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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dan Kilpatrick

Tottenham player ratings vs Arsenal: Harry Kane rises to occasion as Heung-min Son continues superb form

Tottenham thrashed 10-man Arsenal 3-0 to close the gap to their fourth-placed rivals to a point in a memorable north London derby win.

Harry Kane continued his record as the fixture’s top scorer by giving Spurs a 2-0 lead by half-time with his 12th and 13th derby goals.

Kane converted from the penalty spot after Heung-min Son was fouled by Cedric Soares before stooping to nod home a second ball from a corner.

In between the goals, Rob Holding was dismissed after picking up two yellow cards for rash fouls on Son, who added a third seconds after the restart.

Dan Kilpatrick was at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the home players...

Hugo Lloris 8

Had to be alert to keep out Eddie Nketiah’s effort shortly before half-time and saved sharply from Martin Odegaard at 3-0. Commanded his area superbly.

Davinson Sanchez 8

Initially looked jittery but grew into the game, particularly in possession. His crisp pass into Kane made the third goal.

Eric Dier 7

One early lunge aside, he was composed and commanding at the heart of the three, even without the injured Cristian Romero beside him. Surely Gareth Southgate is considering a recall next month.

Ben Davies 7

Booked for a cynical but neccessary challenge on Bukayo Saka in the early exchanges but kept a cool head therefore in another experienced display.

Emerson Royal 7

Missed chances either side of half-time, the latter forcing a great save from Aaron Ramsdale, but otherwise put in another impressive display. Finally growing into the wing-back role.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 8

A willing runner and often in the right place to snuff out Arsenal attacks. Overhit a couple of early crosses but made amends with some incisive passing after the break, including one great ball for Sessegnon.

Rodrigo Bentancur 8

In a frenetic game, he added a touch of calm to Spurs’ midfield, using the ball impressively. Made Kane’s second goal with a header down from Son’s corner.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Ryan Sessegnon 8

Another mature display as he continues to justify Conte’s faith. Unlucky not to finish with an assist, with both Emerson and Son spooning over chances after he had put them on a plate.

Dejan Kulusevski 7

His cross to the back post led to the penalty and he gave Takehiro Tomiyasu and then Granit Xhaka a tough evening with his strength and trickery.

Heung-min Son 8

Involved in all three goals and the sending off as he continued his superb form and moving to within a goal of Mohamed Salah in the race for the Golden Boot. The Premier League player of the run-in?

Harry Kane 9

After a quiet month, at least by his standards, rose the occasion and continued his unparalleled record in his fixture with two goals. Might have had more and nearly assisted Emerson with a great cross.

Subs

Lucas Moura (Son 71’) 6

Ran around a bit as Spurs saw out the win.

Steven Bergwijn (Kulusevski 71’) 7

Threatened to turn and run at goal on a couple of occasions but Arsenal held firm.

Joe Rodon (Davies 81’) 6

It was a measure of Spurs’ comfort that Conte felt able to introduce the defender in his first appearance since February 5.

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