Tottenham Hotspur continued their 100 per cent record in the Europa League this evening, playing out a 1-0 win at home to AZ Alkmaar thanks to a Richarlison penalty.
Let’s take a look at how the individual players got on:
Tottenham Hotspur player ratings
Fraser Forster – 8 – Made a superb save up to his top right to keep AZ out from a corner. Also came off his line well to stop them from going through on goal. In the second half, he added to his heroics by saving a one-on-one to keep things at 1-0.
Archie Gray – 6 – Struggled in his one-v-one defensive battle against the tricky Poku, but on the ball looked class as usual. The partnership between Gray and Moore was a little disjointed but hopefully that can flourish in the years to come.
Radu Dragusin – 5 – A much better time of it than last time out against Qarabag, although that isn’t saying much. Looked calm on the ball up until the 57th minute when a stumble left AZ through on goal.
Ben Davies – 5 – Perhaps a surprise start at centre-back, Davies even got the armband in the second half. Much like Dragusin, he looked very comfortable… until he didn’t. A mishap with the ball at his feet sent AZ through on goal and they should have really scored.
Destiny Udogie – 7 – Perhaps needed this game as a confidence booster. You could tell he was a level above some of them out there. Set up some dangerous attacks with a few superb interceptions and tackles. Also looked a real threat himself on the underlap. Still needs to work on his one-v-one defending.
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Rodrigo Bentancur – 7.5 – Nice and steady performance. Did a good job at both mopping up danger and also picking some neat little passes into the pockets. Rescued Tottenham when he blocked what looked like a certain goal.
Lucas Bergvall – 7 – A superb outside-the-boot pass to set Timo Werner through on goal in the first half. Some really creative work on the ball. Probably needs to work on his engine off the ball. Did well to win the all-important penalty. Went off with a bit of a hamstring injury but hopefully he is okay.
James Maddison – 8.5 – The best player on the pitch by some margin. He picked up positions between the lines for fun and dictated every Spurs attack. With the first-team around him, he probably would have created a couple of goals.
Mikey Moore – 8 – Missed a superb chance to open his Spurs account with an early headed chance. Had some really bright moments cutting inside off the wing, but the end product wasn’t quite there… until he switched wings in the second half and turned into prime Messi! The AZ right-back couldn’t handle him. Even when they doubled up on Moore, he still wriggled through. This kid is special!
Richarlison – 7 – Considering he is fresh off a long-term injury, Richarlison pressed and pressed and pressed all day long. A cold penalty chipped down the middle – although I’m not a fan of players fighting each other to take it (Richy and Maddison). Got 63 minutes under his belt before getting cramp and heading off.
Timo Werner – 3 – It just isn’t happening for Timo. He started the game with a dream of a cross that should have been headed home by Moore. After that, it was another horror show. A pathetic pass back to the keeper when through on goal. A slash wide from a right angle. A backpass that almost set AZ away. Then hooked at half-time and made to watch Moore thrive on his left wing.
Substitutes:
Brennan Johnson – 6 – Had a decent chance to get a shot on goal with his first touch after a crazy run and pass from Moore. Should have assisted Richarlison when both of them went through too.
Dominic Solanke – 6 – Came on to play out the last 25 minutes and linked up with his teammates really well, as usual. Didn’t get much of a sniff in front of goal.
Dejan Kulusevski – 6 – Pretty quiet after coming on, but he’s a dream player to have off the bench to see out a game with his superb engine on and off the ball.
Pape Matar Sarr – 6 – Copy and paste the above. Spurs looked far more comfortable with Sarr’s relentless press and tracking than when Maddison and Bergvall were on.