Tottenham took their time to grow into their crucial Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow, but eventually flourished to edge out the hosts by a 1-0 scoreline. So who impressed and who failed to make an impact?
Hugo Lloris, 7
Dealt with everything he needed to with minimal fuss. Spurs looked panicky at the back in short spells, but they can always rely on the calm head of captain Lloris.
Kieran Trippier, 5
Did little to prove he can be anything more than back-up to Kyle Walker, who offers double the attacking threat of Trippier. The former Burnley man was wasteful with his deliveries, particularly on one occasion when he put far too much power on a cross to the visible annoyance of four teammates.
Toby Alderweireld, 8
Has Toby Alderweireld ever been beaten one-on-one? I’m yet to see it. An assured defensive display, as usual.
Jan Vertonghen, 7
Characteristically collected in possession, Vertonghen played well enough despite one poor headed clearance in the first half that very nearly lead to a CSKA goal.
Ben Davies, 6
Like Trippier, Davies is currently doing little to prove he can be a first teamer for Spurs. Rose simply offers much more, particularly offensively. Davies remains a steady option, and always does an efficient defensive job when called upon, but his crossing was noticably poor at crucial moments.
Victor Wanyama, 8
Spurs’ midfield enforcer truly excelled for the first time in a lily-white shirt, particarly after Tottenham had a lead to defend. A silly early booking only slightly blighted an otherwise excellent performance, combining a keen eye to read the game with strong, forceful tackling.
Christian Eriksen, 7
Similar to his role against Middlesbrough, Eriksen was tasked with coming deep to collect the ball in order to free up Dele Alli. He moved slightly further forward in the second half and was better for it; much of Spurs’ best play went through the Dane.
Erik Lamela, 7
Equal parts frustrating and critical, Lamela is making a habit of being one of Tottenham’s most important players week in, week out. He often holds onto the ball for too long, tries one trick too many, but always, always plays his part when Spurs win. His clever ball for Heung-Min Son’s winner was the turning point in a tight game.
Dele Alli, 5
I saw a lot of criticism of Dele Alli on social media during the game, much of which was justified. The midfielder was sloppy in possession and struggled to control the ball a number of times. But his stunning strike that rattled the bar proved what he can do even on a bad day. Alli is simply out of form, and deserves more patience from some supporters.
Heung-Min Son, 8
Another match-winning performance from a player Tottenham fans will be extremely glad the club kept hold of in the summer. Not everything went well for the South Korean (he overran a couple of dribbles, timed one or two shots poorly), but he grabbed a crucial goal yet again, his fifth in five games this season. Who needs Harry Kane when you have Heung-Min Son?
Vincent Janssen, 6
Janssen is desperate for that first goal from open play. The effort is there, but there’s a risk the Dutchman won’t contribute what Spurs need from him, goals, until the first one goes in. Was needlessly caught offside on a couple of occasions, too. I’m sure he’ll be fine once he’s fully acclimatised to a new level.
Substitutes
Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, 8
Aside from Erik Lamela and Heung-Min Son, Tottenham’s biggest game changer of the night was substitute George-Kevin N’Koudou. Dazzled with his pacy, direct dribbling and generally put Spurs on the front foot going into a crucial stage of the game. A very impressive cameo.
Harry Winks, N/A
Spent only eight minutes plus stoppage time on the pitch, but look assured and confident. His introduction was a heartwarming moment for the fans, and for the player too I’m sure.
Bit rough on both our FBs, mate, and I thought they rated higher. FBs are key in Poch’s system, and these two play different than Rose/Walker. For example, Davies links up very well with Sonny, and also looks after his defensive side more, giving his left flank player for license to attack without having to defend as much. Also, I thought Wanyama, Toby and Jan were key as a trio in the middle, with Hugo behind. A very solid central thread. But you were spot on with the rest of your ratings, good job. COYS!
I thought Trippier did well considering he hasn’t seen too much action so far this season. Strong in the tackle. I feel he reads the game much better than Davies.
I thought Trippier had a decent game and was worth a 6, same as Davies, but neither of those two are a serious threat to Walker and Rose, at this point in the season. I was also very impressed with Victor Wanyama. He just fits in seamlessly in the DM role, to the extent that Eric Dier is not missed. Very strong in the challenge, as expected, yet surprisingly composed on the ball, his distribution was spot on all night. Sparkling cameo from Nkoudou who looked very lively and played with remarkable maturity and intelligence when he came on. I was impressed that he didn’t try to do too much when in possession and get isolated from his teammates, but held the ball up very well and then used it astutely. Overall an excellent team peformance and a job well done.
Lamella apart from the assit was horrible hold on to the ball way too long and was wasteful in most of his passing it is time for lamella to be more efficient he is really starting to annoy me
Agree 100% – runs around aimlessly with pathetic passing or no passes!
Agreed in the main but a little harsh on our two full backs i thought especially Davies is a very competent good full back and Trippier for his first outing made no poor defensive decisions or missed tackles. We need to play wider up front when we don’t have Rose and Walker and George NK looked a very promising answer when we are forced to rotate and play the less attack talented full backs. Lamella I might have rated slightly lower as he did over dribble and lost the ball too often especially in the first half and I may have rated both he and Delli as 6.
A fantastic performance with 5 certain first teamers out. COYS
Full backs did a reasonably good job wanyama was solid he can give us the option to play in a 4 1 4 1 formation if were chasing the game Erickson was also sloppy in dome off his play lamela gets a 5
How you rate Son as 8 is beyond me, his goal was lucky and his shooting appalling. His choice of pass leaves a lot to be desired at times. 6 at best
IMORTEB
Ali poor I felt and I agree with comment that Song was over rated though cannot fault effort.
We did a Job so well done but are yet far from last year’s heights ….coys
Son 7, Trippier 6. N’koudou very impressive. Think we can easily top this group. We’ve now got strength in depth in most positions, strikers still a bit of a concern. Is Janssen another Soldado? Dele needs to be rested and get more professional with his demeanour.
Agreed Lamela is improved but also becoming frustrating at the same time he’s a good player but he hasn’t got it to be a great player,n,George nk looked very assured on the ball,and son is are new striker who seems to gel the midfeild better,
davies did a very competent job , sound in defence and all night got forward in support of the attack — please do not let him go