Balanced Effort Shown in Tottenham Player Ratings vs Bees

2 of 5

Tottenham Hotspur’s French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris reacts with Tottenham Hotspur’s Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez at the final whistle during the English League Cup January 5, 2021. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Tottenham Defensive Ratings

Tottenham got the clean sheet on defense and limited the clear looks for Brentford. Almost caught out, but saved by VAR, when focused, Spurs can do it. Did well to handle a strong Championship attack and keep them blunted most of the evening.

Hugo Lloris – 7

Hugo Lloris made three saves and maybe as important he had two big claims in the box. The first claim Lloris came a bit extra far and then released a punt quickly out to Son on the attacking end. Son did not control the ball, but Lloris establishing the box as his, as well as the threat of the quick counter was important against Brentford. The Bees are a good set piece team – as shown on a thrown-in goal that was called back for offside – and that Hugo doing enough to make Brentford think twice was important.

Sergio Reguilón – 8

Sergio Reguilón played like a man who was trying to get out of the coach’s doghouse, which we know Reguilón is. Sergio played with an aggressiveness on the ball not seen since early in the season, where he was attacking as soon as he received the ball and working to win the ball with four successful tackles. Reguilón drew three fouls and more importantly placed the perfect cross into Moussa Sissoko for the opener. Withdrawn with 19 minutes to play as he had a yellow from a professional foul stopping an Ivan Toney counter, was a good performance from the Spaniard.

Eric Dier – 7.5

Eric Dier had a solid match leading the back line. While it was on Davinson Sanchez often to handle Ivan Toney, Dier was strong throughout cleaning up. Clearly following a game plan that was meant to look long early, Dier kept the Brentford defense under pressure with attempts over the top to Moura and Son. While they were not all effective, it kept Spurs up the field and Brentford deep. A couple nice blocks and nearly a half dozen clearances, Dier was busy as he noted after the match.

Davinson Sanchez – 8

Davinson Sanchez splits opinions within the Tottenham faithful as he is not the most refined player on the team. However, Sanchez is strong in the air and can be physical with the best of them. Every bit of that aerial prowess and physicality was needed today as Ivan Toney was as good as advertised. Toney was in and around the ball all evening, but rarely was he there without Davinson Sanchez right next too him. Four successful tackles, five clearances and nearly 90% passing, without committing that big foul on Mbeuno in the box, Sanchez showed he is learning and improving.

Serge Aurier – 7

Almost caught out once in the first half for being too far up the pitch, Serge Aurier gave Brentford fits all evening. Just as Reguilón was a problem for Brentford on Spurs left, so too was Aurier on Spurs right. Had a huge block early in the second half on Ivan Toney to prevent what was a shot on target. Only moments later Aurier was on the other end following a give-and-go with Lucas Moura and somehow blasted over from close range. Spurs did not need the goal in the end, but it left Aurier with some room for improvement on what was otherwise a strong day.