Arsenal player ratings: Ramsey impresses but Xhaka’s struggles highlight defensive woes

SAME old Arsenal, defensive problems.

Unai Emery missed the chance to get another one over his North London rivals as his troubles at the back were well and truly exploited by Tottenham's counter-attacking brilliance.

Son Heung-min fired Spurs in front with 20 minutes on the clock, latching on to Dele Alli's through ball and keeping his composure to beat Petr Cech.

Despite already having the lead, Mauricio Pochettino threw on Harry Kane and he had an immediate impact as he fed in Dele to make it 2-0 with a classy finish and send Spurs through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Petr Cech

No chance with Son's finish nor Dele's as he was left exposed by his under-performing defenders. Made a couple of strange decisions you would not expect from a goalkeeper of his experience.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Played his first North London derby and got up and down the right flank well, especially when playing as a wing-back. But won't be threatening Hector Bellerin's place in the starting XI. Taken out by Moussa Sissoko and clearly struggling in the final stages.

Sokratis

Slipped at the crucial moment in the build up to Son's goal and headed back across goal from a corner when could have equalised. Has the fighting spirit missing from many Arsenal centre-backs over recent years but not quite at his best today.

Granit Xhaka

In an unfamiliar role on the left of a centre-back pairing, Xhaka was the man caught playing Son onside. Koscielny came on to sure up the defence but the Swiss international continued to struggle. Blazed an ugly free-kick well over just before the hour-mark then sat off Harry Kane as Spurs made it 2-0. Surprise, surprise was booked.

Nacho Monreal

Lost Son when he slotted in the opener and was forced into a more attacking role as a wing-back in the second half but had very little impact.

Matteo Guendouzi

Picked up a booking on the stroke of half-time. A rather anonymous game from the French midfielder who will be disappointed he struggled to stamp his authority on the cup tie.

Lucas Torreira

Still trying to work out where he hides those magnets that mean the ball always seems to gravitate towards him.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Should have scored when slipped through one-on-one by Ramsey and only had Paulo Gazzaniga to beat. Took a hefty whack towards the end of the first period when Lucas Moura made a fine tackle and was replaced at half-time. Another chance wasted.

Aaron Ramsey

Heavily involved on his 350th Arsenal appearance. Denied a brilliant goal after his left-footed volley was turned on to the post. Always looking to create and make something happen but was forced to play a deeper role when the substitutes came on.

Alex Iwobi

One of the brightest sparks for Arsenal, especially in the first half. But despite his good performance, Emery could not rely on him to find a crucial goal and was taken off with an hour played.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Came close to punishing Gazzaniga when he closed down a clearance, sending it looping into the air but Spurs just about got it away. Almost inadvertently set up a bizarre equaliser when his cross came back off the crossbar but again his team-mates failed to capitalise.

Laurent Koscielny

Came on at the break for Mkhitaryan as Emery switched to a back three for the second half. Was the last man left to chase Dele in vain before the England star expertly clipped over Cech to seal the win.

Alexandre Lacazette

Received a huge ovation when he replaced Iwobi at 1-0 but just a minute later saw his side fall two behind. Grazed the post with a left-footed effort from close range as Ramsey jumped out of the way.

Eddie Nketiah

The last roll of the dice from Emery with his side needing two goals, the same number Nketiah has for the club. Was unlikely to be the player to turn the game on its head but the experience will have done him the world of good.