Arsenal’s unbeaten pre-season start ended against Hong Kong’s North London rival Tottenham Hotspur. The gunners are just over two weeks away from the season opener at Old Trafford, but Premier League hopes still have plenty of room for improvement.
Tottenham scored in an epic way midway through the first half, allowing Pipematal Sarl to pick Miles Lewis Skelly’s pocket and lobbed David Raya from the half line. For the Spurs it was a half-time lead, rattling the woodwork on three separate occasions.
Arsenal saw more balls in the second half, but they struggled to make a real opening, leaving Fretting after Talisman Bukayo Saka grabbed her thighs and descended. The winger was replaced by Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal was unable to mount a comeback afterwards. Express Sports passes the Arsenal player rating from pre-season Friendly.
David Raya-3
He fired a dangerous pass into Miles Lewis Skelly’s pass, then caught off the line for the opening goal. Raya flaps his wings at the corner twice early in the half, and both efforts were fussing over the woodwork. Characteristically inadequate performance from Arsenal’s No. 1.
Miles Lewis Skelly-4
Raya’s pass wasn’t big, but Myles Lewis-Skelly looked weak when pressured by Saar. Also, when Richarlison appeared to use an empty net, he got off on the back post. The second half continued to struggle and went crazy at the back post by Mickey Van des Ben, who should have scored on the header.
Jakub Kiwior -5
There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the movements from the club, sending a message to Arteta.
William Salliver-5
He also took a nap in the first half for Richarrison’s chances, but he recovered well in the second and was on hand to wipe out the ball behind the Gunners’ backline.
Ben White-5
Several lung breeding runs to the right side and is well combined with teammate Bukayosaka. Ben White had several chances to deliver the cross to the box, but his execution was poor.
Christian Norgaard-6
It provided a stable base in Arsenal midfield, allowing Martin Odegard and Declan Rice to play with more freedom.
Martin Odegaard -6
When he came to Newcastle and Newcastle, he changed the game, but was sometimes extraordinarily quiet against the Spurs. Odegaard was given the perfect opportunity to level things out, but he rubbed his shots against him when the moment came.
Declan Rice-6
The British were his usual energy bunny self when he went up and down the pitch, but were unable to provide the required quality in the final third.
Gabriel Martinelli-6
The wingers are unable to maintain their efforts from just inside the penalty area, and Gabriel Martinelli should do better with the shots.
Kai Havertz -5
We could only deliver an air kick when we were given the opportunity to win a shot, detailing exactly why Arsenal spent so much on Viktor Gyoker. He also left an egg in his face in the first half as Christian Romero passed him in the Spurs’ own penalty area.
Bukayosaka-6
After a quiet first half, Bukayosaka sprinkled some stardust over the second half and started to live a little more. His match was shortened after he was injured midway through the second term and then kicked him off the pitch.
Alternatives:
Viktor Gyoker- 7
He may have only had one training session before, but Viktor Gyoker has linked well with his new teammate, and perhaps he would have needed an assist when knockback fell attractively in the Spurs penalty area.
Martin Zubimendi -6
It is classy to own and will likely prove to be a useful addition to the Arsenal squad.
Leandro Trossard -N/A
It lasted just over 15 minutes before it was removed again for what appears to be suspected of injury.
Max Dowman-7
Proving that there were really bright sparks during Arsenal’s preseason tour, he was once again amazed at the left side of Arsenal’s offense.
Oleksandr Zinchenko -6
After appearing as a sub, it provided a bit of industry on the left.
Christian Mosquera-6
He must look like a commander on the back and provide much needed depth to defend Arteta.
Mikel Merino-6
Another decent cameo for the Spanish midfielder.
Reiss Nelson -n/a
