Tottenham Hotspur succumbed to yet another draw in the FA Cup, when they drew with Southampton 1-1 at the St. Mary’s Stadium.
The game started rather slowly for both the sides, though Tottenham did look the better team. They notably had a goal disallowed in the 28th minute due to offside. However, they eventually found the back of the net through Son Heung-Min in the 58th minute.
But, at the same time, Spurs were never at their best, which allowed Southampton to make a late push. And the Saints succeeded when Danny Ings set up Sofiane Boufal to secure a late draw after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had initially created a turnover.
Here are the Spurs players rated in their draw with Southampton.
Hugo Lloris 5
The Frenchman was barely troubled throughout the entirety of the game. However, he couldn’t have done anything to save Sofiane Boufal’s effort for the late equaliser.
Serge Aurier 6
Aurier did well to provide the coverage on the far side. He went forward whenever it was necessary though there would be a few question marks regarding his overall quality on the ball. It was the Ivorian who was dispossessed by Hojbjerg, leading to Southampton’s equaliser.
Toby Alderweireld 7.5
It was yet another consistent display from the experienced Belgian, who led the Tottenham backline with utter composure and fierce leadership. His passing was also quite impressive as it helped Spurs deal with Southampton’s high press.
Davinson Sanchez 7
A mixed display from the Colombian, who unusually gets physically overwhelmed, at times. He certainly needs to improve on his overall composure though he did provide excellent defensive support to Alderweireld.
Japhet Tanganga 8
An incredible display from the youngster, whose headed clearance was crucial in the final outcome of the game. Tanganga deserves a lot of credit for his dogged defending that has denied the Southampton attackers from exploiting the vulnerability of the Tottenham backline.
Gedson Fernandes 5
Not the best of starts for the young Portuguese in what was his debut for the club. The midfielder looked nervy, at times and lacked a clear identity in the middle of the park. His overall work-rate was decent before he was eventually subbed off just before the hour mark.
Harry Winks 7
With Gedson struggling, Winks’ composure in the middle was important as Tottenham didn’t lose their shape against a dangerous Southampton side.
Dele Alli 6.5
Had to operate in a more deeper role due to the slight shift in formation. Did show signs of his brilliance, but it was, overall, an ineffective performance from the English international.
Giovani Lo Celso 8.5
By far the best performer of the evening, Lo Celso continued his excellent run of form with another good attacking display. He was the lone creative force in the final third. But, the Argentine also showed his versatility by playing in a deeper role when Gedson was subbed off. It was his goal that was ruled out just before the half-hour mark as Son was in an offside position.
Lucas Moura 6.5
Lucas Moura tried his best to be involved in the game for as long as possible. He covered a lot of ground but it was his lack of temperament that led to his downfall, in this game.
Son Heung-Min 7
Son Heung-Min struggled to impose his presence for the most of the game. But, he deserves credit for making use of his opportunity to score the opener just before the hour-mark. Some very questionable passing in the final third, though.
SUBSTITUTES
Erik Lamela 7.5
Made all the difference after coming on for Gedson in the 55th minute. Registered an assist just after coming on by setting up Son. Provided the flair that was missing in the Tottenham attack.
Eric Dier N/A
A late replacement for Alli.
