Tottenham earned an important 3-0 win over Leicester City to give themselves a fine chance of ending this season in a European place.
The win was built on some fantastic counter-attack play and it seems that Jose Mourinho has finally adapted the Spurs game to take advantage of the best qualities in the team.
It was a fine display and a fully deserved win, here are the Tottenham player ratings.
Hugo Lloris – 8
Although his defence protected him for most of the game, he still made at least two important saves, one from a Demarai Gray free-kick and another from a long-range strike from Kelechi Iheanacho.
Serge Aurier – 7
Had a fine game too and ensured that he covered his wing well from attacks from Leicester. He did lose the ball occasionally but nothing that cost us.
Toby Alderweireld – 8
Kept Jamie Vardy in his pocket and was solid throughout.
Davinson Sanchez – 8
Kept busy but he was able to do a fine job of ensuring that the Foxes didn’t get a goal from the air or through the ground. Booked late on for his troubles.
Ben Davies – 7
A fine performance from him. He was solid, especially when Demarai Gray came on and saved Spurs from conceding on at least two occasions with an important block and clearance. But he does let himself down with how often he loses the ball.
Harry Winks – 7
Kept the team in the game through the middle by intercepting balls and dictating the game when he had possession.
Moussa Sissoko – 7
Didn’t stop running at the Leicester City’s defence when he had the ball and bullied them when pressing them off the ball.
Giovani Lo Celso – 7
Had so many spells when he didn’t do anything, but he was important when Spurs attacked and held on to possession well.
Lucas Moura – 8
He was a menace down the right flank and took good advantage of the space left behind by the young Luke Thomas on a number of occasions. Provided two assists.
Heung Min Son – 8
Ran Leicester City’s defence ragged with his running. Caused the first goal, and another fine run almost resulted in another goal.
Harry Kane – 9
Played Son in for the first goal. Scored two and could have scored more. It was an outstanding performance from our captain.
Substitutes
Erick Lamela – 7
Ensured that Spurs still had the appetite to attack despite being three goals to the good.
Steven Bergwijn – 7
Gave Spurs extra pace to counter-attack as Leicester City chased the game.
Gedson Fernandes – 5
Used to waste time.
Oliver Skipp – 5
Used to waste time as Spurs saw out the game.
Manager
Jose Mourinho – 9
Got it exactly right once again. Hard to criticise him for anything.
Let us know what your Tottenham player ratings are in the comments below.
You know Hugo Lloris is “our captain” and not Harry Kane, right?
Players are maybe getting it, I thought Siss was anonymous though.
I seem to recall wet spam penning us back in our own half and Kane scoring in a breakaway. Palace are desperate for points so will have a go I reckon.
What watching us have 30 odd % of possession and being penned back in our own half for most of the match was entertaining? The result was great but it was hardly entertaining when compared to games under Poch during the height of his success, where we dominated teams completely with high pressing high tempo football. Ditto under Rednapp too. This was more like AVB but more successful. Just being honest.
Great result. Mourinho’s coaching ability is vital if
we don’t spend much. He seems to be improving players and giving them confidence. Moura looks like a different player.
Didn’t watch the game, yet commenting on ratings – hmmm, not sure you can be forgiven for this!
I was entertained.
It’s about how many teams are going to allow us to play on the counter, you can guarantee Palace wont .
José and levy will prove to be a match made in heaven.
We ain’t seen nothing yet brother. Next season and beyond. YIDZ
I do enjoy watching Kane Son and Moura break with intent. It’s finally clicking isn’t it? I actually thought we could have conceded today. Lloris made a wonderful save in the first half to deny Perez. The vardy backheel was a hairy moment for us too. Still, crucially we didn’t and the result was never in doubt. Despite the Sheff Utd and Bournemouth fiascos we have a good points tally since the restart. Just Palace to navigate now.
Not having possession when the game is flat and you’re 3-0 up isn’t a problem – and the game was flat 2nd half.
It was one of the strangest Spurs games I’ve ever seen, all Leicester up to a point (mostly restricted from outside the box), with massive possession, but we looked like we could score on every counter-attack we mounted. That and the last few games reminded me of how we can defend like a unit again. Never thought I’d say it this season, but safe as houses especially with Hugo in goal. We never looked shaky on any of their corners either. Toby and Dav looking like our best CB pairing. At’other end we look deadly; Kane, Son and Moura caused problems virtually every time we went forward. Can’t believe how Jose has improved Moura especially.
What did we learn from that game?
1. Kane is world class when fit. To stay fit we need another striker to bring on to rotate and rest him, or the same problem will keep happening.
2. Jose has improved the team in all areas from the final months of Poch’s reign.
3. We’re not so entertaining to watch anymore.
4. But perhaps the only stat that counts is the final score!
5. We need strengthening if trophies are to be won. Jose needs to keep chipping away at Levy that top sides have a top bench.
6. Our defence is looking strong again.
7. Our counter-attacking ability is scary.
8. Success now depends on Levy – if he wants to get his grubby little hands on CL money then he needs to buy, end of.
Didn’t watch the game at all… So forgive me, but these are very generous considering we saw less than 30mins of the ball.
Winks 8/10 Sissoko 6/10 LoCelso 6/10
Winks had one of his better recent games
Palace 5h!£ing themselves.