Mikel Arteta has made it clear that one Arsenal player’s performance is starting to stand out from the rest, hinting that he might soon become a regular starter. Speaking after the match, Arteta stated, “Based on his performance today, it’s clear he’s not a player who should be benched for anyone. If he keeps playing like this, I might reward him with a starting position soon.” Interestingly, Arteta’s praise was not directed at Thomas Partey or Gabriel Martinelli, often seen as key figures in the squad, but at another standout individual.
In a tightly contested North London Derby, Arsenal managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham. The game was far from easy for the Gunners, especially with the absence of key players like Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, which had a noticeable impact on their performance. Tottenham had several chances through players like Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke, but Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya was solid, making several crucial saves to keep the scoreline level.
Without the usual control in midfield, Arsenal’s best opportunities seemed to come from counter-attacks, with Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz both coming close to breaking the deadlock. The match was tense throughout, with seven yellow cards issued in the first half alone, highlighting the intensity of the derby.
In the second half, the game remained closely contested, but it was Arsenal who eventually took the lead. Bukayo Saka delivered a perfect corner, allowing Gabriel Magalhães to score with a powerful header, giving Arsenal the all-important goal in this fiercely competitive encounter.
### Player Ratings:
– **David Raya**: Made several important saves in the early stages, ensuring that Tottenham’s attacks didn’t result in goals. His focus was unwavering throughout, making him a key figure in Arsenal’s win on his 29th birthday. **Rating: 7**
– **Ben White**: Had a difficult afternoon dealing with Son Heung-min, who repeatedly got the better of him. White also had some careless moments in possession and didn’t look as sharp as usual. **Rating: 5**
– **William Saliba**: While he struggled at times against Dominic Solanke, Saliba was generally solid in defense and maintained his usual composure on the ball. **Rating: 6**
– **Gabriel Magalhães**: A standout in defense, making numerous blocks as Arsenal faced waves of Tottenham pressure. His performance was capped off with a crucial goal from a corner, showcasing his value in both defense and attack. **Rating: 8**
– **Jurrien Timber**: Despite suggestions that he could have been sent off in the first half, Timber remained composed and performed with the required intensity for such a high-stakes match. He was rarely beaten by his opponent. **Rating: 7**
– **Thomas Partey**: Played reasonably well in Arsenal’s build-up play but was slightly exposed in midfield without Declan Rice to support him. His lack of mobility was noticeable at times. **Rating: 6**
– **Jorginho**: Struggled with the pace of the game, particularly when asked to press high up the field. He was turned too easily by Kulusevski on multiple occasions. While he contributed to the team effort, he is better suited to playing as a lone defensive midfielder. **Rating: 5**
– **Bukayo Saka**: Once again proved his worth by either scoring or assisting in every game this season. His inch-perfect corner led to Gabriel’s goal, making him the difference-maker in the match. **Rating: 8**
– **Gabriel Martinelli**: Made several promising runs down the left wing but his decision-making was inconsistent. He delivered one excellent cross to Havertz, which on another day might have led to an assist. **Rating: 6**
– **Kai Havertz**: Held up the ball well as Arsenal looked for ways to relieve the pressure from Tottenham. He showed good quality in possession in the final third, contributing positively to the team’s attack. **Rating: 7**
Arteta’s comments reflect his growing confidence in this unnamed player’s ability to become a mainstay in the starting lineup. With performances like this, it seems likely that he will earn a regular spot in the team sooner rather than later.