A brace from Heung Min-Son helped Mauricio Pochettino’s side to a victory at the Riverside stadium on Saturday against Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough side. The hosts looked lethargic and devoid of ideas in the first half of the game and looked far from a side that can give Tottenham a run for their money. Though they looked charged up after the goal from Ben Gibson and the introduction of Adama Traore, Boro did not do enough of the night to get anything from this game. Here are the player ratings for the side in this defeat to Tottenham.
Victor Valdes (5)
Was a busy man on the night for the home side as he managed to keep his side in the game until the end. Tried to dominate his box but his defence was not good enough to keep the Spurs away.
Antonio Barragan (4)
Arguably the worst player for the home side, Barragan was way too irresponsible in possession and was also far from convincing in the defensive areas of the pitch.
Calum Chambers (5)
Making his debut on loan from Arsenal, Chambers was not able to handle the Tottenham Hotspur attack as he was absent at times at the back when his team needed him.
Ben Gibson (5)
Was under pressure for most of the game as he failed to keep his goal away from danger. Added some spark to his side after his headed goal at the hour mark on the night.
George Friend (6)
The best player at the back for the home side, Friend, stuck to his task well as he gave the visitors a hard time attacking from his end.
Adam Clayton (5)
Full marks for his commitment and energy on the night but he was just not good enough to handle the intensity from Pochettino’s side on the night.
Marten de Roon (4)
Another Middlesbrough who was horrific on the night, De Roon was a passenger for the home side for most of the game as he failed to find a foot hole in the game and struggled all night.
Cristhian Stuani (5)
Had some brilliant moments in the first half but was not effective enough for his side to take anything from this game on the night.
Gaston Ramirez (5)
Another Middlesbrough player that faded away as the game progressed, Ramirez, made an impressive start to the first half but was almost non-existent later in the game.
Stuart Downing (5)
Tried his best to effect the play in the final third but had to add so much in defense that he had no energy or creativity left to show off in dangerous areas. Picked up an assist for Gibson’s goal from a free-kick.
Alvaro Negredo (5)
Was a lone figure at the top for most of the game and though had an exciting moment or two, was largely away from most of the game as he tried to provide an outlet for his side that they never used.
Subs
Adama Traore (7)
Arguably the best player on the night for Boro, Traore came into the game to replace Ramirez and straight away induced some pace and urgency in his team’s play that almost gave his side a point from this game.
Jordan Rhodes (5)
Came into the game to lead the attack with half an hour to play but never had a chance to prove himself and give his side a goal on the night.
Adam Forshaw (5)
Had less than 10 minutes to have his say on the game but hardly got a chance to write his name on the score sheet late in the game.
