Goalkeeper
Fraser Forster: 5/10
Forster had a decent game during the 90 minutes, making a couple of saves to keep Spurs in it. However, his performance in the penalty shootout was nothing short of disastrous. Every attempt from Fulham seemed to find the net with ease, making it a night to forget for the goalkeeper.
Defenders
Emerson Royal: 5/10
Emerson was solid defensively but lacked the creative spark going forward. His passing was wayward at times, and he didn’t offer the same dynamism that Pedro Porro has in recent games.
Davinson Sanchez: 4/10
A game of two halves for Sanchez. He was turned inside out multiple times in the first half and looked shaky on the ball. Although he improved in the second half, making some crucial blocks, his overall performance was subpar.
Mickey Van der Ven: 8/10
Easily the best player for Spurs on the night. He was aggressive, won his duels, and even progressed the ball well. Unlucky to score an own goal, but his performance was head and shoulders above the rest.
Ben Davis: 3/10
A night to forget for Davis, who struggled against Adama Traore’s pace and strength. He was often bailed out by Van der Veen and offered little going forward.
Midfielders
Pierre Emile Hojbjerg: 4/10
Hojbjerg’s performance was a mixed bag. His passing was off, and his ball progression was almost non-existent. However, he did show some improvement in the second half.
Oliver Skipp: 3/10
A shocking display from Skipp, who was lucky not to get sent off. His lack of quality on the ball was evident, and he was arguably the worst player on the pitch.
Giovanni Lo Celso: 4/10
Hooked at halftime, Lo Celso failed to provide the creative spark Spurs needed. His passing was off, and he was largely ineffective.
Forwards
Ivan Perisic: 4/10
A frustrating watch, Perisic was dispossessed often but did provide the assist for Richarlison’s goal.
Manuel Solomon: 5/10
Solomon tried hard but lacked the quality to make a significant impact. His dribbling was decent but not enough to hurt Fulham.
Richarlison: 5/10
A frustrating day for Richarlison, who struggled to control the ball. His only saving grace was a well-taken header to level the score.
Substitutes
Dane Scarlett (Substitute): 6/10
Scarlett showed promise after coming on at halftime, winning duels and making some good passes.
Dejan Kulusevski (Substitute): 6/10
Kulusevski had a positive impact after coming on, showing strength and completing dribbles, although Ben didn’t quite see it that way.
Hueng-Min Son (Substitute): 6/10
Son came on with good energy but failed to make a significant impact.
Pape Matar Sarr (Substitute): 6/10
Sarr showed good energy and drive but didn’t do anything extraordinary.
James Maddison (Substitute): 7/10
Maddison was the best player off the bench, showing dribbling skills and creativity, although he came on too late to make a difference.
Manager: Ange Postecoglou: 5/10
Postecoglou’s decision to make nine changes backfired, leading to a disjointed performance. He has to take responsibility for the defeat.
Conclusion
It was a night to forget for Spurs, as the player ratings reflect. The team’s disjointed performance raises questions about squad depth and managerial decisions, but it’s still early days in Postecoglou’s tenure. One thing is clear: improvements are needed if Spurs are to challenge for silverware this season.
