Tottenham picked up four points this week in the Premier League from two away matches, but will feel it should have been six.
VAR controversy in the match against Southampton left many Spurs fans aggrieved. However, a last-minute winner on New Year’s day would have lifted spirits significantly.
Let’s take a look at which players left their mark, and which players struggled to make an impact.
Winners:
Davinson Sanchez
This is another player who has seen great improvement under Antonio Conte’s leadership. The former Ajax man has had some struggle recently, however, this week showed a lot more of his potential.
A clean sheet against Watford, followed by heading home the winner will have done his confidence the world of good.
He is beginning to look much more assured and less nervous on the ball, and hopefully, this form can continue going forward.
Son Heung-Min
The reason this man makes the list is due to his ability to change a game, even when he is not playing well.
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Spurs were poor in the first half against Southampton, however, a brilliant run into the box from Son drew a penalty which brought Tottenham back into the game.
Following this, after not making much of an impact against Watford, he was able to swing in a great delivery to assist the winning goal in the dying moments of the game.
These two instances this week were a reminder of just how important Son is for Tottenham Hotspur, due to his ability to change a game at any moment.
Harry Winks
A man who looked greatly out of favour at Tottenham Hotspur now seems to be back in contention at the club.
Against Southampton, Winks made some great forward passes, which was very refreshing to see. He arguably should have had a game-winning assist, but we will come back to that!
As well as this, he came on against Watford and looked bright, with his head up always looking to make that killer pass.
He has shown great improvement recently, perhaps leaving the door open for a future at Tottenham after all.
Losers:
Emerson Royal
This one does feel harsh. The player is still young and by no means am I writing him off. I still have great hope for the Brazilian. However, this was not his week.
Against Southampton, he wasn’t often able to put a cross in, and against Watford, he put in many but was very rarely able to find his man.
With Conte’s style featuring heavily around the forward ability of his full-backs, I do fear for Emerson Royal at the moment. Let’s hope he can get back on track.
Sergio Reguilon
The reasons for this are all too similar to the reasons for Emerson Royal’s inclusion on this list. However, Reggy arguably had an even worse week.
Wasteful with his crossing against Southampton, and a silly booking to his name, he was hooked off at half-time.
Things didn’t exactly improve against Watford, either. It felt like every time he got in behind he couldn’t do anything with the ball.
Another player who will need to improve quickly to prove to earn Conte’s trust.
VAR
Each week I like to include a loser who isn’t necessarily a player, especially when Spurs haven’t lost during the week.
After both matches this week I was left thinking, what is the point of VAR?
Harry Kane’s goal which was ruled out looked perfectly onside, and it left me feeling more upset and frustrated after a Tottenham game than I had in a while.
Fast-Forward to Watford, and VAR misses a blindingly obvious penalty as Eric Dier is brought down to the ground.
It begs the question; when will they get VAR right?
However, all-in-all a solid week for Spurs who made ground on the top four. That looming game against Arsenal looks bigger and bigger by the day.
COYS!
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