Arsenal
Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Tottenham: Eberechi Eze’s Historic Hat-Trick Demolishes Spurs in North London Derby
Arsenal moved six points clear at the Premier League summit with a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium. Eberechi Eze became the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick against Spurs in 37 years—only the fourth in derby history—while Leandro Trossard added the opener in a display that sent Manchester City and Liverpool further adrift.
The Standout Performers:
Eberechi Eze – 10/10 Delivered one of the greatest individual North London derby performances in history. His first goal arrived in the 41st minute, dancing through static Tottenham defenders before drilling home from the edge of the box. Just 35 seconds into the second half, he struck again with a clinical left-footed finish from 16 yards after Jurrien Timber’s pass.
Completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute when Leandro Trossard picked him out, shifting past Destiny Udogie before whipping into the bottom corner. Nearly added a fourth but Guglielmo Vicario clawed away his venomous strike. The boyhood Gooner who almost signed for Tottenham in August showed them exactly what they missed.
Leandro Trossard – 8.5/10 Opened scoring in the 36th minute with a moment of brilliance, swiveling before curling home Mikel Merino’s sensational lofted pass from outside the box. His movement throughout tormented Tottenham’s back five, constantly finding pockets between lines.
Provided the assist for Eze’s hat-trick goal with an excellent through ball, showing his unselfish nature despite hunting his own second. Replaced by Noni Madueke late as Arteta managed his minutes ahead of Bayern Munich.
Bukayo Saka – 8/10 Captained Arsenal superbly, conducting proceedings from his right-wing position with maturity beyond his 24 years. Stung Vicario’s palms with a curling free-kick that nearly found the top corner, then repeated the trick from a similar position later in the first half, forcing another save.
His delivery and creativity stretched Tottenham’s defense constantly, creating space for Eze and Trossard to exploit. Nearly provided an assist when Vicario pushed out his late curler.
Mikel Merino – 8/10 Operating again as Arsenal’s emergency striker, he provided the assist for Trossard’s opener with an exquisite lofted pass that split Tottenham’s defense. His movement and hold-up play allowed Arsenal’s attacking midfielders freedom to roam, creating overloads that Thomas Frank’s back five couldn’t handle. His willingness to drop deep and link play demonstrated tactical intelligence, making space for runners behind him.
Other Notable Performances:
Declan Rice – 7.5/10 Controlled midfield with typical authority, nearly opening scoring within three minutes when his crisply-struck volley was saved by Vicario after Eze’s clever lift into the area.
His corner deliveries threatened repeatedly, with one appearing to deceive Vicario before the keeper recovered to pluck the ball from William Saliba’s path. Dictated tempo throughout, though booked for a foul on Xavi Simons that sparked brief confrontations.
Jurrien Timber – 7.5/10 Provided the assist for Eze’s second goal, advancing into space on the edge of the area before slipping his pass through for the England international to finish. His overlapping runs from right-back stretched Tottenham’s defensive shape, creating numerical advantages down Arsenal’s most dangerous flank. Defended solidly when required, winning his duels and positioning himself intelligently.
David Raya – 6.5/10 Had virtually nothing to do for 54 minutes until Richarlison caught him off his line with a magnificent 40-yard lob that reduced the deficit. The goalkeeper was positioned too high up the pitch, allowing Tottenham’s striker to execute the audacious finish over his head. Made no other saves of note as Arsenal dominated territorially throughout.
William Saliba – 7/10 Dealt comfortably with Richarlison’s limited service, winning aerial duels and intercepting passes with typical composure. Nearly scored from Rice’s corner when the ball appeared destined for his forehead at the back post, but Vicario recovered to claim. His partnership with Piero Hincapie on debut showed encouraging signs despite Gabriel’s absence.
