After an epic Champions League encounter on Wednesday night, Tottenham Hotspur visited Manchester City again this weekend in a Premier League encounter. A 4-3 victory could not save the Citizens from being knocked out from this prestigious European contest. However, a win this afternoon was crucial to keep pace for the Premier League title race.
Spurs, not having the luxury of rotating the squad, seemed a bit off-paced and fatigued at times. They created chances but failed to convert, and therefore, settled for a 1-0 defeat at Etihad.
Below are the Tottenham players rated in their defeat against Manchester City.
Paulo Gazzaniga: 6.5
Was handed a rare start in place of injured Hugo Lloris. The Argentine could have done little to stop Phil Foden’s early header. However, he pulled off a tremendous save with his leg to deny Raheem Sterling from close range midway through the second half. His distribution was underwhelming though and had a couple of nervy moments while trying to be innovative with his decision making.
Davinson Sanchez: 6
Should have done better with his positioning to defend Bernardo Silva’s cross which eventually led to Foden’s winner in the early minutes of the game. Struggled against Leroy Sane’s pace towards the end but did relatively well to contain Raheem Sterling throughout the match.
Toby Alderweireld: 7
Was strong defensively as he was operating centrally in Spurs’ ‘back three’. The Belgian blocked many efforts, impressed with his positioning and used his experience to keep things under control despite the presence of sensational Sergio Aguero inside the box. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Fernando Llorente in search of a late equaliser.
Jan Vertonghen: 6.5
Vertonghen, too, was impressive with his physicality and no-nonsense defending. Was rusty at times while tackling, and failed to take the ball out of the back and build up attacks from the deep like he usually offers while operating down the left of a three-man backline.
Juan Foyth: 8
Started as a right wingback in the absence of Kieran Trippier and the young Argentine was arguably Spurs’ best player on the pitch this afternoon. His footwork, calmness over the ball under pressure and ability to find the right pass earned applauds in a fixture where his teammates lacked composure and energy.
Eric Dier: 6
Returned from his injury suffered last month against the Czech Republic during the international break. The Englishman struggled to hold the ball and calm things down in a deeper midfield role against City’s passing and pressing game. Was eventually taken off around the hour mark and got replaced by Victor Wanyama.
Dele Alli: 5.5
Showed some flashy skills but was highly isolated otherwise and looked worn-out entirely before being replaced by Danny Rose in the second half.
Ben Davies: 6.5
The Welshman tried to make some overlapping runs from the left flank but lacked enough support to form attacking threats high up the pitch. Had a tough time defensively against Bernardo Silva who kept on troubling the visitors with his pace, smart movements and dynamic display.
Christian Eriksen: 6
Found Son with an exquisite pass in the first half and often tried to link up with his teammates to build up counter attacks. But the Danish sensation lacked enough support and looked too fatigued to step up and drive the game from the middle of the park.
Lucas Moura: 5.5
The Brazilian tried to cause menace in the City box with his mazy runs and swift movements. However, it was an afternoon to forget for the attacker as he was dreadful with his shooting and failed to combine with Son in the attacking third.
Heung-min Son: 6.5
The South Korean sensation had the best of opportunities for the visitors but got denied by Ederson time and again. The custodian was majestic with his outing, yet the attacker should have done a lot better with his finishing considering his form and scoring attribute.
Substitutes
Victor Wanyama: 5
Lacked composure as well as creativity required to break down City’s moves.
Danny Rose: 5
Came in place of Dele Alli. Lost possession far too easily and was wasteful with his attempts high up the pitch.
Fernando Llorente: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
