Tottenham Hotspur player ratings from bounce back win over Leeds in EPL
By Aaron Coe
Rating Spurs Defence
Tottenham had five across the back for most of the game, although almost any of the five could be found in the attacking third when Spurs came into possession. Whether it was the wing-backs booming forward in the spaces left by Leeds defence or the centre-backs dribbling up, Tottenham pushed forward with the ball in possession.
Left wing-back – Ryan Sessegnon – 7.5
Making another start in front of Sergio Reguilon on the left, Ryan Sessegnon may have had his best game ever in a Spurs shirt. Looking and playing aggressively with the ball, Sessegnon was a difference-maker for Spurs. After struggling to provide service in the last two matches, Sess was playing the ball into the box early and often, leading to the opener from Matt Doherty across the pitch. Unfortunate not to score, having one shot hit the side netting and just coming short on a cross from Doherty at the back post.
Left centre-back – Ben Davies – 7.5
Ben Davies provided good support and covered on the left behind Sessegnon while keeping his place in the team. The Welshman’s most significant contribution was undoubtedly his incredible recovery block on Stuart Dallas after Lloris was unsuccessful in tackling far up the pitch.
Centre-back – Eric Dier – 7
In the middle of Spurs defence was again Eric Dier, leading the line for Tottenham. Dier was not all that busy defensively with the ball quickly moving up and down the pitch and with both players on either side very active. Solid in his passing, Dier played the game Spurs needed.
Right centre-back – Cristian Romero – 7
The most aggressive of the three centre-backs, Cristian Romero, often found himself on the ball. Providing a few crunching tackles on defence, the Argentine centre-half looked to get forward whenever he could in support of Doherty on the right. Able to avoid the crucial mistakes of the last two matches, it was a good game for the big defender.
Right wing-back – Matt Doherty – 7.5
Starting in front of Emerson Royal, Matt Doherty played the kind of game that Jose Mourinho likely envisioned when he brought the wing-back over from Wolves over a year ago. Scoring his first Spurs goal, Doherty caused problems on the right for Leeds all afternoon. Playing a lovely one-two with Kulusevski, Doherty got the assist for Spurs’ second goal. Unlucky not to get more assists, Doherty played confident and well.
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris – 7
Given the scoreline, one may think Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris was lonely. However, Leeds was game throughout the match. Lloris was strong for much of the game, showing the kind of command in the box Spurs need. However, Lloris also almost gave Leeds the lifeline they desperately needed when he tried to stop a Stuart Dallas breakaway some 40 yards away from his goal. Fortunately, Davies was there to save the day and keep Leeds scoreless.