Well, Tottenham managed to open their Europa League campaign with a victory, but they didn’t half make it harder than it should have been. Qarabag were actually the ones who took the lead, much to the disapproval to many on social media, finding a few excuses. Thankfully, Spurs managed to score three goals, and got the victory to save our blushes wherever we would have been tomorrow. Some players had a poor game, whilst others stood out compared to those who just put in a shift, but who scored the highest on the Tom Scholes Spurs ratings!
Hugo Lloris: 6-
He failed to keep a clean sheet due to the early penalty, but Hugo did well enough to prevent Qarabag from establishing a larger lead. He showed his commanding of the area, which is key to our squad, and kept the opposition at bay, and cleaned up when called upon.
Kieran Trippier: 5-
I was looking forward to seeing what Trippier could do on his debut, unfortunately he gave away a penalty almost immediately. He looked shaky to start with, but as the game progressed, he grew into the game and looked more assured. Trippier may not be world class, but in my opinion, he looks more of a safe bet at right-back than Kyle Walker.
Toby Alderweireld: 6-
Just a solid game from the big Belgian, which could have been made better if only he could have kept his headers down. He falls into one of the players who put in a good shift at the back tonight, getting his fitness up for the Sunday clash between Spurs and Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace.
Kevin Wimmer: 5-
On his debut, he was rather quiet at the back, and he wasn’t really tested either, which was a shame, as many fans were looking forward to seeing his debut. One for the future, but he needs game time in matches like this to gain experience and to work his way into the first team.
Danny Rose: 5-
Danny didn’t look like himself in the game tonight, as he looked rather lackadaisical at the back. He didn’t advance on the wing as he normally does, and he just let the game go by him. Rose has the potential to be a top quality full back, but I feel that tonight showed he should work on his concentration just that little bit more.
Tom Carroll: 5-
If I’m being perfectly honest, I forgot Carroll was even playing. He didn’t assert himself on the game, and was almost like a bystander for the whole ninety minutes. Some fans think he will come good, but I unfortunately don’t fall into that category. If he was going to make it into the first team, he would probably be there by now.
Eric Dier: 7-
As each week passes, Dier is looking better and better in the holding midfield role, and tonight was no different. He broke up play with ease, and had some good distribution at times. Him and Bentaleb in the middle could be a great partnership.
Dele Alli: 8-
My Man of the Match for his attacking display, and his energy. All game he was on top of his game, setting up Son for his second, and as someone said on Twitter, “Dele Alli looks like what Jermaine Jenas would have been if he had been bitten by a radioactive Zlatan”. Couldn’t put it better myself!
Erik Lamela: 4-
If it wasn’t for the fact he scored, I would’ve scored him a 2. He was awful from first minute to last, he couldn’t keep the ball for more than 5 seconds, and he was wasteful whenever he did keep the ball. Many thought that Sunderland could have been the game to change him, but no, I’m sorry but Lamela is a lost cause. One of the first things we need to do in January is sell this man!
Andros Townsend: 5-
Similarly to Carroll, Townsend was a passenger on this taxing Tottenham first team. Another player who can’t seem to grasp a first team place, despite most people knowing he can do it. Maybe he needs to prove his worth in training before he gets an extended run in the team.
Hueng Min Son: 8-
A brace as well as a energetic performance means that Tottenham might have a player who can add energy and pace into a dire front line. He took his goals well, and harried around to the Spurs’ fans delight. He could grow into a fans favourite, and his partnership with Alli is shaping up very, very well.
