Tottenham player ratings from disappointing 1-1 draw at Southampton

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring their sides first goal which is later disallowed for offside during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2021 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

Rating the Tottenham Defence

At times Tottenham looked a little ragged defensively in the first half when Southampton had a full 11 players. The Saints did a good job of moving all three Tottenham defenders away from their comfort zones and putting them in difficult positions. Ultimately, some timely tackles helped the defence but the clean sheet eluded Spurs this time.

Davinson Sanchez – 7

Davinson Sanchez probably had the play of the half for Spurs as he raced back defensively and was able to slide in and block Armando Broja‘s breakaway attempt a minute into injury time. While Lloris may have made the save, the block ensured Spurs could organize defensively and hang onto the draw. Outside of that play, Sanchez spent a large amount of his day in the Saints half of the pitch, particularly late as Spurs pushed for a winner.

Eric Dier – 6

Eric Dier did nothing particularly good or bad on the day. Dier was put into space a few times by the Saints early but managed to hang with them. Dier did miss a ball out on the right edge in the first half, which Ben Davies managed to come over and clean up. A lot of touches and passes but with little space behind as the Saints sat deeper and deeper, his options were limited.

Ben Davies – 6.5

Back after a day off against Palace on the weekend, it was almost a big day for Ben Davies. The Welshman had headed in what looked like the opener for Spurs but was clearly offside after Southampton held their line well on Spurs’ freekick. Davies did exceptionally well to get all the way across the field and clean up a mess from Dier at 17 minutes.

Hugo Lloris – 6

Hugo Lloris had a quiet day overall although the Saints had nine shots only two were on target. Lloris was active and alert off his line coming well into the field of play a couple of different times as Tottenham kept Southampton pinned deep and the Saints tried to counter over the top. Disappointing he could not find a way to reach Ward-Prowse’s sliced volley but it is how it goes sometimes.