Tottenham, with an impressive 1-0 over City, showed a level of determination and commitment on opening day supporters will be proud of.
Nuno’s pre-season preparation paid off, as Tottenham were incredibly well organized defensively while offering enough attacking threat to trouble City on the counter. It was a thrilling opening to a season that has been tainted by an inordinate amount of off-field drama.
Seeing the lads perform the way they did against the defending champions offers Tottenham boundless hope for the season ahead.
Here’s Tottenham’s player ratings from a sublime opening day at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Defence
Hugo Lloris 7/10
Surprisingly Hugo didn’t have a ton of difficult saves to make. He flapped at one cross in the first half, the resulting header from Fernandinho sailing wide of the post. The Frenchman made a strong, yet fairly rudimentary save on Grealish. He was solid otherwise and didn’t look shaky when the ball was played back to him.
Davinson Sanchez 8.5/10
Made a few brilliant blocks and was consistent throughout. Davinson’s major flaw last season was his inability to string together consistently good performances. He was too erratic, often caught out of position. The Colombian looked like a new man today. He was disciplined, organized, forceful and decisive, everything Tottenham needs him to be week in and week out.
Eric Dier 8.5/10
Like his central defensive partner, Eric Dier, after a few shaky moments in the opening minutes, was outstanding. He made some key interceptions, threw his body about and was composed in possession. If Dier can maintain that type of form, he’ll stake his claim for a consistent place in Spurs’ first 11.
Japhet Tanganga 9/10
What an excellent performance from Japhet. Along with Skipp, Japhet, for the most part, nullified Sterling and Grealish’s threat from the wing. He was extremely solid defensively and plays a hard knock brand of football that was so often missing from Spurs’ first team last season.
Sergio Reguilon 7/10
Sergio had a steady match but was the least impressive of all Tottenham players, which is a testament to how well everyone acquitted themselves to this massive fixture. The Spaniard didn’t make any noticeable blunders but struggled to contribute offensively. Then again, that’s not too surprising given the quality of opponent.
Midfield
Pierre Hojberg 9/10
A new season but no change in Hojberg’s defensive dominance. After a brilliant showing for Denmark at Euro 2020, Hojberg didn’t miss a beat in the season opener. He was omnipresent, making life incredibly difficult for City’s star-studded lineup.
Oliver Skipp 9/10
Oliver Skipp partnered perfectly with Hojberg at the heart of Spurs midfield. The Englishman showed precisely why Nuno showed faith in him. He was every bit Hojberg’s equal, which is no small feat. Skipp snuffed out the danger posed by Grealish and Sterling, and was a treat to watch. It’s officially his spot to lose, particularly in big games when Spurs need to show defensive superiority.
Stephen Bergwijn 8/10
Stephen Bergwijn, akin to Lucas and Son, enjoyed a fantastic opening match. He was spry and played on the front foot, going at City with every opportunity. The Dutchman will be disappointed not to have finished on a golden opportunity to double the home side’s lead. He scuffed his left-footed attempt just wide.
Dele Alli 7/10
Dele had a quiet first half but came into the match more after the interval. He dispossessed Fernandinho, leading to an opening for Hojberg, who scuffed his attempted shot. Dele didn’t dazzle but was solid defensively and put in a good shift, something Nuno will be extremely pleased about.
Lucas Moura 9/10
The Brazilian was one of Spurs brightest players in the first half. He ran at City’s defence, causing all sorts of problems for Pep’s rearguard. Moura was spry and played on the front foot, all promising signs from the fleet-of-foot attacker. He brilliantly touched a pass onto Bergwijn, who eventually set up Son for Tottenham’s opener. Exciting first day from Moura.
Forwards and Subs
Son Heung-min 9/10
Son yet again stepped up against City, who he loves scoring against. His goal was a byproduct of his ability to influence every Tottenham attack. In the first half he hesitated a few times in front of goal, but always looked dangerous. His control was on point and Son, especially in the absence of Harry Kane, will need to consistently step up in the talisman’s absence, which he did with aplomb on opening day.
Giovanni Lo Celso 7/10
Showed enough in a short cameo to get excited about.