Hotspur HQ
Fansided

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings Leg 1 Carabao Cup Semi-Final

By Aaron Coe

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on January 8, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on January 8, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

Tottenham’s Midfield

Speaking of quiet evenings, the Spurs midfield was rather silent on the evening as they hunkered down and played defense, with only an inkling of attack.

Harry Winks – 6.5

Harry Winks was solid defensively and tidy in his sideways passing. Where I saw some growth from some recent outings was Winks’ willingness to make himself available to outlet from Spurs defense and keeper. When the center-halves are playing the ball back and forth, movement in front of them is critical. I saw more of it from Winks in this game, but still not what he was bringing 18 months ago. Whether it is confidence on the ball or on his ankle, Winks continues to be missing something that he had in last year’s champions league.

Moussa Sissoko – 7

Sissoko was all over the field for Spurs. There was an obvious increase in the crowd noise every time he got the ball. Moussa did well with some dribbling moves along the touchline in a couple of instances and looked to be aggressive when he got the ball. That aggressiveness carried over defensively where Moussa did his share of dirty work defensively. Another solid performance, although that final third still needs some work.

Dele Alli – 6

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 08: Eden Hazard of Chelsea is challenged by Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on January 8, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 08: Eden Hazard of Chelsea is challenged by Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on January 8, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

While Dele did yeoman’s work for his defensive efforts, he has made his name on the offensive side of the ball since joining Spurs. Tonight just wasn’t Alli’s night. He was active and around the ball, but just didn’t have much of it, leaving little lasting offensive impact on the game. However, like the other midfielders, Dele did his work on the defensive end.

Christian Eriksen – 6.5

Christian Eriksen just always seemed a step behind his normal self in this game. From the early lofted pass on a break that couldn’t get over the defender to Kane, to the well-struck but right at the keeper shot in the second half, Eriksen just wasn’t at his best. That said, Christian definitely stuck his nose in defensively making a couple of nice steals of the ball. While he clearly ran and did Eriksen-like things, it wasn’t a vintage performance.

Oliver Skipp – 7

Okay Oliver Skipp played exactly three minutes but did manage a nice tackle just outside the box on Hazard, that led to a corner, but kept the Belgium great from crossing or shooting. Just seeing him come on again is good! Harry Winks may want to start looking over his shoulder.