Tottenham Hotspur’s remarkable run away from home comes to an end after a 1-0 defeat to Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Europa League. It was a massive setback for Jose Mourinho’s men, who had the lion’s share of possession but never really managed to trouble the opposition defence as a first-half goal from Refaelov became the main difference between the two sides.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings Vs Royal Antwerp
Hugo Lloris 6/10
Hugo Lloris had no chance of saving the opener from Refaelov, but the Frenchman did make a couple of good saves, one of which from Juklerod took him by surprise. Performed well when needed.
Serge Aurier 5.5/10
Serge Aurier tried to offer the offensive support down the right flank but never really managed to get past his marker on a regular basis. Really involved during the final phase of the game.
Davinson Sanchez 6/10
Davinson Sanchez saved Harry Winks’ blushes with a marvellous tackle to deny Dieumerci Mbokani. The Colombian wasn’t solid per se and should have shown a bit more leadership and responsibility. He was, however, Spurs’ best defender on the night.
Ben Davies 3/10
An absolute horrible performance from Ben Davies, who lost the ball in the first place, leading to Royal Antwerp’s winner. The Welshman found it difficult to deal with Mbokani all night.
Sergio Reguilon 5/10
Sergio Reguilon had an uncharacteristically bad game tonight. The Spaniard’s defensive positioning was awful as he left acres of space down the left flank, allowing Mbokani to cause havoc.
Harry Winks 5/10
Harry Winks made a horrible pass in the second half that could have led to Royal Antwerp’s second goal had it not been for Sanchez’s tackle. Not the brightest performer of the night.
Giovani Lo Celso 4/10
Giovani Lo Celso was deployed in central midfield alongside Winks. The move just didn’t work for Mourinho, who hooked him off at half-time, in what seemed like a statement of intent.
Gareth Bale 5/10
A quiet game for Gareth Bale, who barely had any opportunity to make an impact. Lacked the sharpness and didn’t look 100% as he made way for Harry Kane around the hour mark.
Dele Alli 5/10
An ineffective performance that saw him rarely getting involved in the proceedings. He was deservedly taken off at half-time.
Steven Bergwijn 5/10
Steven Bergwijn picked up the ball and tried to run at the opposition defence, though it made a minimal impact to the proceedings. The Dutchman eventually made way for Lucas Moura at half-time.
Carlos Vinicius 6/10
Carlos Vinicius tried to make things happen with his industry and mobility in the final third. But, he lacked support and was often isolated by the Antwerp defenders. Made way for Son at half-time.
SUBSTITUTES
Son Heung-Min 7/10
Son Heung-Min’s introduction in the second half offered more penetration for Tottenham Hotspur in the final third. The South Korean international got himself good positions, making multiple runs in and around the penalty area. Unlucky not to score.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 6/10
Offered some stability in the Tottenham midfield, though it was far from his best performance in a Spurs kit.
Lucas Moura 6.5/10
Lucas Moura was a livewire in the Tottenham attacker after being introduced in the second half. The Brazilian created a couple of excellent opportunities, making him quite a menace for the Royal Antwerp defence on the right flank.
Erik Lamela 5/10
Didn’t do much to make things happen after coming on at half-time.
Harry Kane 5.5/10
Harry Kane provided a more physical presence in the number nine role. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t his night as the opposition defence remained strong and defended their one-goal lead with sheer grit.
