It was a comfortable victory for Tottenham as they were able to surpass West Bromwich Albion with ease at home on Sunday.
In spite of constructing a decent amount of chances in the first half, the hosts were unable to break the deadlock. The visitors had displayed a courageous performance throughout the first 45 minutes of the fixture, and managed to keep the Tottenham forward at bay with their sturdy defensive display.
In the second half, though, Spurs came up with much positive intent, and their decisiveness flourished post the interval. The Lilywhites rattled the visitors’ cages for the first time in the 54th minute, as Harry Kane slaughtered the ball into the back of the net, which was served by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who was able to spot the run of the star striker in a precise manner.
Just after the first goal, Son Heung-min burst into the scene, and his fearsome strike hammered the hopes of Sam Allardyce’s men. Lucas Moura’s decisive run from the defensive territory painted an atrocious moment for West Brom, and his swift move was the reason behind the second goal.
The Baggies could have turned the tide in their favour, as Mbaye Diagne’s two goals were ruled out due to the offside trap. Jose Mourinho’s men dominated the proceedings in an impetuous manner, and with these much-needed three crucial points, they can breathe a sigh of relief. Here’s how we rated the performances of Jose Mourinho’s men at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
Hugo Lloris: 6.5/10
500 – Hugo Lloris' appearance for Spurs today was his 500th top-flight league appearance. Since making his debut for Nice in March 2006, he's played more games across the big-five European leagues than any other player. Stalwart. pic.twitter.com/FKsC5zqvct
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 7, 2021
The French international had little to be concerned about in between the sticks, in what was a convincing performance. The Tottenham captain made a crucial save in the dying minutes of the first half, and would be glad to have kept a clean sheet.
Serge Aurier: 7/10
The right-back had an impressive outing, as his blistering pace was constantly threatening the West Brom defence. The Ivorian international created a decent amount of chances for the attackers, and with his solidity on the right flank, he stabilised the defence with ease. Taken off with injury midway through the second half.
Davinson Sanchez: 6/10
The Colombian centre-back held the defensive unit with his indomitable presence, but his sudden fumble in the 44th minute could have driven the event into a different dimension. The player completed 70 out of 74 passes of the fixture, and he was the player who completed the most accurate passes to maintain the flow of the game.
Toby Alderweireld: 6.5/10
Alderweireld had to ensure his position in the first eleven and with this sturdy performance to lead the pack from the defensive zone, he ensured compatibility at the back. With his eight recoveries, the Belgian showed his ability to read the game, and his intention to join the forwards from the left flank could be an assuring sight for his manager.
Ben Davies: 6/10
Much improved when compared to his performance in recent weeks, Davies was solid enough when called into action while proving to be an outlet deep in the final third. However, his end product was once again lacking and that is where he must improve.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 8/10
? Squawka | Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been directly involved in 4 goals in his last 6 games for Tottenham.
◎ 1 goal
◉ 3 assists? Find out the full stats here: https://t.co/t3zJdeicSr #THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/MYNr2yRcZx
— SpursRelated™ (@Spurs_Related_) February 7, 2021
The man of the hour, Hojbjerg stood firm on his task. Dominated the midfield region with flare, as his finely crafted through ball to Harry Kane in the 54th minute opened the tally for the hosts. The player was decisive in his approach and with 100 accurate passes out of a possible 111, he outsmarted the opponents’ scheme.
Tanguy Ndombele: 6.5/10
The French international yet again poured all his efforts with intensity, as his purpose to serve the midfield region in a vivid manner was visible. Filling up the spaces to disrupt the opposition’s attacking threats throughout the 90 minutes and with 90% accurate passes, he guided the midfield alongside his partner Hojbjerg.
Lucas Moura: 7/10
? ??? ➡️ ??? ?#THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/ApLQNYnq4Q
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 7, 2021
Lucas Moura’s astounding run in the 58th minute settled the tie for Spurs, as his assist to Son was among those significant moments of the proceeding. Tottenham’s no. 27 also created the most chances in the clash (3).
Erik Lamela: 6.5/10
Lamela was the show-runner in the first 45 minutes, as he was constantly pulling the strings in the attacking half. With seven recoveries to showcase his determined accession towards his manager’s principles, he set the tone for the forwards to pounce on. Decent enough.
Son Heung-min: 7/10
It is the strike from the South Korean international which ensured the victory for Spurs, as his venomous effort in the 58th minute proved to decisive. Son, though, had quite a tranquil outing, he was unable to penetrate the backline of the opposition on most occasions. At a time when Tottenham need to be more conclusive, Mourinho will demand much more from Son.
Harry Kane: 7/10
Harry Kane has scored 20+ goals in all competitions in each of his last seven seasons for Tottenham ? pic.twitter.com/SUPVbciubE
— Goal (@goal) February 7, 2021
Kane had missed three crucial chances in the first half, wherein he could have gained more from those chances. On his return to the team, he created two chances and with the goal in the 54th minute, Kane set the tone for his team. A timely return for Kane.
SUBSTITUTES
Matt Doherty: 6/10
Came on as a substitute in replace of Aurier. Stabilising the defence in the later stages of the game was his task to execute. He did well enough to gain some minute and helped his side to cross the line.
Steven Bergwijn: N/A
The Dutch international came on the 74th minute. He did not have to do much in the process, as Spurs turned into defensive mode.
Dane Scarlett: N/A
Came in the dying minutes of the tie. The Tottenham Under-18 star managed to get a few minutes, but did not play enough to warrant a rating.
