Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings from Chelsea Disaster
By Aaron Coe
![Tottenham Hotspur's English defender Eric Dier (L) fouls Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner (R) to concede a penalty for Chelsea during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 4, 2021. (Photo by Clive Rose / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE ROSE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Tottenham Hotspur's English defender Eric Dier (L) fouls Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner (R) to concede a penalty for Chelsea during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 4, 2021. (Photo by Clive Rose / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE ROSE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2c723724c8f9d0e7aabdb60e261fa8a9dc57c38a3a1406efce0112c7e3bac46d.jpg)
Defensive Ratings
Tottenham lack organization and ability on defense, a very bad combination that often leaves the team poorly positioned and extremely vulnerable to even pedestrian attacks like Chelsea’s. Despite Spurs supposed second half uprising, they still conceded more shots in the second half than they took as a team in the entire match.
Hugo Lloris – 5
Hugo did not have too much of a chance on the penalty. Seems to have lost confidence like the rest of the team and no longer is trying to command the box, but is reacting to what happens. His voice has grown silent during matches and he continues to struggle with his distribution.
Ben Davies – 3
Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi had Ben Davies running in circles most of the evening. Positioned far too high up the wing and lacking the pace to recover, Davies, like Aurier is starting from a deficit. Davies did try to make some attacking runs late but his crosses never connected with anyone.
Eric Dier – 1
Eric Dier showed that he is part of the problem not the solution on Thursday afternoon. Dier lacks the composure to be a center back whether on or off the ball and whether in the air, on his feet, and now on the ground. His need to clear even balls that can be simply controlled to give away possession leaves the defense under constant pressure. Completed less than 80% of his passes. Gave away one of the worst penalties I’ve ever seen. At minimum even if Werner does not fall like a leaf in October it was a dangerous play and Chelsea gets an indirect freekick from the spot. Of course Andre Marriner would have to be in position for that, but that is a different story and none of it excuses that lack of any conceivable footballing skill shown by Dier on Thursday. Was greedy and wasteful on his free kick which was never close to boot.
Toby Alderweireld – 3
Toby Alderweireld is suffering from the fact that he is getting no younger and that the Tottenham defense is in shambles. Toby did not necessarily do anything wrong on Thursday, but really did not necessarily contribute a ton positively either. Compared to Dier he was a 10, but then again, Dier was terrible and pulled Toby down with him.
Serge Aurier – 6
For being Spurs best player on the day, Aurier really was not great as he, himself has played better this season. That said, at least he tries and works to make something happen on both ends, which is more than can be said for many of the players on the day.