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[Player ratings] Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham: Smith Rowe & Tierney star for dominant Gunners

By on March 14, 2021

Emile Smith Rowe Arsenal

Arsenal came from behind to beat Tottenham and secure a much needed three points with a 2-1 victory at the Emirates this evening.

We started well and were dominating the game with Emile Smith Rowe going close to opening the scoring after smacking the bar with a lovely strike, however, it was Spurs who broke the deadlock with a worldie. Erik Lamela – on for the injured Hueng-min Son – found the bottom corner with a stunning Rabona in the 33rd minute to give the visitors an undeserved lead.

Arsenal responded well and equalised just before half-time when Kieran Tierney roasted Matt Doherty before teeing-up Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian’s effort deflected off Toby Alderweireld beyond Hugo Lloris for 1-1 in the 44th minute.

W continued to dominate after the break and were given the perfect chance to take the lead in the 64th minute when Davinson Sanchez fouled Alexandre Lacazette in the area. The French hitman scored from the resulting penalty to make it 2-1 to Arsenal.

Lamela was then sent off for a second yellow card but Tottenham actually improved with 10 men and almost snatched an undeserved point when Harry Kane hit the post with a free-kick and Gabriel prevented a goal with the rebound. Arsenal held on to secure a much-needed 2-1 win.

Here are my ratings:

Leno  6/10 | Couldn’t get near Lamela’s stunning effort but was very quiet otherwise.

Cedric  7/10 | Smacked the post with a powerful effort in the first half. Solid in defence and linked up well going forward too.

Luiz  7/10 | A composed display from the Brazilian. Didn’t put a foot wrong and kept Kane relatively quiet.

Gabriel  8/10 | Another towering performance. Was dominant in the air and prevented a late Spurs equaliser with a superb header. Back to his best.

Tierney  8/10 | Another Arsenal player back to his best. Superb work to set-up Odegaard for the equaliser and didn’t stop running down the left flank. What a player.

Xhaka  7/10 | Solid display in the middle of the park. Broke up play and set the tempo, especially in the first half.

Partey  7/10 | A mixed game. He bossed Tottenham at times and drove forward with intent. However, there were also some sloppy passes and he looked knackered late on when he gave away a couple of silly free-kicks.

Smith Rowe  8/10 | Brilliant display. Looks to have a great understanding with Tierney down the left as they caused Tottenham all sorts of problems. Hit the bar with a lovely effort.

Odegaard  7.5/10 | Got the vital equaliser just before half-time and produced another impressive all-round game. Linked up well with his Arsenal team mates.

Saka  6.5/10 | Worked hard down the right but looked a bit leggy. Replaced at half-time.

Lacazette  7/10 | Missed a decent chance midway through the first half but kept his cool to score the penalty.

Subs:

Pepe  7/10 | Great pass to free Lacazette in the build-up to the penalty.

Willian / Elneny – N/A | On too late

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