Tottenham Hotspur went head to head with Brighton & Hove Albion today, hoping to bounce back from three successive losses in all competitions. Spurs took the game to the Seagulls early on and created some excellent chances to score. They finally broke the deadlock when Harry Kane stepped up to convert a spot-kick just before half-time, which handed the away side a narrow one-goal lead at the break.
Chris Hughton’s men came back strong in the second half and created some opportunities to equalise. However, their forwards didn’t have their finishing boots on and were punished for failing to capitalise on their chances. Spurs scored their second goal through Erik Lamela’s smart finish which killed the game off for the home team.
The Seagulls scored in injury-time through Anthony Knockaert’s breakaway goal, but it was too little too late for them. The match finished 2-1 in favour of the North London giants.
Let’s take a look at how each Tottenham Hotspur player fared during the encounter against the Seagulls.
GK: Paulo Gazzaniga – 7/10
He pulled off some fine saves to deny Brighton in the second half. The Tottenham keeper deserved to keep a clean sheet on the day and will rightfully be angry at his defenders for allowing an injury-time goal.
RB: Kieran Trippier – 7/10
The English full-back’s freekick hit Glenn Murray’s hand which helped Spurs to score the opening goal of the match through Kane’s penalty. He was a good outlet down the right flank and defended well while facing his goal.
CB: Toby Alderweireld – 7/10
The Belgian was a commanding presence in defence and was unlucky not to score with his powerful header in the first half.
CB: Jan Vertonghen – 7.5/10
Was solid at the back for Spurs but failed to keep a shut-out which will disappoint him.
LB: Danny Rose – 7/10
The English speedster marauded down the left flank to join in on the attack at every chance he got. He set up Erik Lamela quite well for Spurs’ second goal. But was at fault for conceding late in injury-time when he let Knockhaert make a clear run at goal.
CM: Eric Dier – 6/10
He worked hard all night and did his job well while providing some added cover for the Tottenham backline.
CM: Mousa Dembélé – 6/10
The Belgian retained the ball well but lacked the cutting edge going forward.
LM: Heung-Min Son – 6/10
A welcome return to the first-team, the South-Korean created a few chances in the first half but looked tired as the game went on.
CAM: Christian Eriksen – 5/10
He was very mediocre in midfield and was not clinical enough in front of goal.
RM: Lucas Moura – 6/10
He had a frustrating day out in the opposition half. The Brazilian will be disappointed with his performance at the Amex today.
ST: Harry Kane – 8/10
The English forward kept his calm to convert the spot-kick late in the first half. However, he was guilty of not killing the game in the final quarter when Brighton looked so susceptible in defence.
Substitutes:
LM: Erik Lamela – 8/10
The Argentine came off the bench to score with a beautiful finish which turned out to be the winner.
CAM: Delle Alli – 6/10
He kept the ball well and created a few chances while on the pitch.
