Spurs player ratings: Bissouma and Sarr needs to be axe out; Gray impresses again

Tottenham Hotspur suffered their third consecutive defeat in a North London derby, falling 2-1 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Despite taking an early lead against the flow of play, Spurs were unable to capitalize and saw their advantage overturned before halftime.

Arsenal’s victory brought them within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, further intensifying the title race.

Tottenham opened the scoring through Heung-min Son, whose deflected strike found the net after a rare attacking foray. However, Arsenal quickly responded when Gabriel Magalhães’ header from a corner took a deflection off Dominic Solanke, leveling the score.

Leandro Trossard secured the decisive goal with a powerful, precise shot just before the halftime whistle, shifting the momentum firmly in Arsenal’s favor.

For Tottenham, the performance revealed both defensive vulnerabilities and an inability to sustain attacking pressure. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky delivered a mixed display, showing confidence in dealing with Arsenal’s frequent aerial threats but faltering on both goals. His misjudgment on Trossard’s effort proved costly.

Pedro Porro endured a challenging afternoon, struggling to contain Arsenal’s attackers and leaving gaps defensively. He was partially at fault for Trossard’s goal, caught out of position as Arsenal capitalized on the opportunity. Despite this, he nearly redeemed himself with a late shot that struck the post during stoppage time.

At the heart of Tottenham’s defense, Radu Dragusin showcased resilience under pressure, making crucial interventions and standing firm in a demanding environment.

Despite his young age, Dragusin’s composure offered some hope for Spurs amidst the chaos. Djed Spence also had moments of promise, including a brilliant cross to create a chance for Solanke, but his overall impact was limited, and he was substituted at halftime.

The midfield battle proved a significant issue for Tottenham. Pape Matar Sarr struggled to impose himself, receiving a yellow card in the first half before being replaced at the break.

Yves Bissouma faced difficulties as well, particularly in his defensive responsibilities, with Arsenal exploiting gaps to their advantage. Lucas Bergvall, brought on for the second half, provided a more composed presence and delivered several critical challenges, including a vital tackle to deny Raheem Sterling.

Tottenham’s attacking unit found little joy against Arsenal’s physical and disciplined backline. Dejan Kulusevski failed to hold up the ball effectively and was well-marshalled by Arsenal’s teenage standout, Myles Lewis-Skelly. Son’s goal came with the aid of a significant deflection, and beyond that, the South Korean forward struggled to assert himself against Jurrien Timber’s commanding presence.

Dominic Solanke also faced difficulties, unable to break through Arsenal’s organized defense. His inability to maintain possession in key moments further hindered Tottenham’s attacking efforts. Substitute James Maddison injected some creativity but was frequently crowded out, limiting his influence.

Brennan Johnson and Richarlison, the latter making his return from injury, were unable to provide the spark Tottenham needed to claw their way back into the match.

The defeat extends Tottenham’s struggles against their North London rivals, highlighting areas of concern for manager Ange Postecoglou. Defensive lapses, midfield inconsistencies, and an inability to sustain meaningful pressure in attack have become recurring themes, requiring urgent attention if Spurs hope to compete with the league’s elite.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s victory underscores their growing confidence and ability to capitalize on opportunities in high-stakes matches. With Liverpool maintaining their position at the summit, Arsenal’s performance keeps them firmly in contention as the season progresses.

As Tottenham regroup, they must address the underlying issues that have plagued their performances in key fixtures. For Arsenal, the result serves as both a statement of intent and a reminder of the high standards required to challenge for the Premier League title.