The first of two Premier League matches this Sunday saw Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a vital top four clash.
The first half started well for Spurs as they dominated early on, looking like the more threatening side in the match. In the opening 20 minutes the Lilywhites managed seven touches in the opposition box, compared to Villa’s one.
It was the visitors, however, that had the first big chance as the initial corner was cleared, Villa swung a second cross back in and Amadou Onana rose the highest to nod a header towards goal but Guglielmo Vicario got down quickly to stop the away team from going in front.
However, from the resulting corner Rodrigo Bentancur flicked the ball towards his own keeper, who saved it, but Morgan Rogers was in position to poke home the rebound. Spurs yet again concede from a set piece, an issue that arises doubt towards Vicario.
The second half was a different story, Spurs started quickly and in the 49th minute Heung-Min Son delivered a brilliant ball into the Aston Villa penalty area and Welshman Brennan Johnson arrived at the back post to level the game.
Tottenham took the lead with quarter of an hour left to play, Johnson set the ball for Dejan Kulusevski who played a teasing ball into the danger area and Dominic Solanke managed to stay just onside and the Englishman showed great composure as he chipped an oncoming Emiliano Martinez.
Just four minutes later Spurs found themselves 3-1 up as Solanke grabbed his second of the day. Pape Matar Sarr intercepted a loose ball from Pau Torres before playing a ball to Richarlison who unselfishly squares it to Solanke who slots it home and puts the game out of reach for Villa.
With the game all but finished in the 96th minute, Spurs found themselves with a free-kick in a dangerous area and substitute James Maddison bent it round the Aston Villa wall to make it 4-1 to Spurs and seal off an important victory.
After a convincing win for Ange Postecoglou’s side, here are the player ratings.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
Guglielmo Vicario– 7
The Italian didn’t have a whole lot to do, facing only two shots on target all game. He got down well to save Onana’s header in the first half and kept out Bentancur’s flick towards his own goal.
However, Spurs conceded yet another set piece goal which has been a big talking point recently with questions being raised over Vicario’s ability to defend them.
Pedro Porro – 7
Solid performance from Porro today but nothing too spectacular. He attempted 6 crosses and only found his target with half of them.
The Spaniard also found himself in the referee’s book with a sliding challenge that could’ve been avoided if he stayed on his feet.
Cristian Romero – 7
The centre back once again showed off his passing ability today, completing 37 of his 39 attempted passes.
However, a foot injury forced him off after 60 minutes as he was replaced by Ben Davies.
Radu Dragusin – 8
Another solid defensive performance by Dragusin today as he covered for the injured Micky van de Ven. The Romanian international looked very comfortable on the ball and played four passes into the final third.
He also made a very good block in the first half against Jacob Ramsey.
Destiny Udogie – 7
Udogie made two interceptions and three tackles in a solid performance. The Italian left-back also made himself a nuisance for Villa in an attacking sense, making three passes into the final third.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7
Arguably Spurs’ best player in the first half, looked very sharp. However, in the second half he seemed to be chasing the game a bit.
The Uruguayan was also lucky to not pick up a yellow card as he committed three fouls before being replaced by Yves Bissouma in the 56th minute.
Pape Matar Sarr – 8
Very impressive performance from the young midfielder who seemed to get better as the game went on.
He was vital for Spurs’ third goal as he picked up a loose ball and slipped Richarlison through to set up Solanke.
Dejan Kulusevski – 8
Struggled in the first half but was on form in the second and played a lovely reverse ball to set up Solanke’s first.
Brennan Johnson – 8
Gave his all and ran his socks off all game, chasing plenty of loose balls. He was rewarded for his effort early in the second half as he netted his seventh of the season, finishing off Son’s cross.
Dominic Solanke – 9
Worked tirelessly as usual, didn’t have too many chances in the first half. He got more service in the second half which resulted in him bagging two goals, chipping the first one over Martinez and tapping home a second from Richarlison’s pass.
Also won the free-kick that Maddison scored.
Heung-Min Son – 7
Spurs’ captain returned to the starting line-up today and lit up the start of the second half with a great low cross that Johnson finished off.
Was taken off after just 56 minutes though as a precaution, much to his disappointment.
Substitutes
Richarlison – 7
Made a brief appearance and grabbed an assist for Solanke but injured what seemed to be his hamstring in the process and was subbed off subsequently.
Yves Bissouma – 7
Came on and livened up the Spurs midfield, a great change from Postecoglou to replace Bentancur with the Mali international.
Ben Davies – 8
Defended very well when he came on for Romero and made a very important block which set Spurs’ away for their second.
James Maddison – 8
Didn’t let the fact he started on the bench get to him as he curled a beautiful free-kick round the Villa wall to make it 4-1 to Spurs.
Archie Gray – 7
Came on for Udogie late in the game and didn’t put a foot wrong. Such a promising young prospect.