The half-time whistle has blown in the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United, and it’s time for our player ratings.
Tottenham are looking to open up a four-point gap over West Ham United tonight following the Hammers’ defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. However, Spurs are yet to find a breakthrough against Leeds.
Let us take a look at how the individual players got on:
Antonin Kinsky – The Czech international was forced into a huge save on the 20-minute mark after former Tottenham centre-back Joe Rodon headed towards goal following a well-worked Leeds United corner. 8.
Pedro Porro – The full-back came close to registering an assist after playing Richarlison through on goal early in the first half, but the Brazilian could not take the ball in his stride. Porro’s deliveries from deep have also looked threatening, although Leeds have dealt with them fairly well. He created another good opportunity for Rodrigo Bentancur from a corner, but the Uruguayan headed wide. Porro also came close to giving Spurs the lead following a low-driven shot from inside the box, although his effort was blocked. 7.
Kevin Danso – Leeds have barely put the Tottenham backline under sustained pressure so far. However, Danso did make a crucial interception after Mathys Tel almost played James Justin in with a dangerous ball across the Spurs box. Booked. 7.5.
Micky van de Ven – There has been little need for his recovery pace so far, but he remains a vital piece of Roberto De Zerbi’s setup when Spurs are out of possession. He has often stepped high into midfield when Leeds are on the ball, helping Tottenham maintain pressure. 7.
Destiny Udogie – The full-back made a vital interception in the first half when James Justin was played through and Pedro Porro was caught out of position. Udogie has also offered overlapping and underlapping runs throughout the game. 7.
Joao Palhinha – Operating in the pivot alongside Bentancur, he has performed his role brilliantly by shielding the backline and winning possession, helping Tottenham break quickly. He did have a fine opportunity to give Spurs the lead in the first half, but fired over from inside the box. 7.
Rodrigo Bentancur – The midfielder has been everywhere for Tottenham this evening, winning the ball back and progressing play up the pitch. He has also led the press whenever Leeds have attempted to play out from the back. Bentancur should have done better from a free header following a Porro corner, but guided his effort wide. A stellar display so far. 8.
Conor Gallagher – Full of energy throughout the first half, Gallagher has contributed in attack while also tracking back defensively. He simply has not stopped running and has also drifted into wide areas effectively. 8.
Mathys Tel – There was a nervy moment in the first half when he almost assisted James Justin. Tel has held onto the ball for too long at times, slowing down attacks. However, his dribbling has caused Dan James plenty of problems and created several openings, although his finishing let him down on one occasion. His crosses into the box have largely been accurate and have troubled Leeds consistently. 7.5.
Richarlison – The striker should have done better with Porro’s through ball early in the game. He also needs to improve his hold-up play as he continues to lose aerial duels. Richarlison did have a good opportunity following a Porro cut-back, but his effort was straight at Karl Darlow. 6.
Randal Kolo Muani – He has looked positive with the ball at his feet out wide and has consistently looked to take on his man, although not every attempt has come off. He still needs to offer more in the final third. 6.