Tottenham: Spurs player ratings from 2-2 European draw at Rennes

Tottenham Substitute and Coaching Ratings

Tottenham definitely used the expanded Europa League bench making use of the four available substitutes. Each move changed the dynamic of the team some as the formation and really the approach changed to meet the players on the pitch.

Pierre Hojbjerg – 7.5

Pierre Hojbjerg was the first substitute coming in at 30 minutes for Bergwijn following the Dutchman’s injury. Only shortly after Rennes has tied the match and seemingly taken control, the Viking came on and immediately starting commanding others on the pitch and working to get Tottenham back in some measure of control. Worked tirelessly for his 60 minutes and was rewarded with the game-tying goal, with a wonderfully superb left-footed touch to tuck the ball past the onrushing Salin. The team leader on the pitch.

Dane Scarlett – 6

Dane Scarlett came on with Emerson Royal as part of the double change with Kane and Lucas. Scarlett was a willing runner but for the most part, he was starved for service. Scarlett’s experience makes it easy to see why Kane drops deep so often so he can get a taste of the ball and stay involved in the game. Did have a couple of touches in the box but never got a real look at the goal. It is good to see Scarlett who is another that needs more minutes somewhere on the pitch.

Emerson Royal – 7

Emerson Royal was one of the brighter players on the pitch during his 35 minutes. Always looking to get on the ball and looking to do something with it, Royal is clearly going to help this team as it grows. Emerson picked up a couple of fouls in some dangerous places but Spurs were unable to take advantage. Played in a hybrid back/midfield/wing role but slowly drifted deeper and deeper to his more natural position as his playing time progressed.

Dele Alli – N/A

Dele Alli played only the final 12 minutes plus the injury time in place of Tanguy Ndombele. Willing to run as always Dele was out there trying, hard which not everyone can say about their time on the pitch. Loved seeing Dele attempt a long throw-in late in the match which Scarlett flicked on but Emerson was the only Tottenham player upfront with Scarlett and Salin easily gathered. On a team struggling to create chances the fact they do not do long throws to create dangerous situations, ala Leeds United, more often is kind of befuddling.

Nuno Espirito Santo – 6..5

We questioned openly after Manchester City on opening day if the team could maintain the same kind of discipline and intensity shown in that first match. To date, Spurs have not been able to duplicate that effort, intensity, or togetherness, which Nuno was hired to produce. Some of that has been player availability and some of that has been Nuno. The good news was that the team was set up far more positively than was the case against Crystal Palace showing that Santo can change and maybe understands Tottenham is best on the front foot. Taking off Kane was probably his best move of the night. His biggest concern still has to be the inability to create scoring chances, which is going to continue to get tougher with the mounting injuries.