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Arsenal took back their control and composure in this Premier League title race with a monumental North London Derby victory at the home of their bitter rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. It didn’t come easy; they never do, but these three points are the biggest of the season so far.

Eberechi Eze gave the Gunners the lead after good work from Bukayo Saka down the right-hand side found him in the middle. Declan Rice, however, gifted the ball to Randal Kolo Muani near the box and he made no mistake beating Raya with a low drive.

That would be how the first half came to a close with the Gunners again wondering how they’ve let the lead slip and equally how they’d not done more with the possession they had. That changed at the start of the second period with Viktor Gyokeres firing a curling strike around Guglielmo Vicario.

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Then the game was won courtesy of another Eze strike, a fortunate bounce off Joao Palhinha landing at his feet for an open goal. The game wouldn’t end before David Raya redeemed some of his recent errors with a world class goal-saving backwards dive from Richarlison’s flick. Gyokeres added a fourth before the end, courtesy of an Martin Odegaard assist.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:

David Raya – Came out well to anticipate a deflected ball that nearly fell to Conor Gallagher’s run. Could do little with the goal after Rice’s error, and dealt with everything else thrown at him really well to claim crosses and hold a Xavi Simons shot.

Then, right at the end, produced an amazing clawed dive backwards to stop Richarlison from scoring. 9

Jurrien Timber – Was booked in the first half after making a poor pass, which he then needed to cynically foul Sarr on the counter. What a brilliant pass into the middle to find Gyokeres for the Gunners’ second. Considering he was not 100% fit, it is believed, for the match, he did extremely well. 8

William Saliba – Had a great headed chance go wide in the opening stages after the first corner routine. But stayed strong throughout and calm, several good moments of composure too, where he would take a touch into space away from his opponent and spot a better pass. 9

Gabriel – Was in some physical tussles with Randal Kolo Muani all throughout the game but came out on top, and did get somewhat fortunate when the Frenchman thought he’d scored but the referee Peter Bankes had blown for a foul. 8

Piero Hincapie – Great ball across to find Saka in the middle, and he should have found the net from it. Pointlessly gave away a corner from a Dragusin throw that was heading out for a harmless goal kick.

But in the end, he comes through with his head held high, defended really well and kept his composure in a highly emotional game. 8

Martin Zubimendi – Has come under some scrutiny in recent weeks, but rediscovered some of his best form again, which could not have come at a better time. Metronomic in the middle and great in the transition. 8

Declan Rice – Awful error to give Spurs an equaliser from absolutely nothing, and just after he had asked for calm following the opening goal. He recovered from that nightmare first half and worked extremely hard in the second period to make up for his mistake with some great interceptions. 6

Eberechi Eze – Another goal against Tottenham, finding the finish with the ball hip height, doing well to get his foot over the ball. Had the chance to score the third for his side, with space from the left where many would like to see him start he cut inside but saw his strike blocked.

His second a bit fortunate but he will not care one bit, and deserved some credit for the pass to Saka in the build-up too which should have been finished. 9

Bukayo Saka – Provided the driving run and cross for the opening goal, and should have put the Gunners 2-1 when set up by Hincapie. He was involved in Arsenal’s third too, his shot rebounding out to Eze. A great game overall from the newly-renewed Arsenal talisman. 9

Viktor Gyokeres – Had the first shot of the game, a headed effort blocked from reaching the goal by Dragusin. Then had the chance to fire a shot at goal, after cutting off the left, but fired wide of the goal.

Early in the second half, he had his goal, found in the middle, one touch and bang no chance for Vicario. Then, right before the final whistle, he was found by Odegaard to add his second. 9

Leandro Trossard – Fired a shot from right to left across the goal that should have found the target and had a similar chance from the other side in the second half. It wasn’t the best game from the Belgian, but he did okay. 6

Cristian Mosquera – Replaced Jurrien Timber to play in the unorthodox role of right-back and in his first away North London Derby did extremely well. 7

Gabriel Martinelli – Came on to replace Leandro Trossard. Ran the left channel and helped to back up the left flank. 6

Martin Odegaard – Came on to replace Eberechi Eze. Found the pass through at the end to the Swedish striker to score the Gunners' fourth. 7

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