Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings vs Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur inflicted a third straight Premier League defeat to reigning champions Manchester City in what was a sensational performance by Ange Postecoglou’s men in his 50th league clash as Spurs boss.
Manchester City had opportunities to go ahead but it was Tottenham who struck first in the 13th minute thanks to James Maddison’s excellent finish. The English international, whose future at the club has been called into question, doubled the lead seven minutes later to give the visitors a healthy cushion.
A shell-shocked Manchester City were unable to come to terms with Tottenham’s energy and a former star of their drive home the result in the second half. Pedro Porro scored the visitors third in the 52nd minute to condemn the champions to yet another defeat.
The loss gives Tottenham a shot in the arm in their aim to finish in the top four while severely denting City’s chances of a fifth straight league crown. Substitute Brennan Johnson added further wounds to Guardiola’s side by scoring a fourth in injury time.
Here is how we think Tottenham Hotspur players fared in the game against Manchester City in the Premier League at home.
GK | Guglielmo Vicario: (8/10)
The Italian struggled with the national team in the international break but made an excellent stop to deny Erling Haaland in the first half when the game was yet scoreless. He also rose to the occasion in the second half, denying Ilkay Gundogan and Haaland to further frustrate the hosts. The performance should act as a much-needed confidence booster for the Spurs goalkeeper.
RB | Pedro Porro: (7/10)
The Spaniard’s stock has risen in recent times and he initially struggled to keep Savinho quiet. However, he readjusted his approach and improved as the game went on. A thunderous strike saw him score the visitors’ third of the night in what was yet another excellent outing for the full-back.
CB | Radu Dragusin: (7/10)
The Romanian has been subject to some criticism in recent months and his performance on the night will hardly be counted as a vintage one. However, he stood tall when needed and largely kept the Man City attackers at bay.
CB | Ben Davies: (7/10)
The senior-most figure in the Spurs backline, the Welshman made excellent use of his experience. Davies might not have been spectacular but help keep Phil Foden quiet and was at hand to deal with any trouble. His organisational skills also frustrated Man City on the night.
LB | Destiny Udogie: (6/10)
Not the Italian’s best night but he kept pushing and was not afraid to run up and down the flank when needed. Udogie made way for Djed Spence in the 90th minute.
CM | Pape Matar Sarr: (5/10)
He lost the ball a couple of times and also picked up a yellow card in the second half. However, Sarr’s physicality gave Tottenham a presence in the middle of the park and helped the visitors retain control in the middle of the park.
CDM | Yves Bissouma: (6.5/10)
An early yellow card put him on thin ice but Bissouma made his case in Rodrigo Bentancur’s absence. Bissouma put in a fighting performance and deserves credit for doing the dirty work in a key role.
CM | James Maddison: (8/10)
The birthday boy certainly upped the ante and showcased his best on a night when his team needed him. He times his run for the first goal while showcasing immaculate coolness to dispatch his side’s second of the night. Maddison petered off as the game went on as Spurs aimed to see out the result.
RW | Dejan Kulusevski: (6/10)
The Swede has been Tottenham’s best performer this season and once again found himself among the assist-makers on the night. He had Josko Gvardiol’s number and often led the Croatian in his wake. Speaking ahead of the game, Kulusevski was hopeful of making a difference and it is good to see him make good on that promise.
LW | Son Heung-min: (6/10)
A rather quiet night for the Spurs’ skipper, who is often Man City’s tormentor in chief. He singed Ederson’s gloves with a shot in the first half before earning himself an assist for Maddison’s second. He was taken off for Brennan Johnson in the second half.
ST | Dominic Solanke: (6.5/10)
The Englishman might not have gotten on the scoresheet but his ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play remains a potent weapon. Solanke also secured himself an assist on the night.
Substitutes:
Brennan Johnson: (6/10)
The Welshman came on for Son in the second half and scored his side’s fourth in the final minute of stoppage time.
Djed Spence: (NA)
A late substitute for Destiny Udogie as Tottenham sought to see the game out.
Lucas Bergvall: (6/10)
A late substitute for Pape Matar Sarr as Tottenham sought to see the game out. He also frustrated Manuel Akanji enough to secure the latter a yellow card.
Timo Werner: (NA)
A late substitute for Maddison, Werner provided the assist for Brennan Johnson’s coup de grace.
