Tottenham Hotspur 0-3 RB Leipzig: Tottenham Player Ratings
The Champions League final looks to have occurred a hundred years ago as Tottenham Hotspur ended their tryst with European football’s top prize in this year’s UEFA Champions League.
It was a performance as dire as any, as individual and collective mistakes led to Leipzig settling the tie by the half-hour mark. Marcel Sabitzer benefitted from two mistakes by Hugo Lloris to put his side up by two goals by the 21st minute before Emil Forsberg came off the bench to score with his first touch of the night.
Spurs were lacking a number of first-team players and the difference clearly showed. Only Giovani Lo Celso looked capable of making something happen, while Dele Alli showed the stomach for a fight.
All eyes will now turn to the match against Manchester United next Sunday. A defeat to the Red Devils could effectively end our chances for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for next season.
We take a look at how the players fared in the loss in Leipzig.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
Hugo Lloris (3/10)
From hero across the course of one game to a villain in this. The Spurs skipper was unquestionably the player of the match in the first leg as he single-handedly kept his team in the tie. He looks to have made a deal with the devil as he used up all his luck and ability in a disappointing performance.
Japhet Tanganga (4/10)
Failed once again at the highest stage and showed that he still has a lot to learn. Beaten easily by Sabitzer for his second goal of the night, the youngster will do well to learn the harsh reality of fine margins at the highest level.
Eric Dier (4/10)
One of Tottenham’s in-form players going into the night, the 26-year-old was disappointing at the heart of the defence. He failed to cope with Leipzig’s pace and was frequently caught out of position.
Toby Alderweireld (4/10)
Looked unsure in his decision making and was often caught out by quick Leipzig attacks. His lack of pace was brutally exposed as the Germans left him high and dry in their wake.
Ryan Sessegnon (4/10)
Just returned from injury and it showed. Lacked match fitness and often ran himself into dead ends. His distribution was more hopeful than proactive and needs to get match practise before being thrown into the first-team.
Serge Aurier (4/10)
His poor header led to Leipzig’s second goal and played second fiddle to Angelino all night. Was disappointing in both attack and defence in a quiet night for the Ivorian.
Harry Winks (4/10)
The Englishman showed intent and hunger but a lack of quality prevented him from doing much. Battled hard for scraps and was dispossessed at least twice as the Germans dominated the midfield.
Giovani Lo Celso (7/10)
The only positive from the game for Tottenham. The Argentine looked to be head and shoulders above his teammates as he single-handedly tried to drive his team forward.
Forced a good save off Peter Gulacsi and was at the forefront of everything Spurs managed to throw forward. Was sadly lacking in support and Leipzig eventually crowded him out.
Erik Lamela (4/10)
A battling performance sans the lack of quality in the final third.
Lucas Moura (5/10)
This would not prove to be another miracle for the Brazilian as he looked short of ideas. Produced one bit of class when he set up Dele Alli in the second half. Ran himself into the ground and showed fight, but it just was not enough.
Dele Alli (6/10)
Showed courage and initiative as he kept fighting in spite of the lack of support. Battled hard for every ball and got suck in. Eventually, Leipzig were able to contain him and he was limited to half chances.
Had a good opportunity in the second half but could only deflect his shot into Gulacsi’s arms. Credit has to be given to the 23-year-old, who did not give up in spite of the scoreline.
Substitutes
Gedson Fernandes (5/10)
Came on with 10 minutes to go and had a tame shot straight at the keeper.
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Jose Mourinho in contact with Florentino Perez to discuss Eder Militao transfer
- Jose Mourinho does not expect Steven Bergwijn to play again this season
- Mourinho believes Ryan Sessegnon is ready to make a difference
Malachi Fagan-Walcott (N/A)
A debut for the youngster who came on for Aurier in the dying minutes. Didn’t get a chance to affect the game.
