Clinical Spurs Top Foxes in Premier League
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham Hotspur used some clinical finishing and solid goalkeeping to beat Leicester City 3-1 in the Premier League and maintain the pace with Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.
Still down several first squad players and the new stadium further delayed, Spurs used some crafty play and competent finishing to defeat Leicester City. A big performance from Hugo Lloris as well as goals from Davison Sanchez, Christian Eriksen, and Heung-Min Son were enough to carry the day. Here is a look at what stood out and how the players rated for Tottenham Hotspur in the match.
Tottenham on Defense
Tottenham started out in a 4-4-2/4-3-3 hybrid, with Kieran Trippier, Davison Sanchez, Jan Vertoghen, and Danny Rose covering the back line, but finished the match with five in the back. Running against Damari Gray and later Jamie Vardy, the defense had much to contend with, but mostly held their ground.
Kieran Trippier – 7.5
Trippier’s biggest contribution on the day was likely his quick thinking to play short to Christian Eriksen on Tottenham’s first corner and first goal. The ball was hit with enough pace to beat the covering defender and give Eriksen time for a touch and to pick his head up. It looked like a training ground exercise for Spurs. Kieran Trippier was very accurate completing more than 90% of his 40 passes and had a decent effort on goal, which led to the corner. Defended enough when need be in a nice little battle with Ben Chilwell, which Trippier got the better of given the results.
Davison Sanchez – 8.5
Spurs’ young Columbian center-half continues to grow with the team. Davison Sanchez scored his first goal with the squad in the first-half – with a nice diving header from the Eriksen cross. Sanchez was good in the air and excellent under pressure with the ball at his feet today. This is the best I’ve seen Sanchez play against top competition without partnering with Toby Alderweireld, who started the day on the bench. Sanchez attempted the second most passes on the day and completed 90% of them, a strong all-around day for the young defender.
Jan Vertonghen – 8
Jan Vertonghen’s day was not dissimilar to the day Davison Sanchez had. Steady on the ball and forward thinking for the much of the day. Was likely disappointed when he made a second half run all the way from box-to-box – only for Tottenham to lose possession. Did commit two of Tottenham’s 11 fouls and received the one deserved yellow card on the day for Spurs. Jan’s studs were showing, and he was late, and while a harsh yellow, it was the truest of the three Michael Oliver handed out in the first-half to Spurs.
Danny Rose – 7
Picking up a yellow, having a good look at goal, drawing two of Leicester’s four fouls on the day – Danny Rose had a full afternoon under the arch. Rose worked up and down the left side of the attack and got off several crosses for Spurs. Ultimately not as active as Trippier was on the right, probably because he was supporting/being supported by Oliver Skipp rather than Moussa Sissoko who spent most of the afternoon on the right of the midfield three. Withdrawn just before injury time – for Kyle Walker-Peters – after appearing to pick up a small knock. Hopefully Rose is ready for Wednesday with Ben Davies still on the mend.
Hugo Lloris – 9
On a day when he was called upon quite often, Hugo Lloris helped ensure Tottenham Hotspur came away with the victory. Lloris had nine saves on the day, none bigger than the penalty he denied Jamie Vardy in the 60th minute after a questionable decision by Michael Oliver. This decision was one of two penalty shouts he got wrong on the day, but ultimately the ball never lies, and Hugo made a big save. Yes, he gave up a late goal to make it close, but it was more a great play by Vardy than anything done wrong by Hugo. The captain came up big today, including an strangely needed stop before the half on Tielemans
