Tottenham Player Ratings from Epic FA Cup Loss to Everton
By Aaron Coe
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Lucas Digne of Everton during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on February 10, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Lucas Digne of Everton during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on February 10, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5f8f3d2a67ae64bfbcb084acddd20616a3246c4d52e2d31ccdfcf6b53e02ae90.jpg)
Tottenham Defense Ratings
The defense for Tottenham Hotspur continues to be a problem. Just when it seems one player is stepping up another is regressing and causing more issues. Ben Davies was able to pick up his men and track back better than he did against Brighton when Spurs conceded, but then others dropped the ball this time. Ultimately, Spurs defense is not very good and no one among the group is good enough to fix mistakes when others make them.
Hugo Lloris – 4
Hugo Lloris had a flat out terrible game. Even a couple of the balls that did not go on in on the evening seems to really shake Lloris as the post got dinged. Several of the goals seemed to just blast right through the Frenchman who no longer seems willing to step up off his line and try to cut the angle. The second Richarlison goal should NEVER happen and Lloris was not exactly in best form on the first either. Spurs needed a big save or two, as they have all year, and as has been the case in losses all season, Lloris has not come up with those big saves.
Ben Davies – 6.5
Ben Davies was probably the best of a bad batch of defenders on the night. Better defensively in that he only left his team split open on a couple of occasions. Davies limitations on the offensive end are growing more and more apparent as he can overlap and overlap, and then overlap again, but if you want something else, well there is the overlap. Did do better recovering to not get beat on a give and go after being caught out of position, so he is learning.
Toby Alderweireld – 6
Toby Alderweireld used to be the guy who was bailing Spurs defense out as he was positioned just right or timing his block to perfection. Well now, the big Belgian looks just a bit slow in every aspect. Was unable to close the space and allowed Richarlison to shoot on the second goal, which Lloris could have done better on, but so could have Toby. Was the guy who held Richarlison onside for the 4th goal of the match. Like Lloris, Toby is supposed to be a leader on defense and he just looks lost.
Davinson Sanchez – 6.5
On the one hand Davinson Sanchez scored two goals and managed to help Tottenham take a lead and tie the score. On the other hand Sanchez was caught flatfooted on that second Richarlison goal and should have done better. As less at fault for the Bernard goal to win it, but should have known Doherty was not going to be there. Has all the athleticism in the world, but struggles with the mental side and concentration.
Matt Doherty – 5
Matt Doherty did very little right for Tottenham on the evening. Played a horrible clearance up the middle that led to the fourth goal. Although he stepped up on the play did not run with Richarlison or later with Bernard on the winner. Seems to just jog around the park, play a pass and stand. Given the limitations of Ben Davies on the other side, having Doherty on the field with him is just asking to get railroaded.