Toby Alderweireld made his first Premier League start since October as Tottenham drew 1-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday night.
After a goalless first half, Harry Kane found the net for the first time since his contentious goal against Stoke City after some good work by Heung-Min Son down the right.
Within a minute of the restart, Brighton were awarded a penalty when Serge Aurier was adjudged to have fouled Jose Izquierdo in the box. Pascal Gross made no mistake from the spot, although Hugo Lloris got a hand to his kick.
Spurs fought for a winner but didn’t do enough to earn more than a point following a disappointing attacking display.
One huge positive was the performance of Alderweireld, who looked far from sluggish upon his return to the Premier League starting line-up.
The Belgian has been left out of recent squads with Mauricio Pochettino insisting he hasn’t been fit enough, while there has been plenty of speculation about Alderweireld’s future in the press.
Brighton weren’t brilliant going forward, but the game served as reminder of Alderweireld’s defensive ability and composure on the ball.
Pochettino now has a decision to make ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United: Should Alderweireld keep his place in the side ahead of Davinson Sanchez?
In all honestly, it’s difficult to say. Sanchez has enjoyed a terrific debut season, but Tottenham look like conceding fewer goals when Alderweireld plays.
Who do you think should partner Jan Vertonghen against United? Let us know in the comments.
Yes Definitely
Toby, Toby, Toby, every time. Sanchez gets caught out far too often and only his pace prevents those blunders from Spurs leaking more goals. The Vertonghen/ Alderweireld axis was the best Premiership pairing last season and has to be utilised on Saturday against United and then, hopefully, in the Final. Jesus ripped Sanchez apart on Saturday. Maybe, he might be more ready next season if – as seems likely – we say our farewells to Toby. But for this season, Poch, if you want to win some silverware the Toby/Jan duopoly is a must!!!