Gareth Bale and Son Heung-min were brilliant as Tottenham Hotspur thrashed Burnley 4-0 at home to move to eighth place in the Premier League.
It just took 68 seconds for Tottenham to open the scoring as Gareth Bale turned home Son Heung-min’s cross from the six-yard box to make it 1-0. Jose Mourinho’s men then doubled their lead over Burnley in the 15th minute as Harry Kane’s deflected effort left Nick Pope with no chance.
Before half-time arrived, Spurs had put the game to bed as Lucas Moura buried a left-footed effort into the back of the net in the 31st minute. Bale added his second of the afternoon early in the half-time with Son being the provider once again.
Tottenham could have added more to their tally, but Pope pulled off a couple of fine saves to deny Kane and Son while the duo was guilty of missing a chance each in the latter stages. Nevertheless, it was a commanding performance from Mourinho’s men who brought an end to their wretched run of form in the league.
Here’s how we rated the performances of the Tottenham stars against the Clarets.
Hugo Lloris: 6/10
Had very little to do on the afternoon, with Burnley not threatening a great deal. Did claim a couple of straightforward saves but nothing that stretched him. An easy clean sheet for the Tottenham captain.
Serge Aurier: 7/10
Back from injury, the Ivorian started positively, providing an outlet when Tottenham drove forward. Completed two dribbles and also made two key passes while also taking aim at goal late in the first period. Withdrawn in the late stages of the game.
Davinson Sanchez: 7.5/10
Davinson Sanchez magnificent today.
9 clearances
11 aerial duels won— TAS⚽️ (@coys100) February 28, 2021
Imperious in the air on the afternoon as he won a massive 11 aerial duels in addition to making eight clearances and two tackles. Made a couple of crucial blocks on either side of half-time and was composed when on the ball as well. Should help his confidence.
Toby Alderweireld: 7/10
Swept up whatever Burnley threw his way, making a joint match-high eight clearances. Strong in the air, solid on the ground, the Belgian ensured the visitors got little sight of the Tottenham goal.
Sergio Reguilon: 7/10
Back into the side after being rested in midweek, the Spaniard was flying on the left side of the Tottenham defence, making surging forward runs constantly, which caused problems to the Burnley backline. Utilised his speed to track back and defend when it was needed. It was his cross into the box that was deflected to Lucas Moura for the third goal. Positive influence.
Tanguy Ndombele: 7/10
Starting to grow into the deeper role after having largely played as the No. 10 in the early parts of the season. Kept things ticking along nicely with accurate passes (91% pass success rate) and played a role in the lead-up to the fourth goal with an eye-catching flick.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 7/10
Solid as usual from the Danish midfielder, who kept a check on any potential threats from Burnley, which were very few on the afternoon. Kept the ball moving efficiently, misplacing just seven of his 72 attempted passes. Seemed to have picked up a knock late on and Mourinho will be hoping it is nothing too serious.
Gareth Bale: 9/10
Gareth Bale’s game by numbers vs. Burnley:
70 minutes played
100% aerial duels won
4 touches in opp. box
3 shots
2 take-ons
2 shots on target
2 goals
1 assistBale is back. pic.twitter.com/1kUGgu0DIo
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 28, 2021
Continued his recent resurgence in Tottenham colours, as he opened the scoring with a deft poke before scoring Tottenham’s fourth of the afternoon with a lovely curling effort. In between that, Bale set Kane up for his goal with a precise pass out on the flanks
Lucas Moura: 7.5/10
A lively presence in the attacking third, the Brazilian looked to make things happen each time he got on the ball, driving forward with purpose. Made a game-high four dribbles and having fired an effort straight at Pope early on, Moura scored a fine goal to make it 3-0 for Tottenham in the first half. Made way for Dele Alli after the hour mark after having faded a bit.
Son Heung-min: 9/10
Son Heung-min created seven chances vs Burnley, the most by a Spurs player in a single Premier League game since Christian Eriksen (7) against Chelsea in November 2018.
Getting better every week. ? pic.twitter.com/1LlbkEkCBY
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 28, 2021
The protagonist for Tottenham’s strong start to the game, Son set the tone with a brilliantly threaded pass to assist Bale for the first goal of the game. Ran the visitors ragged with his movement and ability to find teammates in dangerous positions as he created chances for the likes of Kane and Erik Lamela late in the contest, who failed to make the most.
Forced a brilliant save from Pope but was guilty of missing a chance not long after. Nevertheless, a stunning display that saw him finish with a game-high seven chances created.
Harry Kane: 8/10
A fine afternoon for Tottenham’s talisman, who found the back of the net with a deflected effort soon after he had seen a shot drift narrowly wide. Pulled the strings in the final third with some nice passes and created a chance for his partner-in-crime Son in the second half before scuffing an effort from a position where one would back to score nine times out of ten. Completed two key passes and three dribbles.
Great ruthless performance #COYS pic.twitter.com/6wvk01VFlB
— Harry Kane (@HKane) February 28, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Dele Alli: 6/10
On for Moura for the final 25 minutes or so. A bright cameo in which he created a chance for Son.
Erik Lamela: 6/10
Replaced Bale in the 71st minute. Lively. Had a late chance which he failed to take.
Matt Doherty: N/A
Came on to replace Aurier with less than ten minutes left.
