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Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday, September 15. The win sees the Gunners climb up to second place in the table with 10 points from four games.
With both injuries and suspensions to deal with, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta fielded a makeshift lineup. Leandro Trossard played in midfield, while Jorginho was included in the XI and given the captain's armband as well. Both Tottenham and their visitors made slow starts to the game, with yellow cards coming sooner than serious chances.
The best chance of the first half came Gabriel Martinelli's way but the Brazilian decided to fire a tame effort goalwards instead of squaring it to an unmarked Bukayo Saka. Both teams attempted five shots apiece in the first period with Tottenham managing just one shot on target. There were seven yellow cards shown overall as the teams headed into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The second half began in a similar fashion as Arsenal skipper Jorginho was booked just four minutes after the restart. Both teams struggled to get going once again as the proceedings remained cagey. However, Saka's corner in the 64th minute found Gabriel Magalhaes unmarked in the box as he nodded the Gunners into a 1-0 lead.
Ange Postecoglou made three changes shortly after as he looked to aid Tottenham's comeback. Timo Werner, Wilson Odobert and Pape Matar Sarr were all brought on as Tottenham looked to go on the offensive. They attempted a total of 10 shots in the second period, with just four on target. Arsenal, on the other hand, managed just two attempts with their goal being the only one on target.
However, the Gunners defended well and defended deep as they shut up shop and secured a deserved 1-0 win. On that note, let's take a look at their player ratings.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya - 8/10
Raya was sharp in goal and made five saves throughout the contest. He also made two successful high claims from crosses and played nine long balls.
Benjamin White - 7/10
White made a slow start to the contest but won four duels, making two clearances and two interceptions.
William Saliba - 7/10
Saliba was the first player to enter referee Jared Gillett's book but soon found composure and played a good game. He won five duels and made three clearances as well.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 8.5/10
Gabriel scored the only goal of the game and was exceptional in defense as well. He won three duels, making seven clearances, two blocks and one interception.
Jurrien Timber - 7/10
Timber was solid in defense despite having a slightly hot-headed start to the game with a clumsy tackle early on. He won three duels, making three clearances and one interception.
Thomas Partey - 7.5/10
Partey distributed the ball with 81% accuracy and won all of his seven duels, making four clearances, two interceptions and one block.
Jorginho - 6.5/10
Jorginho distributed the ball with 82% accuracy and won three duels in a decent display as Arsenal captain.
Gabriel Martinelli - 7.5/10
Martinelli was electric with the ball at his feet as he completed six of his eight dribbles. He also showed great effort defensively as he won 11 duels. However, Martinelli missed a big chance to score in the first half as he fired a tame shot at Guglielmo Vicario.
Bukayo Saka - 7.5/10
Saka provided an assist for Arsenal's winning goal scored in the second half. He passed the ball with 86% accuracy, including two key passes and three accurate crosses. He also won four duels and made one clearance.
Kai Havertz - 7/10
Havertz had a decent game for Arsenal as he attempted two shots on target. He also won 11 duels, making five clearances as well.
Leandro Trossard - 7/10
Trossard passed the ball with 73% accuracy and also played two key passes. He made one clearance and one interception and saw his only effort blocked.
Substitutes
Raheem Sterling - 6/10
Sterling came on with 10 minutes left and was unable to make the desired impact for Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus - 6/10
Jesus came on with 10 minutes on the clock and failed to make an impact.
Ethan Nwaneri - N/A
Nwaneri replaced Saka in the dying embers but did not play enough minutes to warrant a rating.
