Opinion: Tottenham player ratings from the 3-1 NLD defeat to Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur fell to their first Premier League defeat of the season this afternoon, with Arsenal scoring three and Emerson Royal seeing red. Let’s take a look at how the individual players got on: Hugo Lloris – 5 – It was a shame because before the huge mistake in Arsenal’s second goal, Lloris was playing […]

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Tottenham Hotspur fell to their first Premier League defeat of the season this afternoon, with Arsenal scoring three and Emerson Royal seeing red.

Let’s take a look at how the individual players got on:

Hugo Lloris – 5 – It was a shame because before the huge mistake in Arsenal’s second goal, Lloris was playing very well and Spurs were in the game. Not sure how Hugo didn’t collect the ball after his weak parry, but I’m sure he will bounce back.

Emerson Royal – 3 – With Emerson, you usually at least get some solid defending, even if the attacking isn’t up to scratch. Today, he struggled to defend in behind and then killed the game with that silly red card challenge.

Cristian Romero – 6 – Sat back in that Tottenham back line and waited to sniff out some aggressive challenges to turn possession over. Gave a couple of fouls away, but it was definitely worth it for some of the attacks he kickstarted.

Eric Dier – 5.5 – Played very well in the first half, as he dropped in to mark Jesus, he covered out wide when Arsenal got in behind, and he defended the box aerially. In the second half, just like Spurs, it was all a little wild at times. At fault for the third goal.

Clement Lenglet – 5.5 – This was his toughest defensive challenge at Spurs so far and he stuck to his task. Struggled at times up against the quick feet of Saka but no real complaints and is always quality on the ball.

Ivan Perisic – 5.5 – Perisic was very involved in the match, at both ends of the pitch. A constant threat down the left with some nice interplay with Sonny. At the back, he can get caught out from time to time, and seemed to run out of puff a little.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 6.5 – Spurs play a midfield two against a three almost every week, and Hojbjerg gets through the work of two players at times. Always in the way to block, tackle, and turn over possession. But with ten men, it became impossible.

Rodrigo Bentancur – 7 – The best Spurs player on the pitch. This man is the class you need in an outnumbered midfield two. Never panics and always looks after the ball. Not only did he press well and turn over possession today, but he uses it so positively to start attacks too. So underrated and deserved more today.

Richarlison – 6 – He has that knack of not being in the game for a while, then exploding into life with a great run, some nice tricks, or sheer effort in the press. Tottenham’s penalty came about from his desire. Was also unlucky not to open the scoring himself early on.

Harry Kane – 6 – A very clever performance from Kane in the first half. He knows his job isn’t just to score goals. He wins cheap free-kicks to take the pressure off, creates for others with his range of passing, and even ran in behind to stretch the defence today. Plus the penalty. Unfortunately, he was so isolated in the second 45, he stood no chance.

Heung-min Son – 6 – Looked to be more confident on the ball in the first 45. Much more in control of his dribbling and first touch today. Created some really nice space throughout the game, but his final pass was not good enough.

Substitutions:

Yves Bissouma – 5 – Looked calm and controlled in the middle of the park, but was essentially there to see out a 3-1 defeat and that’s all.

Matt Doherty – 4.5 – Some much-needed minutes, but the highlight was a strange weak-footed pass across his own box that almost set up an Arsenal chance.

Davinson Sanchez – 5 – Came on in the centre of the back three just to see the game out.

Ryan Sessegnon – 5 – Didn’t see too much of the ball, and was more of a left-back in a flat five than a wing-back.

Oliver Skipp – 5 – Looked very good off the ball in terms of work rate and winning it back, very sloppy on the ball – as is to be expected after so long out.

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