Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur - Player Ratings

Well was that ever sweet! A great all round performance, where every player pulled their weight, got stuck in and helped us to victory. “Victory through harmony” was certainly the case for this match. We took the bull by the horns and were unlucky not to get an early goal when Reyes rounded Robinson, but shot wide. From then on we were in full control, will only a few Spurs corners to contend with. The goal was coming, and what a confidence booster that could prove to be for Reyes. Despite missing other opportunities, the fact that he scored the winning goal in the derby game should do his self esteem the world of good. A late Robbie Keane header was all that troubled us for the second half. How we didn't get a second or even a third is beyond me, as the chances came and went. This was without a doubt the biggest one nil thrashing I have ever seen! All the team played really well and you will therefore see plenty of 7`s below!

Key Incidents:

Goal (Arsenal) (22) – Jose was set free down the left, with the defender catching up with him. He then used his pace to beat his man and then sent a thunderous drive into the far corner.

Man Of The Match – Jose Reyes

Player Ratings

Jens Lehmann - 7 - Looked assured all night. Spurs resorted to loading our area for most of the second half. This is normally a weak point for Lehmann, but in this game he dealt with all the crosses, claiming well, and then distributing accurately.

Ashley Cole - 7 - Did well to stifle any threat that came his way, but was however, lucky to survive a handball appeal, when the ball quite clearly struck his arm. In my opinion he was fouled first, with Keane pushing him, but as the referee believed there was enough contact to give a corner, we got away with it.

Kolo Toure - 7 - Much more solid in the air. Only beaten once by Defoe and even then he got back to clear the danger.

Philippe Senderos - 7 - Another game and another clean sheet. No way he can be dropped when Campbell returns.

Lauren - 7 - He created numerous openings down the right and gave them no space to attack.

Robert Pires - 7 - Good passing and good movement. He opened up space down the left, and helped Jose to have the game that he had.

Patrick Vieira - 7 - He imposed himself on the game and gave us strength in the middle.

Gilberto - 7 - Once again, he just got on with his job, sitting back and releasing what little pressure there was.

Cesc Fabregas - 6 - Moved about the pitch to pull the Spurs midfield around. Good general play, but he tired, and Wenger replaced him with Edu.

Jose Reyes - 8 - Finally his effort paid off. He has been taking the right attitude to games, but having no end product. Here he got the winning goal, hit the post and nearly stuck in an early goal after taking the ball past Robinson. He also created opportunities for others, most notably Edu, and was full of running.

Robin Van Persie - 6.5 - He also worked hard, and showed off a few flicks and tricks. Only managed the one shot, but showed again he now has the right attitude to the game.

Subs:

Dennis Bergkamp - 6 - He provided an outlet late on when we were clearing our lines.

Edu - 6.5 - Gave us strength down the let side, and had one good chance, which he hit at the defender.

Jeremie Aliadiere - 6 - A cameo role late on. He helped out the defence and nearly got through on goal.