In a performance that fans have long been waiting for and the team desperately needed, Tottenham Hotspur ran all over Burnley in the Premier League. With the club’s last two wins in all competitions before today both coming against Austrian side Wolfsberger AC beating a Premier League side was a welcome site. So how did the players all perform and who stood out for Spurs in the 4-0 victory?
Gareth Bale had a Big Day
We have been seeing it over the last few weeks, there has been a change in Gareth Bale. At the beginning of the season Bale was hesitant and tentative. The only hesitation from Bale today came from his efforts to get Lucas Moura on the same page with his hand celebrations.
The sign is M & W for those at home – for Make a Wish Foundation – which Heung-Min Son had promised to do for a young fan. Other than having to correct Moura on more than one occasion it was a nearly perfect day for Gareth Bale and one Spurs fans have been waiting over eight years for.
Gareth Bale displayed a bit of everything today for Tottenham
It was not just that Gareth Bale scored two goals – the first just 68 seconds into the match. Nor is it that Bale had an assist on a wonderful longball to Harry Kane. And although very exciting, it was not just the burst Bale displayed to blow past Dwight McNeil on the edge. It was the fact that we saw all three from Bale together in what was his most complete Spurs performance since his return to the club.
Bale displayed wonderful timing on the flashing run that led to the first goal setting the day for both Tottenham and Burnley. One of success for Spurs and a tough one for the Clarets. Add in an excellent range of passing from Bale. The threat of a cross field pass either too or from Gareth Bale just creates space for everyone else on the pitch.
Baled finished wonderfully on his second half effort. Gareth even provided one defensive header as well. It was just an excellent an all-around performance from the Welsh wonder. So how did everyone rate in a match that was never in doubt after Bale’s opener.
Tottenham Defensive Ratings
Tottenham were not perfect defensively but they were lightyears better than they have been in the last few months. Hugo Lloris was rarely troubled as Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld handled everything that came their way. With the return of Serge Aurier on the right to compliment Sergio Reguilón on the left, it was the Tottenham defense we have not seen for some time.
Sergio Reguilón – 7.5
Sergio Reguilón brings a real calm to the left back position while simultaneously bringing more energy. Just excellent on the ball, the Spaniard’s ability to drive infield as well as up-the-line adds a dimension Ben Davies simply does not possess. Depending on where you look Reguilón may have been robbed of an official assist on his cross that skimmed off the head of Tarkowski and was controlled by Moura for Spurs third. Days like Sunday drive the rumors of Madrid wanting Sergio back and you cannot blame them as the Spanish defender is a difference maker.
Toby Alderweireld – 7
Toby Alderweireld was solid for Tottenham on Sunday. Defending strong particularly on a couple set pieces later in the match, the Belgian’s ability to spread the field was his biggest impact on the pitch. Able to find a bit space in the back most of the afternoon, Alderweireld was pinging passes forward in the first half like days of old. A great presence next Sanchez.
Davinson Sanchez – 8
Davinson Sanchez was the rock for Tottenham on defense Sunday. Whether it was one of his 11 balls won in the air or a big block making up for a midfield giveaway, Sanchez was omnipresent defensively for Tottenham. Confidence clearly bolstered from recent performances as well as having Alderweireld and Aurier on either side of him, this was the Davinson Sanchez Tottenham need. About as good as the Columbian has been all season Spurs need more days like Sunday from Sanchez.
Serge Aurier – 7
Serge Aurier was just as active as Sergio Reguilon was on the left and a clear presence on the pitch. Partnered well with Gareth Bale overlapping when the Welshman pushed central and provided good width. Never really out of place defensively, Aurier was sound. Did come off with just under 10 minutes to go and went straight down the tunnel. Having just returned from injury, you hope he did not pick up another knock.
Hugo Lloris – 7
Hugo Lloris had a mostly quiet afternoon. Burnley did manage to take 10 shots, but only three were on target and Lloris was up to task. Two of the saves were even more than routine as they were limp efforts right at Lloris. Did well late claiming a corner and starting a break that should have led to a Harry Kane goal, but the talisman missed. Needs to claim more balls like that and own the box. Notably, it was the 100th shutout of the captain’s Spurs career.
Tottenham Midfield Ratings
Tottenham were strong in the midfield as the long balls, whether cross field for up field from the defense helped stretch the pitch and give Tanguy Ndombele among others room to operate. More than anything Spurs midfield kept the ball in front of the defense and helped Tottenham dominate possession in the big win.
