Tottenham’s Player Ratings: 2-2 Draw Against Brentford
Vicario
Ben’s Rating: 6 |
Sim’s Rating: 6
In the early moments, Vicario’s playing out from the back looked questionable, even heart-stopping. However, as the game progressed, he seemed to find his footing, making several commendable saves. There were instances where his decisions could have been better, but overall, his performance was satisfactory. Notably, his passing ability needs work, and he should aim to be a more calming presence at the back.
Emerson Royale: 7/10
Ben’s Rating: 7
Sim’s Rating: 7
Emerson’s performance was a mix of highs and lows. While he faced challenges, especially from Brentford’s Rico Henry, he had his moments of brilliance. His stunning goal, out of the blue, was a highlight. He also displayed great defensive skills and frequently ventured into the midfield. Despite this, he could enhance his offensive contributions from wide areas.
Cuti Romero:
Ben’s Rating: 8
Sim’s Rating: 7
Although Romero’s time on the pitch was cut short due to a head clash, his impact was evident. Scoring a goal within 13 minutes is no small feat. His commanding presence and growing stature in the squad were visible in the short time he played. A true shame we didn’t get to see more of him during the match.
Destiny Udogie:
Ben’s Rating: 7
Sim’s Rating: 8
Udogie’s Premier League debut showcased his potential and defensive acumen. Although more was expected from him offensively, his overall defensive duties were commendably executed. He was more influential in creating opportunities than some of his counterparts, which is promising for future games.
Yves Bissouma:
Ben’s Rating: 9
Sim’s Rating: 9
The star of the match, Bissouma’s statistics are testament to his dominating performance. He was a force to reckon with, both defensively and offensively. His agility, ball control, and passing ability made him a constant threat to Brentford. This performance sets high expectations for his contributions in the upcoming matches.
Ollie Skip:
Ben’s Rating: 6
Sim’s Rating: 5
Ollie Skip’s performance against Brentford was typical of his style, full of energy and determination in the midfield. However, when called upon to make a significant impact with the ball, he fell a bit short. While Skip’s off-ball work is commendable, questions arise about his ability to provide the needed quality in the attacking third. This game wasn’t his best, but his role in the central midfield may still be pivotal for upcoming fixtures, particularly the one against Manchester United.
James Maddison:
Ben’s Rating: 8
Sim’s Rating: 8
James Madison’s debut for Tottenham was nothing short of sensational. With two assists to his name, Madison demonstrated his immense quality on the ball and his ability to craft decisive passes. Particularly noteworthy was his sublime cross for Cristian Romero’s goal. Moreover, Maddison displayed leadership qualities by donning the captain’s armband on his debut – a rare feat. His overall contribution and tenacity on the pitch suggest he’s set to be a mainstay in the team, even though he’ll need to be cautious with his aggressive tackles.
Heung Min Son:
Ben’s Rating: 5
Sim’s Rating: 4
While Son is always a figure of enthusiasm and spirit, this wasn’t his best game. He struggled to leave a mark, particularly when positioned on the left-wing, and failed to pose a consistent threat to Brentford’s defence. There were moments where Son seemed hesitant to shoot and chose to pass instead, which detracted from Tottenham’s attacking potency. As Tottenham continues to adapt to their new system, there are concerns whether Son’s current role fully harnesses his abilities.
Dejan Kulusevski:
Ben’s Rating: 5
Sim’s Rating: 6
Ben was notably frustrated with Kulusevski’s performance in the first half, feeling he was relatively absent from the game, much like how he perceived Heung Min Son’s efforts. Yet in the second half, Ben acknowledged that Kulusevski became more involved, especially when taking on his opponents. Despite some positives, such as his shot leading to an opportunity for Son, there were clear areas for improvement, with passes going astray and missed chances to pull the trigger on a shot. Sim echoed these sentiments, noting how Brentford’s Rico Henry kept Kulusevski in check during the first half. However, both agreed that Kulusevski’s influence grew as the game progressed, although he still has more to offer.
Richarlison:
Ben’s Rating: 5
Sim’s Rating: 4
Richarlison’s non-stop running and pressing efforts were commendable, but his overall impact on the match left much to be desired. Ben pointed out that the Brazilian took the least amount of touches than anyone else during the game. While he appreciated Richarlison’s usual energetic display, Ben felt the forward should have been more involved, especially when chances came his way. His first touch was another area pinpointed for improvement. While Sim had his doubts about Richarlison fulfilling his role, Ben believed that the game’s setup was particularly challenging for him. Both concluded that Richarlison had a tough game, with moments of potential that unfortunately did not materialize into a decisive impact.
Substitutes:
Davidson Sanchez:
Ben’s Rating: 7
Sim’s Rating: 6
Coming on for the injured Romero after just 12 minutes, Davidson Sanchez’s defensive qualities were evident. Ben was satisfied with his performance, highlighting a couple of strong challenges. However, both commentators agreed that Sanchez’s on-the-ball skills continue to be a weak point. Sim criticized some of his long-range passing and felt that his interceptions often fell to opposition players. While acknowledging Sanchez’s defensive solidity, both felt that in Ange’s system, more is needed from a center-back, especially in terms of ball distribution.
Ivan Perisic
Ben’s Rating: 5
Sim’s Rating: 6
Evan Perisic’s outing against Brentford was a bit underwhelming, especially given the expectations set from his impressive pre-season form. Ben felt the player should have been more influential, especially considering the number of touches he had on the left-hand side. Despite a few moments of flair, Perisic struggled with deliveries and lost possession more than once in crucial moments. Sim saw a bit more merit in his performance, acknowledging his dribbling ability and the challenges he posed when going one-on-one against Brentford’s fullbacks. Both agreed, however, that the quality expected from Perisic was missing in this match.
Pape Matar Sarr
Ben’s Rating: 6
Sim’s Rating: 6
Coming on as a substitute, Sarr had a decent but not extraordinary performance. Both Ben and Sim felt that while he didn’t make any significant errors, he also didn’t bring a game-changing dynamic to the field. The consensus was that Sarr kept things simple and was energetic, but perhaps another option might have brought more creativity when they were pressuring Brentford.
Ange Postecoglou – Manager
Rating: 7
The new Spurs manager, Ange Postecoglou, received praise for starting his tenure on a positive note. Even though it wasn’t a perfect display, it was a promising beginning. The team dominated possession and showcased an attacking intent, a refreshing change from previous games. The introduction of players making their Premier League debut added an element of unpredictability, but they held their own. The only point of contention was the lack of clear-cut chances created, something even Postecoglou admitted to post-game. However, considering it’s only the start and with several off-field challenges he faced (like the Harry Kane sale), it’s safe to say there’s a lot of optimism about what’s to come under Postecoglou’s guidance.
Closing Thoughts:
The draw against Brentford showcased a Tottenham team under reconstruction. With new players, a new manager, and a fresh style of play, there are bound to be teething problems. However, there’s a palpable sense of excitement about the direction in which the team is headed. The next challenge is Manchester United, and all eyes will be on how Postecoglou and his squad rise to the occasion. As always, the season is young, and there’s plenty more football to be played!
