After returning to winning ways at Brighton, Tottenham got their second win of the Group Stage in a 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, so how did Spur’s players perform?
Although Dejan Kulusevski was not yet back, Lucas Moura’s return meant that Tottenham Hotspur was back in Antonio Conte’s preferred 3-4-3 formation on Wednesday evening. While it took Spurs a little while to get moving, Tottenham eventually got into gear and found their form, starting with our biggest stars in a game Spurs, had to have.
Tottenham Forward Ratings
Richarlison joined Harry Kane and Heung-min Son in the attack for Tottenham, as Spurs went back to three attackers and four midfielders. The change benefited Tottenham well, with goals aplenty.
Heung-min Son – 9/10
After not scoring in any of the first three Champions League games, Sonny put his stamp on Wednesday’s game. After Spurs fell behind early, a timely run and a tidy finish equalized things for Tottenham at 20 minutes. Son’s second goal was a true beauty, as the South Korean waited for a Pierre Hojbjerg cross to fall before striking a world-class, full volley past a helpless Kevin Trapp. Son pushed hard for his third goal, forcing several saves from Trapp, but failed to find the hat-trick ball.
Harry Kane – 8/10
Before the game, Coach Conte remarked how Tottenham needed Kane to be at his best and score in the Champions League, and our talisman did not disappoint. First, Kane had a great turn near midfield, playing Son in for Spur’s tying goal. Then he was fouled in the box, earning and, of course, dispatching a penalty kick. Kane had several good passes as the game went on but notably hit a second penalty attempt well over the bar in injury time. Moments later, Kane blew an easy cross to an open Gil in the box, twice leaving the door open for Frankfurt.
Richarlison – 7/10
The Brazilian was back in the starting line-up and was an active player, especially off the ball. Richy worked tirelessly to track back and provide an outlet for Tottenham down the right. Richarlison had a great cross to Sessegnon, which was saved by Trapp early in the second half.
Spurs Midfield Ratings
Back with the preferred midfield four from most of the season, Tottenham’s midfield moved the ball and created the chances to make life tough on Frankfurt.
Ryan Sessegnon – 7/10
It was an up-and-down evening for Ryan Sessegnon, as the English wide man started the game getting decked for no foul but continued to pick himself up and push forward. Sessegnon had a couple of nice crosses that put Frankfurt under real pressure and nearly scored himself early in the second half, only to be denied by a strong hand from Trapp.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6/10
Continuing to hold onto one of the two main midfielder roles, Rodrigo Bentancur got about on Wednesday. A first-half yellow card slowed the Uruguayan, who typically looks for as many tackles as possible. Bentancur helped calm the game and maintain possession after a ragged first half.
Pierre Hojbjerg – 7.5/10
The Danish midfielder was at his best on both ends of the pitch against Frankfurt. Hojbjerg worked hard to get back defensively on multiple occasions, as poor giveaways left Tottenham outnumbered. Despite his defensive duties, Hojbjerg found opportunities to push forward and played a wonderful, looping cross for Son’s second goal.
Emerson Royal – 6.5/10
Back in the starting XI for Europe as he continues to serve a suspension in England, Emerson Royal was solid on Wednesday. Royal had one great cross off a two-man corner just before the half and was in a dangerous position on several occasions. His best work involved tracking back and helping Hojbjerg shut down the Frankfurt counterattacks.
Rating the Tottenham Defense
If there was one area of the team that struggled a little one Wednesday, it was the defense and Eric Dier, who had a couple of major miscues.
Clement Lenglet – 6.5/10
In a move that looks like some true rotation, Frenchman Clement Lenglet was holding down the left-back position, not Ben Davies. Lenglet had a quiet match, which is good for a defender, not making any big mistakes but not playing that big ball either.
Eric Dier – 5.5/10
Whereas Lenglet had a quiet evening, Eric Dier had a rough start, which put Spurs in a difficult position. First, Dier was a bit clumsy running into Randal Muani, who had gotten behind Romero, picking up an early yellow card. Then Dier compounded his error a few minutes later, taking a poor touch in the box and being dispossessed for the game’s opening goal. Dier’s play improved some from there but could not have gotten much worse. He did have a decent free kick, which the wall deflected wide.
Cristian Romero – 6.5/10
Still not quite hitting the heights of last season, Cristian Romero was okay against Frankfurt. A step late on a couple of tackles that an in-form Romero would have won. One of those mistimed efforts led directly to Dier’s yellow card. Still confident on the ball; Romero’s timing is just off.
Hugo Lloris – 7/10
Spurs skipper was scrambling to try and prevent the calamity that was Frankfurt’s opener, but the Germans were first to the ball Lloris had poked away, and his goal was open when the goal happened. Beyond that moment, Lloris was in command in front of the goal. He had a terrific save at the near post against Jesper Lindstrom to keep the lead at 2-1. Lloris again denied Lindstrom at 75 minutes, pushing his effort just over the bar. There was little chance for Lloris on the late header from the Frankfurt corner, although Lloris may regret not having secured the shot that led to the corner. However, Lloris made up for that mishandling by securing a 95th-minute strike, which would have leveled the score.
Substitute and Coach Ratings for Spurs
Tottenham had a big bench and used a bit of it in the win, although the end was a bit dicey.
Yves Bissouma – 6
Bissouma came on to replace Bentancur in the middle of the park. Since Skipp came on simultaneously, it created a three-man central midfield, where Bissouma was often the deepest of the three midfielders. Bissouma left Royal to dry with a poor pass in the attacking half.
Oliver Skipp – 6.5
Skipp entered the match with Bissouma, replacing Richarlison, as the team morphed into more of a 3-5-2 shape. Playing in a more advanced role than Bissouma, Skipp was looking to combine with Harry Kane and move the ball forward.
Davinson Sanchez – 6
Coming on with about 15-minutes to play and replacing Dier, Sanchez got his first run-out in a couple of games.
Bryan Gil – 7
The 21-year-old Spaniard came on for the last five minutes replacing Hojbjerg. Gil found himself in space early in injury time, but his touch let him down. Subsequently, Gil pounced on a poor touch from Frankfurt, stealing the ball and earning a late penalty for Spurs.
Lucas Moura – 6
Tottenham’s other Brazilian attacker finally returned to the pitch after missing several months with an injury, replacing Son for the last five minutes of the match.
Antonio Conte – 7.5/10
Despite a sloppy start that led to an early deficit, Spurs were ready to go on Wednesday. Following the opener, Tottenham calmed down and used their quality to put Frankfurt into a big hole. The team plan covered the individual mistakes well, which shows Conte’s team is growing. It was nice to see earlier substitutions, as this roster needs to stretch, but conceding a late goal is a concern.