Bale, Aurier top ratings as Tottenham Hotspur slash Sheffield 4-0

By Aaron Coe | May 3, 2021

Tottenham Hotspur's Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale (L) with Tottenham Hotspur's interim head coach Ryan Mason (R) after the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on May 2, 2021. - - 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 Justin Setterfield / 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. / 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 JUSTIN SETTERFIELD/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso of Tottenham Hotspur and Ben Osborn of Sheffield United

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Giovani Lo Celso of Tottenham Hotspur and Ben Osborn of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 2, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. . (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Midfield Ratings

Tottenham had a bit more balance in their midfield with more pressure in front of them and a slightly higher line defensively, the midfield had less room to cover and made it count. Additionally, having a midfield three that included Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso was something new and it worked on the day.

Lo Celso – 7.5

Technically in one of the two deeper, holding midfield roles, Giovani Lo Celso was an impact player on Sunday. Whether you look at the three tackles the Argentine put in defensively or the 67 passes he completed at 89% Lo Celso was doing his bit on Sunday. Lo Celso was a consistent outlet for the defense, turning the play into the attack. Gio was also looking for that big pass and just missed with a nice chip into the box to Dele. Lo Celso was more effective in the first half and definitely before he got his face stepped on. Still a nice outing from the midfielder.

Højbjerg – 7

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg looked a lot more like the Højbjerg from earlier in the season where his timing was spot on. Particularly in the first half, it seemed like every time Sheffield was looking to take a break, there was the Dane cleaning up the mess and recovering possession. Still lacks movement off the ball offensively or that range of passing to sit alone deep. However, next to a capable playmaker like Lo Celso, Højbjerg can shine.

Dele – 7.5

Dele Alli was sort of a surprise starter for Tottenham on Sunday. Making only his third start of the season, with one of the two coming on opening day. Dele was not sharp but still made a difference. In the first half, it was Dele dropping deeper to get the ball and help facilitate possession allowing Harry Kane to stay further up the pitch. As the game wore on and Kane dropped deeper in possession, there was Dele near the last back looking to make that run. Did not get an assist or a goal or even do anything great but was a clear presence throughout and that is what Tottenham needs from an attacking midfielder.