Tottenham returned to winning ways as the Son Heung-min and Harry Kane show starred yet again in an impressive 3-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho made it 5-0 versus Marcelo Bielsa as Tottenham emerged comfortable victors in a clash that was certainly a joy to watch. Goals from Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Toby Alderweireld lifted Tottenham to their first win in five matches as they started the New Year on a positive note.
Leeds started the game brightly as their potent left side caused Matt Doherty ample amount of problems. But, it was Tottenham that won a penalty against the run of play when Steven Bergwijn was caught irresponsibly by Ezgjan Alioski from behind. Kane made no mistake from the spot before setting up Son for the second with a peach of a cross that was met with a sublime finish by the South Korean.
After leading 2-0 at half-time, Tottenham made sure to not sit back and grabbed an early third goal from a set-piece. Toby Alderweireld did well to get ahead of Patrick Bamford and squeeze the ball into Illan Meslier’s near post, with Son grabbing the assist from the corner.
A good result for Tottenham as they climb to third on the Premier League table, just four points behind leaders Liverpool. As for Leeds, they could be proud of their performance, but certainly need to think about their approach versus big clubs as they do tend to concede too many chances versus such opposition. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Jose Mourinho’s men.
Hugo Lloris: 7/10
Despite Leeds’ attacking nature, Lloris did not have to bail his side out on any occasion. The Frenchman was restricted to routine saves thanks to a good performance by his defence and he also dealt well with the numerous crosses delivered by Leeds’ wide men.
Matt Doherty: 4/10
Skinned from the get-go by Jack Harrison and Alioski on the left side as Leeds created the first two opportunities from his flank. Doherty did grow into the game but did not make the desired impact. Picked up a silly red card in the 91st minute that summed up his underwhelming start at Tottenham.
Toby Alderweireld: 8/10
Alderweireld scored the crucial third goal that made a Leeds comeback all the more difficult. He enjoyed a solid game, winning all three of his aerial duels. Alderweireld was defensively strong as he saved Matt Doherty’s blushes on several occasions. A clean sheet versus a team like Leeds is some achievement indeed.
Eric Dier: 6/10
A decent performance by Eric Dier, who was strong defensively but very suspect in possession, failing to deal with Leeds’ high press. Dier completed just 11 passes at an accuracy rate of just 50%, which is poor for a ball-playing defender. He did manage to shut Leeds out, however, winning 4 out of 4 ground duels and 4 out of 5 aerial duels.
Ben Davies: 7/10
With Sergio Reguilon missing out, Ben Davies earned a rare start in the Premier League. The Welsh full-back impressed as he dealt with Leeds’ Raphinha very well. Davies showed tremendous reading of the game and also contributed offensively. A solid performance by the reliable defender.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 8/10
One of the best players on the pitch, Hojbjerg’s understanding of the game is unparalleled. The Dane was all over the pitch. From attempting shots on goal to seeing out the danger in the defensive third, it was an accomplished display by Hojbjerg.
His impact in the middle of the park was key to Spurs’ success. Not only was Hojbjerg defensively solid, but he also added an attacking edge to his game versus Leeds, which was good to see.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s game by numbers vs. Leeds:
100% take-ons completed
80 touches (most)
44 successful passes (most)
16 total duels (most)
5 tackles (=most)
4 recoveries
3 clearances
3 fouls won (most)
2 take-ons completed
1 interception
1 chance createdMidfield general. pic.twitter.com/j2Qf3A1f0a
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 2, 2021
Harry Winks: 7/10
Started consecutive games in the Premier League after a long long time. Winks replaced Moussa Sissoko, seemingly for his ball-playing abilities that helped Spurs deal with Leeds’ press. A solid effort, performing his role quietly but responsibly. He latched on well to a Leeds giveaway and it was his pass that helped Bergwijn win the penalty. Despite always looking for forward passes he lost the ball just 6 times.
Steven Bergwijn: 7/10
Despite flouting his lines from point-blank range yet again, Bergwijn was a vital cog for Spurs. His defensive contribution is key and the fact that he is getting into good areas is encouraging itself. The Dutchman won the penalty with a nice bit of skill, protecting the ball well and drawing the foul from Alioski. Bergwijn set up his teammates well and worked hard throughout. If he can add that clinical nature to his game, he could become even better.
Tanguy Ndombele: 6/10
A little underwhelming from Tottenham’s midfield star, Ndombele failed to replicate his performance the Wolves game. Ndombele was rather quiet but still showed signs of brilliance on a few occasions. Completed all three of his attempted dribbles and won 7 out of 11 ground duels. Played 78 minutes which is this highest this season for the Frenchman.
Son Heung-min: 9/10
Simply sublime from Tottenham’s Sonny boy. Son was yet again his clinical self as he scored from his first shot on target. A terrific performance by the South Korean, who notched up his 100th goal in a Spurs shirt. Son played 4 key passes and combined well with Harry Kane once more. Grabbed the assist for Alderweireld’s goal too. Clear why Real Madrid reportedly have him in their sights.
100 Spurs goals for Heung-min Son ? pic.twitter.com/GB2UAs6Wgw
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 2, 2021
Harry Kane: 9/10
The first player to register 10 goals and assists each in the Premier League this season. An achievement that is truly telling of his contribution for Tottenham this term. Slotted home the penalty with great composure and delivered a pin-point assist for Son’s goal. Kane has now scored against all thirty Premier League oppositions that he has played again. A remarkable record indeed.
? @HKane has scored against all 30 teams he’s faced in the #PL, the best 100% record among players to have faced more than one side#TOTLEE | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/b9yYdyhrEw
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 2, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Lucas Moura: 5/10
Came on for Ndombele to inject more energy in the Spurs team, lost the ball cheaply a few times and needs to get back to his former self.
Moussa Sissoko: 6/10
Replaced Harry Winks in midfield and helped Tottenham see out the game.
Carlos Vinicius: N/A
Made his second Premier League appearance but only featured for 3 minutes.
