Tottenham Hotspur continued their unbeaten start to life under Ange Postecoglou in the Premier League this evening, recording a 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace.
Let’s take a look at how the individual players got on:
Tottenham Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammate Emerson (L) and Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Guglielmo Vicario – 6.5 – Did his job when Tottenham needed him. A smart stop and some quick reactions early in the first half. After that, he was more of a sweeper passing out from the back.
Pedro Porro – 6 – Not at his best in the first half. Lost the ball a couple of times and never quite found the space he needed in the pockets. A lot more dangerous in the second 45 when he drifted a bit wider. A few really nice balls into the box. Gifted Palace a goal at the end with some sloppy defending.
Cristian Romero – 7.5 – A dominant performance from the vice-captain again. Gobbled up any Palace player that dared come near him, and was probably Tottenham’s chief passer across the back line today. Really positive and proactive display.
Micky Van de Ven – 7 – A little quieter on the ball than Romero as a lot of the play went down Spurs’ right, but he won so many races in behind to sweep up danger. Such a powerful defender.
Ben Davies – 5 – Struggled to impose himself on the game. Tucked inside but never quite got involved in the Palace half. I wonder whether he was fully fit after coming off at half-time.
Yves Bissouma – 6 – Way off it today from Bissouma. A few nice moments but gave the ball away far too much. Not his usual press-resistant self. Could be a real battle between Bissouma and Hojbjerg to start against Chelsea now.
Pape Matar Sarr – 7.5 – Set up the Maddison goal/own-goal with his run in behind and cross into the box. Then helped to create the second with a lovely cross-field ball. Always full of running, but also full of such quality on the ball today.
James Maddison – 7 – Not at his scintillating best today, but neither were Spurs. The important thing is that he turned up when required and provided the split-second spark needed to break the deadlock. Sometimes that’s all you need on tough nights like tonight.
Dejan Kulusevski – 6 – Not really his game tonight. Crystal Palace were really well drilled and doubled up on Kulusevski whenever it went wide. Spurs had more luck with the raw pace of Johnson and Son in the end. He was still involved in some nice interplay with Sarr, but sloppy at times.
Heung-min Son – 7.5 – Son has been amongst the goals for the best part of a decade for Spurs, but he has a certain aura around him this season where you just feel he will be in the right place at the right time – Harry Kane-esque. Turning into a real captain for the Lilywhites under Ange.
Richarlison – 6 – Never quite happened for Richarlison once again. Struggling to get to grips with the wide-left role under Postecoglou and had a fair few wasteful moments this evening. Given enough minutes, I’m sure he can adapt, but Brennan Johnson is knocking on the door now.
Substitutes:
Emerson Royal – 6.5 – Seemed to offer a bit more than Davies. Even though he is right-footed, it doesn’t seem to matter as much when the full-backs play so inverted. More confident on the ball in tight areas and also covered well in behind defensively. Good shift from Emerson.
Brennan Johnson – 7 – Comes on and grabs an assist. Not much more you can ask for. His pace in behind seemed to be more of a threat this evening and he will fancy his chances to start against Chelsea.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 6.5 – Postecoglou clearly really trusts Pierre, and with good reason. He calmed things down and used the ball perfectly after coming on. Could he displace Bissouma next week?
Rodrigo Bentancur – N/A – WOOHOO!
Bryan Gil – N/A
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