After pulling out a come from behind draw in the first match, Tottenham Hotspur used a pair of first half goals to best Middlesbrough and advance in the FA Cup.
After not starting the previous two matches – but both coming on in the second half – Giovani Lo Celso and Erik Lamela helped drive Spurs from the start and gave Jose Mourinho plenty to consider as Tottenham Hotspur advance in the FA Cup. Here are the player ratings from the 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough.
Defence
Paulo Gazzaniga 7.5/10
Paulo Gazzaniga had a solid game despite giving up a late goal. Gazzaniga had three saves on would-be goals and made another nice block out wide after Boro beat Spurs offside trap by making himself big and blocking the cross. There was little he could do on the goal but did enough to help Spurs advance.
Japhet Tanganga 8/10
Making his second start for the senior club in as many games, Japhet Tanganga continued to impress. Playing right back, he pushed up the right flank and caused a lot of trouble for Middlesbrough. Tanganga had a couple of decent crosses and led the team in touches with 96. He showed bursts of energy late, driving up the touchline in injury time. But like many crosses on the day, no one was on the other end. Another solid showing from the young academy product.
Davinson Sanchez 6/10
Sanchez was not quite as assured as he was on the weekend versus Liverpool, but still put in a solid shift. A constant presence in the air, it was Sanchez winning the long clearance that led to the second goal on the game. He almost miscommunicated early with Gazzaniga on a header back but avoided disaster. Sharp with his passing, hitting a 95%. Although the times he didn’t connect led directly to Boro chances.
Jan Vertonghen 6.5/10
After a great start to life under Jose Mourinho, Jan Vertonghen has shown some age as of late. It was a ball Vertonghen was unable to control that led to Boro’s best chance in the first half and Gazzaniga’s first save. Vertonghen also was beaten over the top on the trap.
Ryan Sessegnon 6.5/10
I’m not sure if Sessegnon was left wing-back or left wing during the match. Often found glued to the touchline, Sessegnon had a few runs at the right back and served up a couple of nice crosses. The biggest event for him on the night was probably his miss at the back post. At 51 minutes Japhet Tanganga played a beautiful cross that went across the mouth of the goal to Sessegnon at the back post, only to have the effort blow over the crossbar. It was a disappointing moment in an otherwise, productive, yet uneventful outing for Sessegnon.
Midfielders
Harry Winks 7.5/10
Harry Winks was ever present for Tottenham against Middlesbrough. Tying Vertonghen for the second most touches at 93 and tying both Vertonghen and Dier for the most passes attempted at 79, Winks was a constant outlet for the defence and a drop-off option for the attack. Moving quicker up the pitch than one often see’s Winks, Harry controlled much of the pace particularly in the first half.
Eric Dier 7/10
Like Winks, Eric Dier was a consistent outlet for defence and had one of his stronger overall games in a couple of weeks. Whistled for a couple of fouls, Dier set the tone in front of the back line and probably would like to have done better with a good team move that he ultimately blasted over from about 25 yards out. Subbed late on in the match, Dier looked back to his top form.
Attack
Giovani Lo Celso 7/10
Was essentially gifted an early goal, when Mejias tried to play out to his fullback only to have the Giovani Lo Celso step in and steal the ball and blast for the 1-0 lead within the first two minutes of kickoff. A constant presence with his on-ball pressure, Lo Celso was inconsistent with his passing and lacked that burst to get by the defender. A big contribution with the goal, but still room for growth from the Argentine.
Christian Eriksen 8/10
If this was his last game as a Spur – how many times are we going to say that – then at least Christian Eriksen will have left with a better taste in his mouth. Despite not scoring, Eriksen played one of his better games in a while as he was active and lively. Probably feels unlucky not to have scored, but looked like someone who wanted to leave a lasting impression.
Erik Lamela 9/10
Erik Lamela had a vintage Erik Lamela game, wreaking havoc on the Middlesbrough defence and pushing the ball up the field on the dribble to drive the attack. Lamela was ultimately able to control the ball, dribble toward goal, and calmly tuck the ball away with the outside of his left foot to give Spurs the game winner. Clearly looking to make a statement for his coach, Lamela ran the show today.
Substitutes
Heung-Min Son 6/10
Son played about 30 minutes but wasn’t at the top of his game. He did have a couple of opportunities which he didn’t finish. With Kane’s long-term absence, the team needs more from the South Korean to stay in the top four race.
Dele Alli N/A
Dele came on late for Dier after Middlesbrough scored their goal. Dele had one chance late in extra time, but mostly just came on for fresh legs.