Having lost the previous match, it was destiny for Tottenham Hotspur to win at Brighton and Hove Albion; here are our ratings from Spurs’ crucial win.
The roller coaster ride that is the Tottenham Hotspur season continued, and on form, Spurs beat Brighton, having lost at the weekend. In a game probably closer on the scoresheet than on the pitch, Tottenham coasted to a 2 goal win over the Gulls. Here are our player ratings from the win.
Tottenham Forward Ratings
Dejan Kulusevski – 7.5
Continuing to impact Tottenham Hotspur since joining in January, attacker Dejan Kulusevski was again involved in the Tottenham goals. A deflection from Cristian Romero relegated a decent first-half effort to an assist. Deki is the player who started Spurs’ second goal, tracking back and applying defensive pressure near the top of the box to create the fast break—another solid showing from the young Swede.
Harry Kane – 7
Harry Kane probably should have had several goals on the day but did score the critical second goal for Tottenham. Kane’s pressure on Robert Sanchez led to a golden opportunity in the opening five minutes of the match, but Kane’s left-footed effort went wide of the empty net. Kane made no mistake with his second-half breakaway to put Spurs up 2-0.
Heung-min Son – 6
A willing runner on the day, the slump of Heung-min Son continues. Sonny played on the right, the left, and middle but has struggled to find his form. Son did provide extra support on defence as Solly March often pushed forward in the second half, leaving Son tracking back defensively. He was replaced with just over 20 minutes to go by Lucas Moura.
Tottenham Midfield Ratings
Spurs were not outstanding in the midfield but did enough to control the tempo and keep Brighton from making too many opportunities to attack the Tottenham defence.
Matt Doherty – 6
It was a quiet evening for Matt Doherty on the right. After just missing out on a Hojbjerg cross early, Doherty did not get forward much as Spurs did most of their work on the counter. Just a step off the pace all day and leaving the door open for Emerson Royal, who replaced Doherty with 20 minutes to play.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7.5
After not having a great game in the loss to Manchester United, Rodrigo Bentancur came back with a strong effort against Brighton. Bentancur was aggressive defensively, making timely tackles all over the pitch. Rodrigo dribbled out of their half and played an excellent through-ball to Kane for Spurs’ second goal. An excellent showing overall from Bentancur.
Pierre Hojbjerg – 6.5
It was not an excellent match from Pierre Hojbjerg, but the Danish midfielder did what he did and provided defense cover. Maybe fortunate to not be flagged for a double handball protecting his face off a corner, Hojbjerg had a vital tackle of Neal Maupay in the box late in the match, avoiding the foul and ending the danger. He recycled possession well and kept Spurs pushing late.
Sergio Reguilon– 6.5
Outside of Kane’s first-half opportunity, no player for Tottenham probably missed a better chance than Sergio Reguilon. Played forward by a superb ball from Kane, Reguilon was in on Sanchez but shot directly at the keeper from a tight angle. The Spaniard probably should have cut it back to an open Son, one of several questionable decisions made in the box. He had a late chance saved by Sanchez.
Rating Spurs Defence
After conceding three goals to Manchester United, it was great to see Spurs grab a shutout.
Cristian Romero – 8
It was possibly Cristian Romero’s best game for Tottenham Hotspur; Romero was all over the field working to win the ball and drive it forward. Romero was in the box to deflect Kulusevski’s shot past a wrong-footed Sanchez. Romero played like a midfielder with the ball, pushing it forward often. He took a harsh yellow on a blind tackle but was strong throughout.
Eric Dier – 7
Showing his toughness, Eric Dier got his face busted but kept going with a big wrap on his head to stop the bleeding. Dier had several essential blocks defensively and helped lead the line well. He saw less of the ball than the other backs, which was good as Spurs moved the ball quickly.
Ben Davies – 7
Ben Davies was strong in the air and had a couple of good tackles for Tottenham. Davies did not get forward like Romero did but helped provide the cover to allow Reguilon to drive up the wing often. Davies was bright on the ball and passed well.
Hugo Lloris – 7
It was a quiet day for Hugo Lloris, who did not get credited with a single save. His defence blocked a couple of big shots, and Lloris did make a decent claim. The kind of quiet day Lloris wanted and the shutout Spurs needed.
Tottenham Substitute and Coach Ratings
Tottenham used all three substitutes, although none significantly impacted the match.
Lucas Moura – 6
On for a quiet Son, Moura did manage more dribbles than the South Korean but only had five touches in 20 minutes.
Emerson Royal – 6
He came on the pitch along with Moura in a double change; Royal had a little window to earn some playing time after Doherty had a quiet game. Royal was forward often and saw more of the ball than Lucas did but did not have any plays to remember.
Steven Bergwijn – N/A
Bergwijn came on for Deki in injury time. Bergwijn did not have to rescue Tottenham in injury time and could not get on the end of the one long ball that came his way.
Antonio Conte – 7
Tottenham was not fantastic but did enough against a rapidly fading Brighton side. Rolling again with the same XI Conte had the team set up for success. Now the question is if Spurs can do it again.