Pierre Højbjerg – 7
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg looked fresh for Spurs after sitting out most of the midweek match against Wolfsberger. Højbjerg sat deepest in the midfield and was mostly on the right side of the pitch working in passing triangles with Sanchez and Aurier. Not the most physical of matches we’ve seen from the Dane but that is okay with plenty of football left to play. Looked to roll his ankle right at the death which could be a big issue with Tottenham seemingly just getting everyone healthy and back to form.
Tanguy Ndombele – 7
Tanguy Ndombele did an excellent job of connecting the defense with the offense on the day. Overall fantastic in his passing and ability to control almost any ball within foot’s reach. Did have a couple poor turnovers, which bring down the rating. Went a full 90 minutes putting in a shift on both ends of the pitch. Ndombele playing well deep allows for even more attacking football in the front, which is what Tottenham need.
Tottenham Offensive Ratings
Spurs finally played at least part of the front line that everyone has been waiting to see. Ultimately, very much worth the wait, if Sonny had better finishing boots on for the day all four players would have scored. As it was, Son got the big assist at the start with Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, and Lucas Moura handling the rest.
Lucas Moura – 7.5
Lucas Moura was playing in the number 10 role that many fans wanted to see occupied by Dele Alli to start the match. Moura and Alli are very different players and from the off you could see why Moura was on the pitch for. Lucas has been very aggressive on the dribble with the ball over the several weeks, looking to turn and push forward whenever he gets the chance. Moura’s pace and dare I say power is an excellent compliment to Son and Bale, providing speed and aggression all around Harry Kane. Moura certainly should have had more than the one goal, but did finish the one he had well.
Heung-Min Son – 7
Sonny had the big assist to open the scoring just after the first minute. Had the ball been played by Thiago Alcântara for Liverpool they would be talking about needing to build a statute for the player. As it was, it was just another of many great balls from the South Korean. Son does continue to struggle in front of goal, however as he blasted well over in the second half when he probably should have scored. Missed a late assist when Kane fluffed his lines on an easy cross. Not his best day, but others made up for it as Son picked up two assists.
Harry Kane – 7.5
Harry Kane was excellent overall on the day. On Spurs second goal, Kane showed some pace tracking down the Bale long ball and his touch to set up his shot was just superb. Maybe a bit lucky with the deflection to beat Pope, surely will take it. Had a couple shots well saved by Nick Pope and likely will remember the roller he mishit at 90+2 which should have given Spurs 5. Looking fully recovered from his ankle injuries and ready to role.
Gareth Bale – 9.5
Gareth Bale was just excellent for Spurs. The first goal showed timing and touch setting the day ablaze for Tottenham. Spurs scoring first was a key coming into the match. His second goal demonstrated that he truly does have his shooting boots back, especially cutting in from the left. Showed the burst of speed we have not seen in some time and is pinging the ball over. Bale playing like this lifts the entire team as you just have to respect what he can do or even potentially do with the ball. This was the kind of effort Spurs fans have been dreaming about for some time.
Tottenham Substitutes and Coaching Ratings
Tottenham managed to get all three healthy number 10s into the match as both Dele Alli and Erik Lamela got a run out for the club. Already up by four goals when they came on, their jobs were more focused on maintaining possession and the lead than growing it but both had and made some chances.
Dele Alli – 7
Dele Alli was in a no win situation coming on for Moura at the 66th minute. Play great and it was already what was happening, play poorly and he might lose the little time he has fought so hard to get. Dele did nothing particularly great or poor, although he was dispossessed a couple of time. His passing was pretty good and he worked to go box-to-box. Likely to see more time midweek against Fulham than today, still working back to top form and fitness.
Erik Lamela – 6
Erik Lamela came on only four minutes after Dele Alli but saw nowhere near as much of the ball. Having come on for Gareth Bale, Lamela – even more than Dele – had little chance to shine. Managing only 13 touches in 20 minutes – Dele had 34 in 34 minutes – Lamela was just not as active as he normally is. Did receive on crunching tackle from behind but seemed to take it well.
Matt Doherty – N/A
Whether Aurier picked up a knock or they were simply protecting him, Matt Doherty came on for the last nine minutes plus injury time. Did attempt seven passes in his nine minutes, but only Hugo Lloris completed a lower percentage on the day with Doherty completing 4 of 7 for 57%.
José Mourinho – 8
Sure the question is what took so long and maybe some might wonder about Dele not starting but Sunday had to be the kind of day Mourinho had planned and thought about when preparing for the season. The team were attacking from the off and until late in the match never really sat back. Going with a good offensive is the best defense approach is best for Tottenham right now. If Bale continues to improve and perform and Dele comes back near his best, Spurs may still be in the race for the top four and Mourinho may still have it. On Sunday all was right with Spurs.
So what did you think of the team and performance? How would you rate them?