Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings from 1-0 Win at Burnley

Tottenham Hotspur knew they were in for a battle going to Turf Moor on Monday evening, but Spurs did enough things right on both ends of the pitch to leave victors.

While it was a one goal win and Tottenham Hotspur got their first clean sheet of the Premier League season, the game was far from a Jose Mourinho masterclass. To win titles sometimes you must outlast your opponent and win with something less than the teams’ A-game. This was the case Monday night at Burnley as Tottenham overcame a tough and ready Burnley side to take a precious three points in the Premier League. So how did Spurs players fare and what did we think of their performance?

Spurs Goalkeepers and defenders

Hugo Lloris (GK) – 8

Hugo Lloris must have watched some tape of Joe Hart’s performance from last week in Europe, as Lloris was commanding in his box. Hugo cut out at least four different crosses in the air without once losing the handle and punched another away to safety. Hugo also made three saves and never seemed bothered in the net.

Matt Doherty (RB) – 6.5

After a tremendous effort in Europa League Matt Doherty was rewarded with a second consecutive start. Doherty had his moments with a few (4) decent crosses but also had a few slip-ups today. In the first half Matt was beaten bad diving in on the dribble leading to a shot on target from Westwood. Doherty also lost the ball once out on the wing, although he may have been fouled, but it was not called. Not nearly as sharp as he was in Europe, but a decent outing.

Toby Alderweireld (CB) – 7

Toby Alderweireld had an okay game overall for Spurs. He never made any mistakes and even took one nasty blow to the head leading to a three-minute delay, a head wrap, and likely some stiches after the match. Alderweireld ad a couple long ball attempts, but they never quite came off and Burnley was not interested in giving Toby the time to try a lot of them. Not his best, but solid defensively throughout.

Eric Dier (CB) – 7

Eric Dier had missed the last two matches after sustaining injury on duty with England. Dier was sound defensively, providing a few nice clearances with his head. He made one nice offensive run in to the box that just did not quite fall for him. With Westwood and Barnes for Toby and Eric to handle, the duo did well and kept Burnley’s top attackers in check.

Ben Davies (LB) – 7

Like Matt Doherty Ben Davies was not as good Monday as he had been on Thursday. On Thursday he was also playing center half, not left back. Davies was by no stretch of the imagination bad on Monday, but he did not have the same impact as before. A big block on Westwood near the hour mark and enough attack to keep Burnley on their toes.

Tottenham Midfielders

Moussa Sissoko (CM) – 7.5

Moussa Sissoko is an extraordinary athlete, and he covered a lot of the Turf Moor pitch Monday evening. Between Sissoko and Højbjerg, nothing really troubled the defense too greatly and the flexibility to play inside and out affords the team to get creative with positioning. A couple attacking runs but primarily sat defensively.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (CM) – 8

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg showed off yet another part of his all-around game against Burnley, with his dribbling. Højbjerg was the more attacking between he and Sissoko and this often meant that he was taking 2-3 dribbles starting in the back and driving toward midfield. While he was not taking players on, he was moving the ball and pushing the action. Did have one poor touch that led to a turnover and of course a shot, but no one is perfect. For a player that was thought to be relatively one dimensional, Højbjerg continues to demonstrate new skills each time out.

Tanguy Ndombele (CAM) – 7.5

What Pierre-Emile Højbjerg did for the back of the midfield Tanguy Ndombele did for the front. Often looking to beat men on the dribble, Ndombele nutmegged a Claret within the first minute of the game, only to be football tackled from behind by Brownhill who got a card. Ndombele is clearly enjoying his football and his touch and quickness allow him to turn on almost anyone. Tanguy could not quite find that final pass on the night missing Moura and Son both on through balls and failing in a little interchange with Kane at the start of the second. Was withdrawn for the last 13 minutes for Lo Celso.

Hotspur Forwards

Son Heung-Min (LW) – 7

Much like the way he started the season Heung-Min Son was not at his best on the day but came through with the big goal when it mattered. Son just did not have his normal first touch and it cost him. At 18 minutes Kane had played Son in, but his touch failed him, and the defense collapsed. Had a near gift when Pope cleared the ball to him, but again his first touch was not quite good enough to get him in on goal before the foul came. Great scoring goals but could be more if he were on.

Harry Kane (ST) – 7

Like Son, Harry Kane was not quite his best on the day, but he came through when it mattered most on both ends of the pitch. At about 70 minutes Kane cleared the header off a corner off the line. The corner was well over his head, so Kane spun off his man and ran to the goal line. This was good news for Spurs who would have otherwise conceded. His effort and flick on the second goal were outstanding as well. If Spurs can find a way to win when Son and Kane are not in top form that is good for the outlook of the team.

Lucas Moura (RW) – 6

Lucas Moura had a few mazy runs during the match but could not quite connect with the end product. Whether it was an overhit cross of a deflected pass, Moura just could not get that last bit in the final third to make it all click. First to be withdrawn at 55 minutes for Lamela, Moura has seen better days and with the competition growing may lose his grip on a slot in the starting XI.

Tottenham Bench

Erik Lamela – 7.5

Erik Lamela came into the match and did Erik Lamela things harassing the Burnley defense, chasing the ball, and scrambling to make plays. Lamela had one volley in the box but seemed to slip hitting it directly at Pope. Erik’s biggest contribution was the corner kick which Kane headed to Son and Son headed home. The hockey assist is always nice, and the play picked up when he came on. Did have one poor challenge late but avoided any booking.

Giovani Lo Celso – N/A

Came on for the last 10 minutes or so for Tanguy Ndombele and did not have a ton of time to contribute. However, Lo Celso did what Lo Celso does, which is get the ball and distribute it around completing all 14 passes he attempted and helping seal the deal for Tottenham

Joe Rodon – N/A

Joe Rodon made his Tottenham debut coming on in injury time for Son. Rodon never actually touched the ball, but at least got his number called and walked out on the pitch with the team. Surely there will be more opportunities to come.