Harry Kane was the star of the show as Tottenham Hotspur beat bottom-feeders Sheffield United 3-1 at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon.
Tottenham were all over Sheffield United in the early exchanges with Steven Bergwijn forcing Aaron Ramsdale into a save. The resulting corner saw Serge Aurier head home Son Heung-min’s cross to open the scoring. Moments later, the South Korean could have made it 2-0 but his effort, after being sent through by Harry Kane, bounced off the woodwork.
Sheffield United started to grow into the game and asked some questions of the Tottenham backline, but Jose Mourinho’s side held firm at the back before Kane made it 2-0 with a brilliant low finish from just outside the box close to half-time. Just before the hour-mark, the Blades pulled one back through David McGoldrick’s glancing header from a John Fleck cross.
However, Tottenham restored their two-goal cushion minutes later courtesy of a magnificently improvised finish from Tanguy Ndombele. The Lilywhites had chances to heap more misery on the home team but failed to take their chances as they held on for a 3-1 win at Bramall Lane. Here’s how we rated the performances of the Tottenham stars on the afternoon.
Hugo Lloris: 6/10
The Tottenham Hotspur captain did not have a whole lot to do in goal and was largely relegated to making routine saves. A poor clearance in the first half could have brought in danger, but the defence dealt with it. Not a lot he could have done to stop McGoldrick’s header.
Joe Rodon: 8/10
Making just his second Premier League start of the season, the summer signing had a nervy beginning but grew in confidence as the game wore on and put in a solid display. Swept up whatever came his way effectively, making four clearances, while also made a couple of important interceptions. Strong in the air for the most part as well, but needs a bit more polishing on his distribution. Nevertheless, a very impressive display.
Joe Rodon vs. Sheffield United:
◉ Most recoveries (9)
◉ Most clearances (4)
◉ Most aerials won (4)
◉ Most interceptions (2)Solid at the back. pic.twitter.com/qBIh4bLhg5
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 17, 2021
Eric Dier: 6/10
The England international made a couple of good blocks in the first half when Sheffield United looked up for the challenge. Won his fair share of headers in the game but perhaps could have done a bit better to stop the home team from scoring in the second period.
Ben Davies: 6/10
Starting on the left side of the three-man backline, the Welshman enjoyed a fairly solid outing for the most part. Made a good block from Chris Basham’s header in the first half and kept things nice and tight. However, lost McGoldrick for the Blades’ only goal of the game, which sees his rating get docked.
Serge Aurier: 7.5/10
Put Tottenham ahead in the game with a fine header early on. Moved up and down the right-wing, albeit not as freely as Sergio Reguilon on the opposite wing. Defended well when he needed to, to restrict Sheffield United’s opportunities. His crossing could have been a tad better on a few occasions though.
Tanguy Ndombele: 9/10
A year ago, the Frenchman found himself out of favour at Tottenham, but now, Ndombele is the linchpin of Mourinho’s side. Showed some nifty footwork, played enticing forward passes and helped out his team when not in possession. But, it was his finish for the third goal that was by far the standout moment of the game. Completed two dribbles, made two interceptions and three tackles as well.
Tanguy Ndombele’s game by numbers vs. Sheffield United:
88% pass accuracy
18 final third passes
6 ball recoveries
3 tackles won
2 interceptions
2 successful take-ons
1 through ball
1 goal of the season contenderSuch a joy to watch. ??
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 17, 2021
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 8/10
As always, worked hard to cut off any moves by the home team in the middle of the park and looked to set his teammates forward with his passing. Won the ball back and found Kane in the lead-up to the second goal. Made two tackles on the day and misplaced just five of his 68 passes, while also producing two key passes. Tottenham’s metronome in the middle of the park.
Sergio Reguilon: 7/10
The shackles were off for the Spaniard today as he had the freedom to romp forward which he did to great effect, especially in the first half, helping assert Tottenham’s dominance on the proceedings. Linked up well with his teammates in the attacking half and defended well when he had to. Finished with three dribbles and three clearances.
Steven Bergwijn: 7.5/10
Back into the starting XI after not featuring in the last three matches, the Dutchman looked a bigger threat than he has in his recent displays. Forced a save from Ramsdale early in the game with a well-hit effort, which led to the corner for the opening goal. Got the assist for Ndombele’s goal in the second half. As usual, put the hard yards in off the ball. Impressive return for Bergwijn.
Harry Kane: 9/10
Harry Kane's game by numbers vs. Sheffield United:
◉ Most shots (6)
◉ Most chances created (4)
◉ =Most take-ons (3)
◉ =Most tackles (3)
◉ Most shots on target (2)Another impressive performance. pic.twitter.com/H4DtmYdaSH
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 17, 2021
The Player to Watch for in our match preview, Kane looked in his elements from the get-go as he created a chance for Bergwijn with a neat layoff before setting Son through on goal, with the South Korean hitting the post. Good touch and run before he bundled the ball into the net to make it 2-0. Continued to pose a threat for the rest of the game, but couldn’t add to his tally.
Made the most key passes on the day (4), while also completing three dribbles and three tackles – both joint-highest in the game. A top-notch all-round performance from the Tottenham marksman.
Son Heung-min: 7.5/10
Bright and lively in the final third, the 28-year-old got the assist for the opening goal with an accurate delivery from the corner. Could have got his name on the scoresheet soon after, but his lobbed effort bounced off of the outside of the post. Had a hand in the lead-up to the second goal and created a chance for Kane late in the game. Ended with one dribble and three key passes.
Most direct goal involvements in the Premier League this season:
??????? Harry Kane (22)
?? Son Heung-min (18)
?? Bruno Fernandes (18)
?? Mohamed Salah (16)
??????? Jamie Vardy (16)The Spurs duo are on fire. pic.twitter.com/R4yEmdxUep
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 17, 2021
Substitutes
Lucas Moura: N/A
Replaced Bergwijn with less than five minutes left. Involved in one decent attacking move which amounted to nothing.
Carlos Vinicius: N/A
Stoppage-time replacement for Son.
Davinson Sanchez: N/A
Late substitute for Reguilon. Didn’t get a touch.
