Here’s how we rated the Tottenham Hotspur players following the opening forty-five minutes of action against Aston Villa
Tottenham head into the break against Steven Gerrard’s side 1-0 ahead courtesy of Son’s goal but have had to hang onto their lead for dear life after Villa dominated the remainder of the half.
Hugo Lloris: Called into action on a number of occasions following Son’s opener, some smart saves from Cash, Ramsey, McGinn and Watkins. Just about kept out Coutinho’s free-kick. 8.
Matt Doherty: Failed to recover from Cash’s heavy challenge on thirteen minutes. Replaced seven minutes later by Reguilon. 6.
Cristian Romero: Unsurprisingly, has enjoyed the physical nature of the game. 7.
Eric Dier: Passed the ball out of play while under no pressure summed up how flustered Spurs have been since going ahead. 6.
Ben Davies: Got his body in the way with some brilliant cover to deny Watkins from getting in behind the defence before half time. 6.
Emerson Royal: Needs to get tighter on the right to stop crosses into the penalty area. 6.
Rodrigo Bentancur: Has not been afforded much time on the ball and played a sloppy pass in a rare counter-attack when he should have found Kane or Son. 6.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Was caught napping from a set piece, thankfully Ings’ shot was straight at Lloris. Booked moments later after losing the ball to Coutinho but then went on to make a vital interception in the box to deny Villa a chance 6.
Dejan Kulusevski: Has had to play the majority of the match in his own half such was the pressure Villa have put on Spurs. 6.
Heung-min Son: Took his goal brilliantly, especially given the lack of time he had to react. 6.
Harry Kane: Unable to pull the strings and get runners in behind due to Villa’s dominance. 6.
Sergio Reguilon: Came off the bench to replace Doherty, and nearly got a goal just before the break. 6.