Tottenham Hotspur player ratings in 2-2 draw at Brentford
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham dominated possession and played some enterprising football but looked vulnerable on the transition, opening its 2023-24 Premier League account with a pulsating 2-2 draw at Brentford.
Angeball was on full display in west London, with Spurs bossing possession (68%) for most of the afternoon. For all their on-the-ball dominance, Tottenham didn’t create as many chances as they would have wanted.
Brentford was dangerous on the counter, sometimes exploiting the space on the wing left by Spurs’ advanced inverted fullbacks.
An exciting watch resulted in a share of the spoils.
You’ve got to love the courage and bravery Spurs show on the ball under Ange, an exciting prospect going forward. Now they need to shore up their defence. The chances will certainly come; it’s just a matter of finding a way to be less porous at the back.
Defence
Guglielmo Vicario 4/10
Spurs’ new keeper struggled with the ball at his feet and, on one occasion, his rebound control. Vicario looked burdened by the occasion, at least in the opening half. He increased everyone’s heart rate unnecessarily. He was beaten by a lob and flew off his line impetuously in the second half. More heart palpitations. But giving the 26-year-old time to settle into his new role is important.
Cristian Romero 10/10
It was a flawless, albeit brief, season opener for the Argentine, who put Spurs up 1-0 with a close-range header from a perfect James Maddison delivery. Ange withdrew Cristian Romero after he scored as a precautionary measure, with the Argentine taking a knock to the head. Romero wanted to continue, but Ange erred on the side of caution.
Destiny Udogie 8.5/10
What a superb match from Destiny Udogie. His electric pace and impressive fitness allow him to get up and down the pitch seamlessly, precisely what Ange is looking for. He is an excellent defender with quality on the ball, too—his ceiling is sky-high.
Emerson Royal 8/10
Emerson Royal has found his shooting boots under Ange. The Brazilian stroked home Spurs’ second with aplomb from about 20 metres out.
His newfound confidence in shooting areas is a testament to how far he has come in such a short timeframe under his new gaffer. He was exposed on occasion, but that’s more down to Ange’s high press than being out of position. Emerson also looked more composed defensively than he did in previous seasons.
Micky van de Ven 7/10
The Dutchman occasionally showed his pace but wasn’t forced into many one-vs-one situations. Aside from the unfortunate deflection that took the ball beyond Vicario on Brentford’s second, he looked steady, composed, and self-assured. Considering he’s only had a week with his new teammates and no match time, it was an outstanding debut.
Midfield
Yves Bissouma 8/10
Yves Bissouma was exceptional at the heart of Spurs’ midfield. He is composed yet purposeful in possession. He has silky smooth moves but knows exactly when to err on the side of caution and clear his lines. And what an engine. Bissouma is going to be one of the most crucial elements of Ange’s 4-3-3. He made a loose pass or two but, for the most part, knows when to increase the tempo and when to slow it down.
Oliver Skipp 6/10
Skipp, as expected, was a workhorse centrally. Whatever he lacks in skill, he makes up for in work rate and commitment. However, I can’t help but think that Ange might opt to play either Bissouma or Skipp in the future, but not both. And the former is the preferred option.
James Maddison 7/10
James Maddison’s debut couldn’t have started much better. His scorching, pinpoint free kick found Romero, who had the easiest of finishes thanks to the perfection of the delivery. He had another tame left-footed effort stopped by Brentford’s keeper Mark Flekken. He conceded too many unnecessary fouls but is inarguably the team’s most crucial playmaker.
Forwards
Dejan Kulusevski 5/10
Dejan didn’t have his best match. He showed well and had a few dangerous forays, only for his last touch to let him down.
Son Heung-min 4/10
Sonny conceded a penalty in the first half and didn’t have many clear-cut looks at goal. He tested Flekken once with a somewhat scuffed left-footed shot. Otherwise, he had one attacking dribble, and no key passes. Spurs’ recently appointed captain will be disappointed with his opener.
Richarlison 5/10
The Brazilian struggled to impact proceedings how he would have wanted. He had one exceptional, deft pass in the first half and one venomous shot on target in the second half, directly at Flekken.
Davinson Sanchez 8/10
The Colombian was excellent in relief of Romero.
He is a man reenergized and brimming with confidence under Ange. Davinson Sanchez made a few pivotal, last-gasp challenges and broke up several threatening attacks. He also showed his breakneck pace, giving the lightning-quick Micky a run for his money.
Pape Sarr & Ivan Perisic N/A
Neither Sarr nor Perisic impacted play. It’s up for debate whether they didn’t have enough time or just didn’t get up to speed quickly enough.