It was an exhilarating contest between the two giants of the Premier League as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City locked horns at White Hart Lane in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal. As the dramatic battle unfolded between the two sides, Spurs were the ones to have the last laugh as Heung-Min Son scored the only goal of the matchup in the 78th minute.
However, it should have been the Citizens in the lead but Sergio Aguero squandered the chance from a penalty as Hugo Lloris came to the rescue for his side early in the match. Initially, the handball by Danny Rose that led to the spot kick was not given but after VAR referral, the referee pointed to the spot. The Citizens though, could not capitalise on the opportunity and will have to play catch up with Mauricio Pochettino’s men when they meet again at the Etihad Stadium in one week’s time.
Here is how the Tottenham Hotspur players were rated from their win against Manchester City.
Hugo Lloris: 8
Led from the front. Made several good saves throughout the match, including the spot kick from Aguero, to keep his side in the game. Left the field with a well deserved clean sheet.
Kieran Trippier: 7
Looked to get into the attack whenever he got the ball. Did well with his defensive responsibilities as well.
Toby Alderweireld: 7
A solid performance from the Belgian ace as he made sure nothing went past him. Kept Aguero quiet for most of the match.
Jan Vertonghen: 7
The brilliant display from his compatriot inspired the Belgian defender to show his mettle against the might of the City attack as well. Kept playing on the shoulders of Sterling throughout the match and did not let him aim for the goal often.
Danny Rose: 6
Could have turned out to be the villain for his side as his handball led to a penalty in the early minutes of the match. However, he recovered well to get a grip on the game as the game progressed and finished the match on the winning side.
Moussa Sissoko: 6
Looked a little shaky against Ilkay Gundogan in the first half. However, his physical presence helped him get the better of the German enforcer in the second half of the match.
Harry Winks: 7
Picked out his teammates with his accurate passing. Initiated attacks from the midfield. Kept vying for the ball in the middle of the pitch against David Silva.
Christian Eriksen: 7
Kept getting into spaces and got the ball into the danger area to initiate attacks. Tormented the Man City defence with his classy footwork.
Dele Alli: 6
Looked increasingly confident with his ball playing and passing in the first half. In the second half, however, got blocked by the likes of Laporte and Otamendi on a number of occasions.
Heung-Min Son: 8
The star of the show for Spurs. Kept running into the danger area and kept aiming for the goal. Did brilliantly to keep the ball in play and took advantage of Fabian Delph and Gundogan switching off as he shot past them and Ederson to give his side an advantage ahead of the second leg.
Harry Kane: 6
Picked up a few knocks throughout the match, the final one proving to be too much for him as he was forced off the pitch, which could be a significant worry for Pochettino ahead of the second leg.
Substitutes
Lucas Moura: 6
Did well since coming on for Kane. Kept getting into the danger area from time to time but was inaccurate with his shots.
Victor Wanyama: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Fernando Llorente: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