Piero Hincapie – 7/10 Made his full Premier League debut in the biggest fixture imaginable, replacing injured Gabriel Magalhaes at center-back. Handled the pressure admirably, defending sturdily and distributing accurately from the back. His composure under pressure suggested he belongs at this level, though Tottenham’s limited attacking threat made this an easier introduction than it might have been.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6.5/10 Operated at left-back in his inverted role, tucking inside during possession phases to create numerical superiority in midfield. Defended diligently when Tottenham threatened down their right flank, though those moments were rare. His positioning allowed Arsenal to dominate the ball without compromising defensive security.
Martin Zubimendi – 6/10 Anchored midfield alongside Rice, providing defensive cover and recycling possession efficiently. Got caught in possession just inside Arsenal’s half for Richarlison’s goal, allowing Tottenham their only moment of quality in the match. Otherwise solid without spectacular, fulfilling his screening role competently.
Substitutes:
Noni Madueke – 7/10 Returned from injury to replace Trossard late, immediately creating a chance for Eze that nearly brought a fourth goal. His pace and directness offered fresh legs as Arsenal managed the closing stages. Encouraging cameo after missing several weeks.
Cristhian Mosquera, Ethan Nwaneri – 6/10 Both introduced in the final stages to give key players rest ahead of Bayern Munich’s visit. Insufficient time to make meaningful contributions beyond game management.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – N/A Replaced Riccardo Calafiori in stoppage time. Too brief to rate.
Arsenal Women look to strengthen their Champions League qualification hopes when they host FC Twente at Meadow Park on Tuesday night.
The defending champions sit tenth in the league phase standings with six points from four matches and need victory to maintain realistic hopes of finishing in the automatic top-four qualification spots.
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT, Tuesday, December 10, 2025
Venue: Meadow Park (Mangata Developments Stadium)
TV: Disney+ (UK)
Form Guide
Arsenal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday, with Stina Blackstenius netting an 87th-minute winner after Olivia Smith’s opener was cancelled out by Beata Olsson. The result extended their unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions and marked their fifth WSL win of the season.
In Champions League action, the Gunners beat Real Madrid 2-1 on November 20 after coming from behind through Alessia Russo’s second-half brace. However, they lost their opening two home European games at Meadow Park against Lyon (0-1) and claimed a 2-0 away victory at Benfica between those fixtures.
Twente remain winless in the Champions League with just two points from four matches, sitting 14th and two points outside the playoff places. They drew 1-1 with Chelsea and Benfica but suffered defeats to OH Leuven (1-2) and Atletico Madrid (0-4). Despite their European struggles, Twente top the Vrouwen Eredivisie unbeaten with seven wins and one draw from eight matches.
Team News
Arsenal will be without Daphne van Domselaar (quad), Chloe Kelly (knee), Manuela Zinsberger (ACL) and Katie Reid (ACL). Anneke Borbe made her Arsenal debut against Liverpool and will earn her first Champions League start for the club on Tuesday.
Leah Williamson is available for limited minutes as she continues her comeback from the knee injury sustained at Euro 2025. Kim Little requires careful management after recent calf problems, with Renée Slegers describing it as “a loading issue.”
Twente have former Arsenal midfielder Jill Roord in their squad after she surprisingly joined from Manchester City during the summer, citing a desire to rekindle her love for football by returning home.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Borbe; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Cooney-Cross, Little; Foord, Maanum, Blackstenius; Russo
Twente (4-3-3): Lemey; Stroot, Oudejans, Pijpers, Oude Elberink; Groenewegen, Andradóttir, Pelova; Proost, Van de Velde, Roord
Also read: News of Unrest Engulfs Arsenal Women Camp – Manager Renee Slegers Clarifies
Renee Slegers has strongly denied reports of splits and player power issues within the Arsenal Women camp, insisting the reigning Champions League winners remain united despite sitting eight points behind WSL leaders Manchester City.
The Athletic published a damaging report during the international break, alleging divisions in the Gunners’ dressing room and dissent over player influence.
Slegers addressed the claims head-on during Friday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with bottom-placed Liverpool.
