Arsenal
Szczesny- 6 - Another solid performance for the young Pole behind what is quickly becoming the worst defense in the premier league. His rating would be higher, and he’ll tell you he should have saved Walker’s shot, but that knuckling swerver was just too wicked for Wojech.
Sagna – 5.5 – Was caught out of position for the first goal, but provided his usual support on the right flank and delivered his token well-shaped crosses when he could. Bale's explosion after he went off was testament to his abilities as a defender. His broken leg couldn’t have come at a worse time for Arsenal, and his experience in a critical position will be sorely missed.
Sidenote* - Sagna is just the latest victim of the old “not enough room in between the pitch and the advertisements ploy” to be seriously injured. The only ground that is worse than Shite Hart Lane in this respect is Craven Cottage and it is a wonder that these things don’t happen more often. Just as it never ceases to amaze me how they let all the photographers sit so close to the baseline in the NBA under the basket while million dollar athletes are forced to trod over them like IEDs at full speed practically begging for an awkward landing wrist break. Someone should eliminate these stupid little subtleties because it would not be that hard.
Mertesacker, - 1.5 – where to start with this trainwreck. There isn't that much more to say after that performance. It was painfully obvious that old Per is carrying about 3 sacks too many to be quick enough for the premier league. His physical ineptitude is almost to the point where it’s hard not to empathize with him. At least Wenger has now answered every middle aged white man’s question of “I wonder what it would look like if I tried to play center back in the prem?” He’s 2 meters tall and he didn’t win a single header all day, what more do you need to know!
Song, 6.5- Had a rough first twenty minutes or so, but then settled into the game and was the only player in an Arsenal shirt that looked like he halfway knew how to defend. He kept Adebayor in check for the most part, and showed his improvement going forward this year by setting up the fist goal. He did about as well as one could considering his partner in central defense is an early candidate for Wenger's worst signing ever.
Gibbs; 6- Another decent but frustrating performance from the youngster. The potential is clearly there, and maybe he would be better suited to play left-mid. But until then, he has a long way to go to fill the boots of Gael Clichy, certainly from a defending standpoint.
Arteta,5.5- provided the much-needed calming, veteran presence at times, but just as often was not effective with his delivery which is generally his main strength. He was willing to get physical at times, but he will need to be far more aggressive if Song is going to continue in defense.
Coquelin, 7.5- Unbelievable first half. Faded a bit in the second, but that was to be expected. He certainly looked a different player from his debut at Old Trafford, A definite upgrade from a certain Denilson.
Ramsey; 3.5- His momma probably told him they’ll be days like these, and at least he can say he scored at the lane, but Arsenal would have been better served if he had stayed home and played with himself. His decision making was especially poor, he had several dangerous giveaways, and he’s another that can’t wait for Wilshire to get back and take some of the load off his shoulders.
Gervinho,-6 Has adapted to the speed of the English game well enough, should have put Arsenal up 1-0, appears competent enough to play on both flanks. Will prove to be a good signing after its all said and done, but his doubters might wonder if he's a bit toothless in front of goal.
Walcott 6– Showed the confidence to cut inside and take a shot on with his left foot on a couple of occasions. He wasn't terrible, but the expectations around Theo for him to walk on water make it such that every time he doesn’t, it feels like a disappointment. This was another one of those games.
Van Persie, 7 - he had an unconventional, yet decent game. Winning headers and showing his more physical side, he turned Kaboul a couple of times and should have set up the opening goal if not for Gervino dragging his shot wide.
Subs -
Arshavin - Remember how good he was at Euro 2008? Seems like a long time ago...
Benayoun - Never really convinced at Liverpool, hardly got a game at Chelsea, looks pretty useless at Arsenal.
Jenkinson - Poor, Poor Carl Jenkinson. He's got some rough games ahead of him.
Spurs
Friedel;7 Like a bottle of wine, this old goalie just gets better with age, and he didn’t put a foot wrong all match.
Walker –7 Showed his strength and ability as a defender in the first half. Deserved his goal with a viscous right footer.
Kaboul,5.5 - Gave us glimpses of good Younes and bad Younes. He's certainly not shy about throwing his weight around either.
King, - 5.5 He was mostly absent for huge chunks of the game, but I suppose that’s what one might have come to expect from the former England international. Is he fully fit?
Assou-Ekotto;5 He was guilty of allowing Walcott too much space, but got away with it. Largely uninvolved in proceedings.
Parker, 6.5- much like alex song, he started wobbly, and then settled into the game. Showed where he is at his best in closing down the inexperienced Ramsey on several occasions.
Modric, 4.5- hasn’t looked up to scratch yet this season. Wasn't involved as much as you'd expect. Could it still be a hangover from all the transfer talk?
Van der Vaart, 6 - He looked a little hefty coming into the season and is begging to pick up another hamstring injury. Great finish on the goal though.
Bale -8.5- Scary. I would be having nightmares all week if I was a right back and I knew I was playing tottenham. What he did to Jenkinson in the last 15 was almost comical. Oh, and he’s got a shot on him too boy, tell you what…
Defoe,5.5- You never know what you're gonna get from Jermaine. He held the ball up well enough, but could have been more clinical in the final third.
Adebayor 7 – Excellent in the first half. Add him to the long list of strikers that loves to play against Arsenal. Might have set a personal record for fewest lazy offsides in a game with only 4. Seems to fit well enough at spurs and alongside Defoe.
Arsenal Verdict - The fact that they can't defend is the worst kept secret in the footballing world. They'd almost be better served to keep the game level until late on due to their inability to hold a lead. Solid performances from Szczesny and Coquelin are positives for Wenger to take, but his insistence on not buying a third legitimate central defender will plague Arsenal until he does, and this is inevitably going to be a painfully long season for Arsenal.
Spurs Verdict - Although Arsenal dominated possession and were the better team for the larger part of the game, the outcome was never really in doubt. Their superiour squad depth has to lend credit to the pundits who deemed this game "the changing of the guard" of North London. Should be an interesting battle with Liverpool for the coveted fourth spot.
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