Arsenal really needed all three points against Tottenham this weekend, with their recent poor performances seeing the title slip away from them. They only managed a point at White Hart Lane, but after going 2-1 behind and being sent down to ten man thanks to a foolish challenge from Francis Coquelin, a point was arguably a fantastic result.
Our friends at All Arsenal have provided us with some player ratings from the game, check them out and see what you think:
————————————————————————————————————————————–
In what may well have been one of the biggest North London Derby’s in recent history, ten man Arsenal salvaged a point against a frustratingly solid Tottenham side away from home. Alexis Sanchez led by example showing hunger and desire, grabbing an equalising goal after Francis Coquelin was given his marching orders early in the second half.
It was an excellent performance from a number of players, less so from a few others.
Here’s how we rate the players from our 2-2 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane:
GK) David Ospina – 8.0
Some absolutely phenomenal saves from the Colombian – including a brilliant reaction save and a goal-line stop – but he also had some characteristic worrying moments. He spilled a few shots he perhaps shouldn’t have, but thankfully we didn’t pay for them.
RB) Hector Bellerin – 7.5
The Spaniard was really poor for much of the first half, struggling against Erik Lamela and misplacing passes. He got an assist for Aaron Ramsey’s opener though, and was vastly improved in the second half.
LB) Kieran Gibbs – 7.0
Solid for the most part and got forward far more than Nacho Monreal probably would have. He had some scary moments defensively, but recovered well each time.
CB) Gabriel Paulista – 7.0
The recently maligned centre-back looked well up for things in the first half, and was really aggressive and constantly getting involved. He came close to costing us the game in the second half though, slicing a clearance that almost ended up in the back of our net.
CB) Per Mertesacker – 7.5
Some really crucial interceptions from the giant German, who was excellent for the most part. He could have been a little more dominant during set pieces and was largely at fault for Harry Kane’s goal, but it was a moment of real brilliance from the Tottenham striker.
DM) Francis Coquelin – 2.0
On the one hand, the Frenchman performed superbly during his time on the pitch. On the other hand, he committed two reckless and needless fouls and arguably cost us the win. We were in control before his second yellow, and being reduced to ten men was a real blow.
CM) Mohamed Elneny – 7.5
A really solid full Premier League debut from the Egyptian, who played the box-to-box role well before Coquelin was sent off and then slipped into a more defensive role perfectly after the red card.
Substitute: Olivier Giroud – 7.5
The Frenchman had an excellent affec when he came on, even if it wasn’t a direct impact. He caused the Tottenham defence real problems, and opened spaces for the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey to run into.
CAM) Mesut Özil – 7.0
Not quite at his best, but still involved constantly and creating moments of magic here and there. The quality of his passing wasn’t up to his usual standard, but you can’t always expect him to be flawless.
Substitute: Mathieu Flamini – N/A
Surprisingly didn’t put a foot wrong after coming on as a late substitute, didn’t play a huge role either though.
RAM) Aaron Ramsey – 8.0
There were signs that we were going to see the usual out-of-form Ramsey at the start of the game, but his goal really gave him a confidence boost. He was involved in so much of the play and was seen making his trademark overlapping runs, consequently seeing him almost rewarded with the winner.
LAM) Alexis Sanchez – 8.0
Leading by example after we went down to ten men, dragging the team forward and doing his best to motivate everyone. He got the key goal that salvaged us a point, and played a massive part today.
ST) Danny Welbeck – 7.5
Played a huge part in the first goal and was a constant threat, playing on the shoulder and running in behind. He arguably should have done better with a couple of chances, but was key to our counter-attacking threat early on.
Substitute: Joel Campbell – N/A
A late substitute who didn’t have much time to have an impact.