Tottenham Hotspur got a rare win over Chelsea on Sunday as Spurs played well and got the deserved three points, with everyone doing their part, as our ratings show.
It was your typical affair involving Chelsea and Tottenham, with several crunching tackles, many players in the referee’s ear, and one moment of complete bedlam, which ultimately turned into nothing. Ultimately, Tottenham had the focus, drive, and composure to see off Chelsea 2-0 and strengthen its hold on a top-four position.
Tottenham Forward Ratings
Richarlison – 7
The Brazilian was starting for the second consecutive week before Heung-min Son. Looking very much dejected when he came off for Pedro Porro’s home debut with 1 minute of regulation left, Richi put in a heck of a shift. Richarlison only had two looks at the goal; both were rushed and off-target. However, those two shots and a below 60% passing accuracy belay that Richarlison was excellent off the ball, making runs in attack and constantly putting pressure on Chelsea when out of possession. His work rate alone keeps Son on the bench for now; hopefully, the production soon follows.
Harry Kane – 7.5
It was another excellent outing from Harry Kane, as fans saw some of everything from our talisman. Kane’s goal was pure poacher from the early days, as he lurked around the back post on the corner kick. Outside of that goal and another shot off target, the story of Kane’s day was outside the box, where he only had three touches. Kane was masterful at dropping deep and playing the ball out forward and was back to his best in hitting those crossfield balls out to the wingers to open up space. It was an excellent day all-around from Kane.
Dejan Kulusevski – 7
It was not Dejan Kulusevski’s best day for Tottenham; however, every time he got the ball, he looked dangerous and put Chelsea on their heels. Deki had a couple of good crosses and linked up well with Emerson Royal all afternoon; he just never had that moment we expect from him where it leads to a goal or assist. That said, Ben Chilwell will not want to see Kulusevski anytime soon.
Despite Tottenham being technically out-numbered in the middle of the park, five on four, Spurs could control much of the midfield battle, which led to a positive result.
Rating Spurs Midfield
Ben Davies – 7
Compared to his match against West Ham, where Davies had a wonderful assist, it was a quiet game offensively for Spurs’ new left wing-back. Alternatively, the same could be said for his counterpart Reece James, who saw much of the ball but not much space. The Welshman was the perfect answer for James, who has caused problems for Spurs in past matches.
Oliver Skipp – 8
After playing well against West Ham, Oliver Skipp was great against Chelsea. Managing to avoid another early yellow card, just barely, Skipp then put in a heck of a shift going all 90 minutes, making three tackles, completing a dribble, and scoring a world-class goal. Skipp’s awareness of the situation and the reading of the game to jump in front of Joao Felix and then unleash the shot he did was nothing short of awesome. It is great to see Skipp returning to top form and earning man-of-the-match honors from the fans.
With 64% of the vote, Oliver Skipp is your Player of the Match for yesterday! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/j0dDodXjtT
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 27, 2023
Pierre Hojbjerg – 7.5
Although Skippy got the goal and the man-of-the-match vote, Tottenham would not have had the success they did yesterday without the work of Pierre Hojbjerg. It was one of Hojbjerg’s games where his detractors would say he didn’t do anything. However, leading the team in touches, passing, and passing accuracy shows the Dane’s ability to be tidy and neat on the ball. Throw in a couple of tackles, interceptions, and clearance, and Hojbjerg did a bit of everything except make that big play.
Emerson Royal – 7.5
Coming off his man-of-the-match performance against West Ham, Royal again did his part in helping Spurs win. After the second-half kickoff, Emerson chugged up the pitch to support Kulusevski. He hit a shot on target that Kepa Arrizabalaga could not hold, leading to Skipp’s magic moment. That was just one of the many moments Royal had in the game where his work rate and effort are starting to be appreciated, now that his success moving forward is complimenting his effort.
Tottenham had to be ready from the off defensively, and they were, as all the players did their part and kept Chelsea to a handful of half-chances.
Spurs Defensive Ratings
Clement Lenglet – 7
Pairing again on the left in support of Davies and next to Dier, Clement Lenglet again was an effective center-back. Only Hojbjerg had more touches for Tottenham on the afternoon, as the Frenchman was a consistent outlet to start Spurs’ attack. Whether pushing forward to Hojbjerg and Davies or sideways to Dier, Lenglet was confident and competent on the ball without putting a foot wrong defensively.
Eric Dier – 7
Speaking of not doing anything wrong defensively, Eric Dier had another solid game in the middle of Spurs’ defense. Dier did better reading the game and deciding when to step up, which helped him win several headers. Maybe the most important header Dier won was a little flick late in the game off a Heung-min Son corner, which landed at Kane’s feet for Spurs’ second goal. It was a nice assist for Dier and capped a strong afternoon for the Englishman.
Cristian Romero – 8
Regarding strong afternoons, no one had one stronger than Cristian Romero. Romero may not have seen as much of the ball as Dier and Lenglet, but neither had three dribbles. Nor did they have the five tackles that Romero won on the afternoon. Like several other players on the team, we are again starting to see the best the Argentine offers: a granite rock in defense.
Fraser Forster – 7.5
After a rough first outing in replacing Hugo Lloris, Fraser Forster has found his footing and has been terrific for Spurs in goal. Forster managed a save in each half and showed he was ready to jump off his line when the situation called for it. Forster was solid with his feet and kept the ball moving. Although not Lloris’s long-term replacement, Forster continues to show he has what it takes to help Spurs achieve some goals this season.
The substitutes were not many, but both managed to catch the eye as Spurs remain unbeaten under fill-in boss Cristian Stellini.
Tottenham Coaching and Substitute Ratings
Cristian Stellini – 9
Maybe the story within the story right now is just how well Spurs have been performing under assistant coach Stellini. Whether it is less pressure without Conte on the sidelines or this is just how things would have gone, the team looked a rightful Conte side with Stellini calling the shots from the sidelines. A little shout also goes to Ryan Mason, who is a part of this success. However, you can count me in the camp that believes Spurs are still better with Conte in tow. That said, Stellini’s side was great, and the start of the second half was perfect; well-done, coach.
Heung-min Son – 6.5
Coming on with just under ten minutes to play is not the Korean superstar’s preference, but Son made an impact in that time. Getting the pre-assist with a delightful corner kick that Dier and Kane turned into goal number two will have to do in Son’s cameo.
Pedro Porro – 6.5
Speaking of cameo, Pedro Porro made his home debut with one minute to go in regulation, replacing Richarlison up front. This shows that Porro, who was signed to play right-wing-back, has some flexibility, which is good, given Deki’s injury history and Royal’s recent performance. More tantalizing was Porro’s play on the ball. Although it was very limited minutes, you can see the Spaniard’s desire to dribble and drive with the ball, attacking the opposition. There is no doubt more minutes are coming somewhere for Porro.