Here’s how we rated Tottenham’s performance in Monday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Fulham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Guglielmo Vicario – 8
In the early stages, produced a great one-handed save to prevent Joao Palhinha’s header from a corner from entering the net. Was guilty of a sloppy pass that gave Fulham possession just outside the area and was fortunate to escape punishment for his error. Throughout the game, he didn’t have much to do, but in the closing 10 minutes, he saved wonderfully from Raul Jimenez.
Pedro Porro – 7
With his attacking runs, he provided Tottenham with an option down the right wing. Not long before halftime, one of those runs nearly saw him get on the end of Richarlison’s cross.
Cristian Romero – 8
With his surges forward, he demonstrated his offensive instincts and made some vital interventions in the area. Early in the second half, he received a standing ovation for a thunderous tackle on Willian just beyond the box.
Micky Van de Ven – 8
Had a good chance to score in consecutive Tottenham games early on, but couldn’t keep his volley down. After picking up a wayward Fulham ball that ended in his teammate reaching the top corner, he contributed to Son Heung-min’s opener. As usual, he defended well and had scorching pace at times to frustrate Fulham as they attempted to punish Spurs.
Destiny Udogie – 8
Showed off both sides of his game with some strong attacking play and great defending, including one tackle midway through the first half that drew a standing ovation. After some exquisite Tottenham play, he saw an effort blocked and then was in the right spot to stop Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s header with Fulham having a man in the box. Substituted early in the second half.
Hojbjerg Jean-Emile – 9
Due to Yves Bissouma’s one-match ban, he was named to the starting XI for the first time this season and made his mark with some strong tackles and touches of the ball. In the first half, came up with a timely intervention to get a key foot on the ball as Willian sought to profit on Vicario’s errant pass. He contributed to James Maddison’s goal by seizing a sloppy pass from Calvin Bassey and playing in Son for the first time. Outstanding performance.
Pape Matar Sarr – 7
As usual, he gave Spurs energy in midfield and came up with a fantastic defensive header just as Raul Jimenez appeared to be about to test Vicario at the back post. On the hour mark, he appeared to have taken a knock and was replaced by Oliver Skipp.
James Maddison – 8
As the Spurs’ final-third coordinator, he was always trying to make things happen. He scored in the 54th minute, neatly slotting past Bernd Leno after Son had passed him in. Another strong performance.
Dejan Kulusevski – 7
He got into some fantastic positions to connect up with his teammates, although his final pass was inconsistent at times. In the first half, I teed up Richarlison following a switch counter and was unlucky to see an effort in the area diverted. With Brennan Johnson back, it’s time to start adding up the stats.
Son Heung-min – 8
Early on, he had few chances, but he was on hand to give Spurs the lead with a stunning finish after taking in Richarlison’s ball. At times, he linked up wonderfully with his teammates, most notably his brilliant first-time flick that put Udogie in and his assist for Maddison’s goal shortly after half-time.
Richarlison – 8
Despite Brennan Johnson’s return to fitness, he kept his spot on the left of the front three and came agonisingly near to giving Spurs the lead when his low attempt from a quick attack just went wide. He was instrumental in the opening goal of the night, picking out Son with a fast pass and putting in a vicious ball that Porro nearly got on the end of. The ex-Everton man put up a strong performance, making an impact in the final third.
Substitutes
Emerson Royal (Destiny Udogie, 55) – 7
Came on at left-back following Udogie’s exit and made his case to Ange Postecoglou with a decent showing and two excellent blocks in stoppage time.
Oliver Skipp (Pape Matar Sarr, 60) – 6
Got some much-needed minutes under his belt as he came on for Sarr after 60 minutes. Put himself about and produced a timely tackle on Willian.
(Son Heung-min, 81) – 5
Great tackle on Alex Iwobi just as he looked set to shoot in the closing minutes
Brennan Johnson (Richarlison, 81) – 5
Limited minutes to make an impact but his pitch time will have done him the world of good after his recent injury.
Alejo Veliz (James Maddison, 81) – 5
Introduced from the bench for the third successive league match.
Leave a Comment