Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham found a way to pull off a sensational comeback victory against Sheffield United, with Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski scoring late in injury time to secure the 2-1 victory.
When it looked like all was lost, Tottenham came up with a miraculous comeback. Ange’s side wasn’t at their best; far from it.
But the lads passed the test of elite sides, winning despite an average all-around performance. Spurs dominated possession, as expected. The relentless pressure eventually paid off, with Richarlison scoring his first home Premier League goal to equalize.
Kulu finished Sheffield United two minutes later, spearheading a frenzied scene at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Here’s the player ratings from a wonderful afternoon in north London.
Defence
Guglielmo Vicario 8/10
The Venom made a solid kick save in the first half from a zipped James McAtee low drive. He wasn’t at fault for Sheffield’s goal, as the Gustavo Hamer finish was unstoppable.
Cristian Romero 7/10
The Argentine didn’t make any glaring mistakes. He was solid defensively but missed a decent headed chance early in the second half. The long throw-in that led to Sheffield’s goal wasn’t dealt with by Romero or Micky van de Ven. However, neither can be held fully responsible.
Micky van de Ven 8/10
The Dutchman was dominant defensively in the first half. He made some strong tackles, including a few exquisitely timed slide tackles. He also saved Destiny Udogie’s bacon on an early giveaway from the left back, tracking back and making the tackle.
Destiny Udogie 6.5/10
Udogie wasn’t able to make his usual impact in attack. Udogie also made a few mistakes in possession during the opening 45 minutes.
Pedro Porro 6.5/10
Pedro Porro had a few brilliant touches, a fantastic turn in the first half, and hit a number of crosses. While the luck of the turf didn’t fall his way, he still played a decent match. He couldn’t get his final touch quite right, evinced by his ballooned attempted cross in second half injury time.
Midfield
James Maddison 7/10
Spurs’ playmaker tried his utmost to make things happen in the first half. While not for lack of effort, things didn’t quite work out for the Englishman. He had a zipped left-footed shot scream past the back post in the first half. He will be extremely frustrated about how his afternoon transpired.
Yves Bissouma 6.5/10
Like his midfield colleagues, Yves Bissouma poked and prodded, trying to find a gap in Sheffield’s defence. The visitors were organized and composed, making life miserable for Yves and the rest of his midfield trio. He made one run into the box in the first half, only to see his shot saved by Wes Foderingham.
Pape Sarr 6/10
Pape Sarr does so much excellent work off the ball, gallopping tirelessly to make things difficult for the opposition. He had one threatening shot in the first half but was otherwise fairly quiet when Spurs were in possession.
Forwards and Subs
Manor Solomon 6.5/10
Manor Solomon looked threatening at times, jigging his way into space just outside of the box numerous times. Things didn’t quite click for Solomon, who will be disappointed with his performance.
Son Heung-min 5.5/10
Sonny couldn’t find the breakthrough Spurs so direly needed. He had one attempt blocked in the first half but struggled to create. He wasn’t quite on today.
Dejan Kulusevski 9/10
Dejan was the most lively of Spurs’ attackers. He made countless dashes down the byline, using his pace to gain a yard. However, like most of his teammates, Kulu couldn’t find the required quality on his final touch.
Richarlison 10/10
The Brazilian scored a clutch injury time header to level proceedings. His first Premier League goal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium couldn’t have come at a more important time. His off-pitch issues in recent weeks makes the goal even more impressive. He deserves a 9/10 just for being in the right spot and making no mistake with the header.
He also set up Kulu’s 100th-minute winner. What a cameo.
Ivan Perisic 9/10
Instrumental on both Tottenham goals, Ivan Perisic proved his worth and then some off the bench. His corner led to the equalizer. He also passed smartly to Richarlison, whose pass found Kulu for the winner.
Brennan Johnson 7.5/10
Brennan Johnson made a difference after his introduction. He scored a brilliant goal, which was just offside. But he was lively and electric, leaving Spurs supporters wanting more.
Pierre Hojbjerg 7/10
Pierre stabilized things after being introduced. He made a few good passes and ensure Tottenham kept the pressure on, which eventually contributed to the late comeback win.