All of Tottenham’s top 4 rivals dropped points this week and at one point, it even looked like Spurs would do the same against Brighton at home. However, a late strike from Christian Eriksen gave them the all-important three points which keeps them in a healthy place to finish in the top 3.
The game was an all-out defence vs attack as Spurs had 29 attempts on goal and controlled 78 percent of the possession. The first half was far more comfortable for the Seagulls as they kept the North London club at bay. It was clear that the North London club would have to play with more urgency in the second half and that is what they did as they started to move the ball much quicker.
Toby Alderweireld managed to hit the post with a brilliant swivelling attempt. It always felt like someone would have to produce that extra bit of magic to break the deadlock and that is what Eriksen did in the 88th minute as he scored a brilliant goal from outside of the box.
Here is how Pochettino’s men fared on the night.
Hugo Lloris 6
Didn’t have much to do as Brighton hardly went up in the attack.
Toby Alderweireld 7.5
Looked quite threatening in the second half as he was playing high up the pitch. Defensively he wasn’t tested much and did his job well.
Jan Vertonghen 7
Recycled the ball well from the back. Defensively, the Belgian didn’t even break a sweat.
Kieran Trippier 6
Provided an option from the right as he was always in the opposition half. Did the basics right but not too accurate with his crossing.
Danny Rose 6.5
Always tried to drive the ball forward down the left and worked hard for his team.
Victor Wanyama 6.5
Used his strength well to protect the ball on numerous occasions. An assured display in midfield from the Kenyan.
Dele Alli 6
The English midfielder had an average game as he failed to provide any telling moment in the final third. Mistimed his jump once when he had a chance to test Ryan with a header.
Christian Eriksen 8.5
Turned on the heat in the second half as he was always trying to find those incisive passes in the final third. Took two decent long-range attempts before he found the net in his third try as Matt Ryan was beaten for pace on his near post from a distance.
Heung-Min Son 7
Apart from Eriksen, the South Korean looked like the most threatening man on the pitch in the attacking third. Credit to Brighton for closing him down whenever he found himself on the ball. Took some decent attempts, but his shots were a bit wayward.
Lucas Moura 5.5
The Brazilian is more suited to play against a team where he can make runs from the shoulder of the defender. The Seagulls were sitting very deep, and Moura often had to drop deep to come on the ball. Was ineffective for most parts.
Fernando Llorente 5.5
Played as a targetman up front but never really threatened much.
Substitute
Vincent Janssen N/A
Got a loud cheer after he made an appearance after a long while. Wasn’t involved much after coming on.
Ben Davies N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Juan Foyth N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
