Tottenham Hotspur advanced through to the qualifying playoff of the UEFA Europa League by securing a 3-1 win over Shkendija in the third round of the qualifiers. The Lilywhites were the better side for the most part though a stunning strike from Valmir Nafiu did well to cancel Erik Lamela’s opener. But, late goals from Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane eventually helped Tottenham seal a hard-fought win.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings Vs Shkendija
Joe Hart 6/10
Joe Hart had absolutely no chance to keep out Nafiu’s incredible strike from a distance. Aside from that, however, the Englishman was barely tested in goal this evening.
Serge Aurier 8.5/10
Replacing Matt Doherty, Serge Aurier had an excellent game at right-back. He went forward when necessary, providing Spurs with some much-needed support in the final third. His crosses, in particular, caused real problems for the Shkendija defence while the Ivorian also did well to attack the spaces.
Davinson Sanchez 7.5/10
Davinson Sanchez was excellent for most of the game. The Colombian imposed his presence, though he did struggle at times in the second half when Shkendija were pushing forward.
Toby Alderweireld 7/10
Toby Alderweireld provided decent support to Sanchez in defence. His discipline and experience were key in preventing Shkendija from making their way back into the game.
Ben Davies 7/10
Ben Davies operated in a relatively deeper role when compared to Aurier. He provided defensive support to the centre-backs, rarely moving forward. A solid display from the left-back.
Harry Winks 7.5/10
Orchestrated the game in midfield, acting as an auxiliary centre-back in the build-up. His passing was excellent, notably creating a good scoring opportunity for Erik Lamela in the second half. He was unfortunate to be taken off around the hour-mark.
Tanguy Ndombele 8/10
Tanguy Ndombele ruled the show this evening with his majestic passing, movements and skill. The Frenchman was a lively figure in midfield, often creating chances in the final third and acting as a ball-carrier for Tottenham. The performance should certainly help him push for the starting lineup on the weekend.
Erik Lamela 7.5/10
Lamela scored the all-important opener, finding some good space on the right flank. But since then, the Argentine looked sloppy, missing a plethora of scoring opportunities. It eventually became a frustrating game for the attacker.
Dele Alli 7.5/10
Dele Alli was one of the livelier players for Tottenham in this fixture. The Englishman worked hard for his team, creating turnovers and linking up well in the final third. Taken off around the hour-mark though.
Steven Bergwijn 6/10
A frustrating evening for Steven Bergwijn, who offered very little in the final third. He looked promising at the start but lacked the penetration to really trouble the Shkendija defence.
Son Heung-Min 8.5/10
Fresh from scoring four goals against Southampton, Son Heung-Min continued his blistering run of form by adding to his tally against Shkendija. He also provided the assist to Harry Kane for the third goal, helping Tottenham seal the win.
SUBSTITUTES
Giovani Lo Celso 7/10
Replaced Winks around the hour mark and became the hub of the midfield with his tidy passing and movements.
Harry Kane 7.5/10
Missed an excellent headed opportunity to score a goal, not long after coming on. He did eventually make amends by putting home Son’s brilliant cross from the far side, thus scoring Tottenham’s third of the night.
Lucas Moura 6/10
Provided very little after coming on for Bergwijn in the 66th minute.
