North London derby usually produces highly entertaining football between two of Premier League’s age-old rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. This Sunday evening encounter looked even more significant due to its impact on title race as well as ‘top four’ chase. Spurs have become a deadly force under Mauricio Pochettino and were desperate to have three points at White Hart Lane to keep on pushing for their first title over fifty years in spite of Chelsea’s 4-point lead at the top. Also, Arsenal needed a victory from this tricky away fixture to grab a Champions League place. However, Spurs looked more dominant since kick-off and secured a vital 2-0 win that restored their 4 points gap with league leaders Chelsea with four games remaining.
Below are the Spurs players rated from the game.
Hugo Lloris: 7
Made a decent stop in the first half to deny Aaron Ramsey’s strike. Pulled off a few more routine saves and managed to keep a clean-sheet.
Kieran Trippier: 7.5
The fullback had a decent outing as he concentrated on his defensive duties against Alexis Sanchez and linked up well with Christian Eriksen down the right-hand flank. Was replaced by Kyle Walker in closing minutes of the game.
Toby Alderweireld: 8
The Belgian looked solid defensively with his positioning, blocks and tackles. Also posed aerial threats from set-pieces in the Gunners’ penalty area.
Jan Vertonghen: 8
Vertonghen, too, did well defensively alongside his fellow countryman Alderweireld and forced Petr Cech into making a couple of top saves with his cracking strikes.
Ben Davies: 7.5
Linked up well with Heung-min Son down the left-hand flank and whipped in a few good crosses. Made a few decent forward runs and caused all sorts of trouble for Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Gabriel.
Victor Wanyama: 7
The Kenyan international had a decent outing as he made his presence known with a strong and combative display. Linked up well with Alli, Eriksen and Son to form attacking movements from the middle of the park.
Eric Dier: 6.5
Sloppy at times and lost possession but his tireless box-to-box runs helped his side to control the midfield.
Christian Eriksen: 8
The Danish dynamite came close to break the deadlock in the first half, however, he kept on posing threats with his set-pieces and long range efforts. Played a major role in Spurs’ opener as his strike was well saved by Gunners’ custodian Petr Cech but the rebound was converted by Dele Alli from close range.
Dele Alli: 7.5
Alli continues his great scoring form as he netted from close range from a rebound to earn his side a lead despite missing out on a golden opportunity during the first half. Received a standing ovation from the fans while being replaced by Moussa Sissoko in added time.
Heung-min Son: 7
Son used the left flank beautifully and kept Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gabriel on toes with his dribbling, pace and link-up play. Was taken off to be replaced by Moussa Dembele late into the second half.
Harry Kane: 7.5
Marked his name into scoresheet yet again in another North London derby as he converted the spot-kick to double the lead after being tripped down inside the box by Gabriel.
Substitutes
Moussa Dembele: 6
Came late in place of Son. Held the ball well in midfield during closing minutes.
Kyle Walker: NA
Came too late to warrant a rating.
Moussa Sissoko: NA
Came too late to warrant a rating.
