Tottenham did their utmost to upend Manchester City, but were undone by a Laporte header to ensure Carabao Cup glory for Pep’s side.
The 1-0 victory was City’s fourth consecutive Carabao Cup trophy. There is no way to console a Spurs side who showed commitment and a tenacious work ethic. However, Spurs were outclassed by a superior side. Tottenham barely got a sniff on goal and, but for a Lo Celso long range effort, didn’t come close to scoring.
Tottenham will extend their streak without a trophy to 14 years, with no end to the barren patch in sight. It’s a particularly sobering thought.
Here’s the player ratings in Tottenham’s 1-0 cup final defeat.
Defence
Hugo Lloris 8/10
Made an exquisite save on Mahrez’s effort in the 73rd minute. Hugo commanded his box well and was surefooted in possession. For all of City’s possession, Hugo wasn’t called upon to make too many acrobatic saves. But he was a pillar of strength for Spurs nonetheless. Had no chance on City’s winner.
Serge Aurier 4/10
Had a great tackle on Raheem Sterling in the first few minutes, but also had initial difficulties staying with Sterling’s trickery. Mixed bag from Aurier, who also gave the ball away a couple of times, one of which handed Sterling a great second half chance. The Ivorian delivered one excellent cross to the back post in the first half.
Sergio Reguilon 5/10
Endured an incredibly shaky first half, committing too many rash challenges. He was also tentative in possession, letting his nerves get the better of him. Never really impacted the game we expect on either side of the ball.
Eric Dier 7/10
Eric played pretty well, especially after an error-laden season. He blocked excellently a goal-bound effort by Sterling, saving a goal. He also made a good block on Foden in the second half but coughed up possession in a terrible area in the first half which almost lead to a City goal.
Toby Alderweireld 8/10
Saved Dier’s blushes after Dier’s errant pass. Toby cut out the cross and then followed up by deflecting Foden’s shot onto the post, saving a definite goal. He was the most sturdy, reliable of Tottenham’s backline. Made a bevy of excellent last-ditch tackles, keeping it close. He was excellent and deserved better.
Midfield
Harry Winks 6/10
A quiet, unassuming display from Harry Winks. He was by no means out of place in the final, a good sign for Spurs. But he didn’t impact the game whatsoever when Spurs had possession. Though that’s not really his responsibility. He chased and harried City in midfield, making things difficult for De Bruyne and Fernandinho.
Pierre Hojberg 7/10
At his physical best. He made things difficult for City in the centre of the park. Always goes about his business in a professional, dogged way. Isn’t noticed too much, which means he’s fulfilling his responsibility of disrupting City’s fluid attack.
Son Heung-min 4/10
Yet again, Sonny wasn’t near his sharpest. His passing, while running at pace, let him down. He needlessly coughed up possession on a few occasions. Not nearly threatening enough for a player of his capability. Spurs need him to be better if they have any chance of winning these big matches.
Giovanni Lo Celso 6/10
Worked his socks off chasing shadows. Enjoyed a much better second half on the ball before being withdrawn. Made a few smart passes and had one excellent left footed curler, forcing Zackary Steffen into a strong save.
Forwards and Subs
Harry Kane 4/10
Had an extremely quiet first half but came into the match more after the interval. Had a few promising runs but couldn’t show the impetus Spurs direly needed.
Lucas Moura 4/10
Couldn’t really get out of first gear. Tried to swivel and run at City a few times but was almost instantly met by formidable resistance. Didn’t play poorly but wasn’t able to show his true quality.
Gareth Bale 3/10
Barely touched the ball. Not the star power required from the Welshman, especially in the type of grand occasion he’s so equipped for. Then again, he wasn’t give much of a chance to provide a spark.
Moussa Sissoko 2/10
Came on to show his power and drive in midfield. Instead, Moussa let Laporte power home an nigh unchallenged header from close range to win the Carabao Cup. Not nearly good enough.