Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Southampton: Tottenham Player Ratings
It was another frustrating day as the lack of a specialist striker came to bite Tottenham Hotspur as they drew 1-1 against Southampton in the FA Cup Fourth-Round.
Tottenham took the lead through Son Heung-Min after Giovani Lo Celso drove the ball past five players to set up the South Korean’s goal.
The introduction of Erik Lamela added some dynamism to the attack. The Argentine combined well with Lo Celso to thread through a sweet pass to Son only for him to blaze over.
That should have been game over,instead, Southampton took advantage of Tottenham’s profligacy to equalize through Sofiane Boufal with 3 minutes remaining.
The replay will be played on the 5th of February which is an inconvenience, considering Spurs were supposed to go on their winter break from February 2nd to 15th.
Tottenham Player Ratings
Hugo Lloris (7/10)
The captain was assured and confident. Didn’t have much to do apart from picking the ball from the back of the net following Boufal’s equalizer. Showed courage to clatter into Danny Ings as he successfully went out to punch a cross.
Serge Aurier (5/10)
Carelessly gave away the ball in the lead-up to Southampton’s equalizer.
Toby Alderweireld (6/10)
The better of the central defensive duo. Lost Ings on several occasions but thankfully, the English striker could not take advantage. Distributed the ball well but is starting to look suspect.
Could have done better to prevent the cross for the equalizer.
Davinson Sanchez (5/10)
Equally troubled by Ings. The Colombian’s pace helped him recover and keep pace with the Saints striker as he kept finding pockets of space between the centre-halves.
Seems to lack confidence and is a much better defender than what was on show here.
Japhet Tanganga (7.5/10)
Another solid showing by the youngster. He was defensively sound and handled the pace and power of Michael Obafemi. An eventful evening where he was lucky to escape a handball but also made a brilliant clearance off the line.
At this rate, he can keep Jan Vertonghen out of the team for the foreseeable future.
Harry Winks (6/10)
Not the flashiest of performances but as quietly effective. Shielded the back four well and allowed Giovani Lo Celso the freedom to drive forward with the ball.
Gedson Fernandes (4/10)
Lasted just 55 minutes and looked more tired as the game went on. Looked unsure of his role in the team as he appeared to be caught in two minds. Showed signs of promise with a couple of interceptions and neat forward passes.
Giovani Lo Celso (8/10)
Tottenham’s best player on the night. Any substantial Spurs attack seemed to go through him as the Argentine reminded everyone why he can be Christian Eriksen’s successor.
His mazy run led to Son’s opener and looked dangerous on the ball. An extremely promising performance by the 23-year-old in what could be better things to come.
Dele Alli (5.5/10)
Got into a few goods positions but couldn’t really make anything of note happen. His earlier purple patch in front of goal looks to have dried up. An Energetic player, he should be contributing more to attack.
Son Heung-Min (6/10)
His goal papers over what was largely a disjointed performance. Doesn’t look incisive as the forward player and needs to do more to emerge as a reliable source of goals.
Finished well to give Spurs the lead before the hour mark and should have doubled their lead after Lo Celso lobbed a pin point pass to him.
Lucas Moura (6.5/10)
Looks out of sorts as a makeshift forward. The Brazilian is a honest footballer who gives his all on the pitch. But sometimes like today,it just isnt enough.
Substitutes
Erik Lamela (6.5/10)
Added zest and dynamism after coming on and immediately combined to create Son’s goal. Blows too hot and cold and should aim to achieve a bout of consistency.
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Eric Dier (NA)
Came on late and didn’t have much to do.
