Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings from Win Over Royal Antwerp

Tottenham Substitutes and Coach Ratings

The moves made at half-time and beyond by José Mourinho were all just about right as things turned positive for Tottenham in the second half. It is not that there were not chances in the first half, just that the resolve to make something from those chances was greater in the second half as Spurs took the game.

Steven Bergwijn – 7.5

Steven Bergwijn came on to start the second half for Sergio Reguilón and Tottenham became much more balanced. What is interesting about the change is that when Tottenham were in defense – until the other starters came on – Bergwijn still came down as the fifth back playing left fullback at times. He stayed with his runners and knew his place defensively. Just as important Bergwijn added some bite to the attack that was previously absent with his pace, power, and desire to get to the end line.

Heung-Min Son – 7

Heung-Min Son’s impact was mostly felt by his teammates. Son immediately sprinted after the ball from the kickoff upon entry, everyone else had to up their games as well. Sonny managed a couple shots on target during his 30 minutes, one of which forced a strong save. He hit a nice free kick that Davinson Sanchez headed over. Son is looking strong and ready for the run ahead.

Harry Kane – 7.5

The first steps Harry Kane took on the pitch were not as intense as those as his South Korean teammate, but with each passing step, Kane’s intensity picked up. Unlucky not to score off a corner kick he headed just wide; Kane wanted to find the net. Instead, he had to settle for an assist after dropping a bit deeper to pick up the ball off a Moussa Sissoko interception and then feeding Lo Celso for the goal. Whether a goal or an assist Kane is finding ways to get his name in the scorebook. Did almost score from his knees after losing his footing late in the box. He wanted the goal!

Tanguy Ndombele – 6.5

Tanguy Ndombele had a quiet 30 minutes by his standard. Playing in one of the two deeper roles in the midfield did his job by staying home. Once Sissoko was added next to him, the defense was rarely troubled again. Good to see Ndombele on the pitch after not being available for the North London Derby even if he did not do much.

Moussa Sissoko – 7

Moussa Sissoko came on and like Heung-Min Son increased the intensity of proceedings. Got the hockey assist for stepping up to win the ball that went to Harry Kane before the Lo Celso goal. Did not have a ton to do after that but did make the final interception of the game. Job done.

José Mourinho – 7

José Mourinho made all the right moves in the second half, from bringing on Bergwijn to create a slightly more regular shape to going for it with his best players at the end. Tottenham were not trying to hang on, they were trying to win and that is what happened. Marks would have been higher, but the first half formation left a lot to be desired.

Despite all the ‘wingers’ and fullbacks on the pitch the team had no real width and left too big of a gap between the defense and Carlos Vinicius. Fixed in the second half but should not have needed fixing. Luckily Mourinho went back to basics rather than continuing to overthink the match.

So there are our ratings, what did you think?