivals.

Gabriel beat Cristian Romero to power in a header from close range in a crowded six-yard box.

And that proved to be the only goal of the game as Arsenal clung on for another huge win.

Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…

DAVID RAYA – 8/10

Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game.

Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. 

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JURRIEN TIMBER – 7

Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left-hand side on various occasions.

Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.

Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 8

A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.

You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. 

GABRIEL – 9

A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). 

Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. 

BEN WHITE – 6

Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Son Heung-min.

Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.

JORGINHO – 4

Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.

A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.

THOMAS PARTEY – 5

Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.

Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. 

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6

Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.

Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. 

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6

Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. 

Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. 

BUKAYO SAKA – 7

Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. 

Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. 

KAI HAVERTZ – 6

A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the Spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. 

Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero. 

SUBS

GABRIEL JESUS (LEANDRO TROSSARD, 79) – 5

Barely involved after coming on.

RAHEEM STERLING (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 79) – 5

A debut for Arsenal’s new No30, had one chance, cut inside but failed to get shot away from edge of area.

ETHAN NWANERI (BUKAYO SAKA, 86) – N/A

Prem’s youngest-ever player returned for final few moments.