“There Will Be Noise” – Renee Slegers Hits Back at Dressing Room Unrest Reports as Arsenal Face Liverpool
“We won the Champions League, historically Arsenal has been the most successful team in England,” Slegers fired back. “There will be noise, there is noise. That’s all on the outside. We know what we’re doing on the inside.”
High-Performance Environment Creates Challenges
The Arsenal boss acknowledged the demands of elite football while defending her squad’s mentality. “It’s a high-performance environment so it’s a very challenging environment, we demand a lot of things from each other and it should be like that,” she explained.
“Every group of people will have things that they have to manage and get through. I am very positive about where we are at. We’re in a process, I believe in the process and we’re going in a really good direction.”
Slegers expressed frustration at the timing and nature of the report. “It’s unfortunate that is what’s written about us when we’re doing so many good things.”
Williamson Returns as Injury Crisis Continues
Arsenal will be without goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and England winger Chloe Kelly for Saturday’s noon kick-off, meaning summer signing Anneke Borbe will make her debut between the posts.
However, there’s positive news with the return of England captain Leah Williamson, who makes her first appearance this season after being sidelined with a knee injury since the European Championship. Midfielder Kim Little is also available again.
“Leah has a presence, which sometimes even without speaking it sets standards and creates a certain environment,” Slegers said. “It will be really, really good to have her back. It’s such a win for the team.”
Liverpool held Chelsea to a draw last month despite sitting bottom of the table, suggesting Saturday’s fixture at the Emirates Stadium won’t be straightforward for an Arsenal side desperately needing to close the gap on City.
Also read: Arsenal Women vs. Liverpool Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal Dragon
Renee Slegers Confirms The Position Arsenal Women Are Looking To Sign a Player From in January Transfer Window
Renee Slegers has confirmed Arsenal will sign a goalkeeper in January after revealing Daphne van Domselaar will miss the remainder of 2025 with a quad tendon issue, leaving the club relying on debutant Anneke Borbe and teenager Amy Liddiard.
The Arsenal boss made the admission during Friday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool, where summer signing Borbe will make her full debut with 17-year-old Liddiard providing backup from the bench.
Van Domselaar requires an injection for her quad tendon problem and won’t return until the new year, compounding Arsenal’s goalkeeper crisis. Manuela Zinsberger is already out for the season after rupturing her ACL in October, one of 17 players across the WSL to suffer knee injuries during that month alone.
“We Need Three Goalkeepers Available”
Asked directly if Arsenal want to sign a goalkeeper in January, Slegers didn’t hesitate. “Yes, definitely, because Manu is out and Daphne has been managing issues, so we’re definitely looking,” she said.
“We’re definitely looking at that position because we think we need a really strong goalkeeper union with three goalkeepers available and we’re not in that situation at the moment so we’ll have to solve that for the second half of the season.”
Arsenal have also been linked with Swedish right-back Smilla Holmberg as they look to strengthen multiple positions during the winter window.
Chloe Kelly Adds to Injury Woes
The goalkeeper situation isn’t Arsenal’s only injury concern for Saturday’s noon kick-off. Chloe Kelly suffered a knee injury on England duty against Ghana on Tuesday and will miss the Liverpool match. Like van Domselaar, Kelly could be unavailable until the new year.
Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang (on loan at Brighton) have also suffered season-ending ACL injuries this campaign, highlighting the brutal injury toll Arsenal have endured.
Slegers Dismisses Dressing Room “Unrest” Reports
Slegers was also asked about The Athletic’s report claiming the dressing room has been “splintered for many years” with some players “wielding significant influence” and underlying tension between squad members.
The Arsenal boss firmly rejected the narrative. “We won the Champions League, historically we are the most successful club in England, there is noise on the outside, there will always be noise, but on the inside we know what we are doing,” she responded.
“I didn’t agree with it and I think it is unfortunate that this is what is written about us while we are doing so many good things and a lot of people invested in the process.”
Also read: Arsenal Women vs. Liverpool Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
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