PLAYER RATINGS: Tottenham 2-0 Newport County

Michel Vorm – 6 – Considering Newport did not really test the Dutch keeper, it’s difficult to rate him. But he was composed in possession and commanding in the air.

Serge Aurier – 7 – He seemed to leave a lot of space behind him to expose but it did not matter in the end against a weak opposition. He was really enthusiastic in going forward, taking on players and providing a wide option for his team.

Toby Alderweireld – 7 – A fine return from injury for the Belgian centre back as he looked rusty in the beginning but grew into the game. His tackling in the opposition half prevented counter attacks and kept the pressure on Newport which was important to break them down.

Juan Foyth – 7 – Very assured and calm for his age, the young Argentine really shined alongside Alderweireld, albeit against a lower league side. His passing is really impressive, allowing him to start attacks from the back. He is also deceptively quick for a centre back which helps him keep up with faster strikers.

Danny Rose – 8 – Another welcome return to the squad, Rose was all over the pitch today, producing a great performance. He was active on both sides of the pitch and he was not afraid to take on players even though he was fouled on numerous occasions.

Victor Wanyama – 7 – A solid display from the Kenyan as he did not give Newport attackers an easy time in the middle of the park. His strength in tackles and quick passing put Spurs on the front foot, allowing the creative players to work their magic.

Harry Winks – 7 – I am a big fan of Winksy I must admit, and it was a scary sight to see him first go down, then to hobble for a few minutes. He was okay to continue though, and he showed glimpses of the player he was before the injuries. Poch will be expecting good performances from him against better sides for the rest of the season.

Erik Lamela – 8 – A man of the match performance from Lamela as he ran the show for 90 minutes for Tottenham. He had everything in his game today, passing, movement, scoring, and tackling. He never stopped running and probing, and he is screaming for a starting role in the upcoming matches.

Son Heung-Min – 8 – He would have been the man of the match if he stayed on for longer than 60 minutes. The South Korean tortured the Newport defenders with his pace, dribbling and creativity, and he never let up. It was a shame that he did not score a goal but he was heavily involved in Lamela’s.

Moussa Sissoko – 3 – He hasn’t looked good against Premier League sides, and tonight he didn’t look good against a League Two side either. His lack of technique really hurts him and the team as he constantly kills promising attacks with bad touches, passes and crosses. His energy and physicality are there but a Premier League player needs more than that.

Fernando Llorente – 4 – Only gets a little better than Sissoko because of his movement and willingness to get in the danger areas, but the Spaniard is looking like another failed Harry Kane backup project. He missed two glorious opportunities late in the game, and he was not too involved in the attacking build up. Not good signs for the rest of the season.

Subs

Christian Eriksen – 7 – A brilliant 30 minutes of action from the Dane as he partnered with Lamela in the middle to create countless chances against a tired Newport side. It’s a travesty that he finished this game with zero assists.

Dele Alli – 6 – A very impressive cameo, but what a miss!

Kyle Walker-Peters – N/R