Player Ratings for Tottenham Hotspur Victory over Newcastle
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham Hotspur did what good teams do in pulling out a 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Saturday afternoon at Wembley Stadium. So how did each player’s performance rate in the victory?
Tottenham Hotspur, at least momentarily, are in second place in the Premier League, a mere 4 points out of first. At worst, come Monday they can be no worse than the same 4 points back of first and a point back of second in third. Liverpool plays West Ham in London on Monday evening. Despite the injuries and the lack of signings, the Spurs squad continues to grow and hang around in the title race. Here’s how the lads performed in the 1-0 triumph over Newcastle.
Tottenham Defense
Hugo Lloris – 7.5
After a gaff that cost the team a goal midweek on a corner he didn’t reach, Hugo Lloris showed his world class shot stopping ability on Saturday afternoon. While he wasn’t called upon much, Lloris was up to the task when required. Matt Richie had a drive from distance for Newcastle’s first shot in the 55th minute which Lloris easily saved. It was the effort from Ayoze Perez in the 66th minute that stood out, however. Perez launched a rocket from 20 yards out splitting the defenders. Lloris got a good jump on the ball and used a strong hand for the save. Hugo also showed he still has top sweeper keeper skills coming off his line and out of the box to clear a potential break-away. A nice bounce back game for the team skipper.
Kieran Trippier – 7
It is difficult to put Kieran Trippier in with the defender ratings as he didn’t play much defense during the game. After a relatively quiet first half, less a free kick and corner; Kieran came to life in the second half and ultimately produced 4 shot assists on the game. With more than 80 passes Trippier put his work in for the side.
Davison Sanchez – 8
Speaking of putting their work in, Davison Sanchez definitely did that. With the job of covering Salomon Rondon all day, Sanchez did his fair share of work. Whether it was battling in the air with Rondon at midfield to keep the pressure on or running with him and using his strength to force Rondon wide instead of forward on potential breaks, Davison Sanchez was all over Salomon Rondon defensively. While still a little lose with his arms at times, Sanchez continues to grow and clearly plays better working next to Alderweireld.
Toby Alderweireld – 8
In many ways Toby Alderweireld had a quiet game, as he wasn’t called upon to make multiple game saving cut-outs. Rather Alderweireld played a smart game and ultimately had a big hand in the final outcome. Alderweireld is one of the best in the world in knowing when to knock a ball out or when to play it back or when to maintain possession and all of those skills were on display today. Not to mention his awesome long ball. One of which hit Fernando Llorente right in the chest and fell to Heung-Min Son for the game winning goal. Gosh, I sure hope he signs a new deal.
Jan Vertonghen – 8.5
Like some others in this list – but a more surprising name – Jan Vertonghen was unlucky not to have an assist today. In the first half Vertonghen played left wing back and was terrorizing De’Andre Yedlin. While the young American had some moments, the seasoned Belgian was Spurs most dangerous player in the first half. What was particularly impressive was how well Jan got off numerous crosses and how many of them got through. I know it is not his preferred position, but Jan Vertonghen is a top-notch wing back. Vert did finish as the left-sided center-half, after the team went to a three man back with two strikers up top. Vertonghen had an important first half block as well, he truly did a little bit of everything today.