Tottenham Hotspur player ratings from 1-0 win over Watford in EPL

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Pierre Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2021, in London, England

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Pierre Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2021, in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Midfield Ratings

There is no doubting that the Tottenham engine room ran on Sunday. Whether or the running was truly effective or not is debatable but the effort was there.

Dele Alli – 6

Dele Alli once again did his part running for the team, going from box to box, putting in a shift. Dele almost gave us a wonderful moment like times of old as Harry Kane had cut a cross into the box finding Dele bursting into the penalty area. Unfortunately for all involved, Dele’s effort at placing the ball in the bottom corner went wide and the chance was lost. Dele did do his part defensively with three tackles and one professional foul slowing down Sarr and getting a yellow card for his efforts. Ultimately, Dele was not on the ball enough and did not do enough creatively in the attacking third. Seven other Tottenham players had more touches and passes than did Dele, who is leaving the door cracked for Bryan Gil.

Oliver Skipp – 7

Oliver Skipp did only one thing really well on Sunday, show for the ball. As a central midfielder, if there is something you are going to do well, showing for the ball has got to be near the top of the list. Skipp was not quite as forward-minded with the ball as he has been in the prior two matches but Tottenham was also moving the ball side-to-side a lot more against a more defensive Watford team. Got a yellow for a professional foul similar to Dele on Sarr, Skipp is just a heady midfielder who reads the game very well.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – 8

Pierre-Emile Hojberg was excellent on Sunday. Following a summer where Højbjerg showed off his skills as a player more than his defense, the Dane is being used very differently this season. In space on the right side of the pitch, Højbjerg has been great on the ball, showing confidence and ability. Højbjerg was so confident with the ball he even had two dribbles. While he may never scare people on the ball like Adama Traore, the Dane continues to improve and show a more well-rounded game than the one seen last season.