Oliver Skipp and Son Heung-min continued to make an impression under Antonio Conte as Tottenham secured a 3-0 win over Norwich City.
The Tottenham Hotspur revolution under Antonio Conte continues as they secure yet another convincing 3-0 win over Norwich City. They have now three out of four matches since the Italian’s appointment, with the recent victory helping them overtake Arsenal in the league table.
As the result suggests, Tottenham were the far better side in this affair, up against an in-form Norwich team that did make things difficult. The hosts created more scoring opportunities and looked far deadlier in the attack, in contrast to the opposition that missed a host of chances throughout the ninety minutes.
An early tenth-minute opener from Lucas Moura did break Norwich’s rhythm and gameplan, forcing them to chase the game right from the beginning. Spurs did look wasteful in their chances during the remainder of the first half but were able to extend their lead during the midway point of the second half when Davinson Sanchez scored from a set-piece.
While Norwich City did continue to apply the pressure, the game was sealed ten minutes later as Son Heung-Min’s effort evaded every defender in a crowded penalty area to find the back of the net. It was a fitting end to the game where Spurs were by far the better side, and here, at the Hard Tackle, we will rank their players in this comfortable victory over the Canaries.
Hugo Lloris: 6.5/10
Hugo Lloris made an excellent save to deny Teemu Pukki in the first few minutes of the game. After that, the Tottenham goalkeeper enjoyed a relatively quiet evening as Norwich attackers struggled to find the opening, mustering just one shot on target. Lloris has now kept three clean sheets in four league matches under Conte.
Davinson Sanchez: 7.5/10
Davinson Sanchez scored the all-important second goal that killed off the opposition’s chances of making a comeback. Defensively, he had some nervy moments, but it was enough to manage a shutout against Norwich City.
2 – Davinson Sánchez has scored only his second @premierleague goal, and first since February 2019 against Leicester, 1,029 days ago. Rarity. pic.twitter.com/Ruy97ykZoL
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 5, 2021
Eric Dier: 7.5/10
Eric Dier put in yet another steady shift at the heart of the three-man Tottenham backline. The Englishman was calm and composed at the back, marshalling the defence well that led to another clean sheet for his team.
Ben Davies: 8/10
Ben Davies was arguably the best defender for Tottenham on the evening. While the Welshman actually didn’t do too much defensively, his marauding runs from defence caused a myriad of problems for the opposition and, most importantly, created a numerical superiority in the final third. He has been one of the best performers under Conte so far.
Japhet Tanganga: 6/10
Japhet Tanganga had to start at right wingback in the absence of Emerson Royal, who missed out due to illness. However, it was not the best of performances from the young Englishman who offered nothing going forward while looking very vulnerable defensively. Certainly not the right fit for the wingback role.
Oliver Skipp: 9/10
Oliver Skipp was one of the best performers for Tottenham in this crucial victory. Playing against his former club, the midfielder showcased excellent composure, aggression and maturity to not only distribute possession but also make driving runs forward. It allowed Spurs to dominate the middle third of the pitch.
Oliver Skipp in the first half against Norwich:
◉ 100% pass accuracy
◉ 100% take-ons completedThey know all about his quality. ? pic.twitter.com/lKJ6t3Wbgq
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 5, 2021
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 8/10
While Skipp excelled in possession, it was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg creating multiple turnovers that made life a little easier for Spurs. The Dane’s ability to read the game was very useful in helping him make crucial interventions. It appears he has truly built a formidable partnership alongside Skipp.
Sergio Reguilon: N/A
Sergio Reguilon’s night was cut short after an early injury that forced him off the pitch. He was replaced by Steven Bergwijn in the 22nd minute.
Lucas Moura: 9/10
Lucas Moura scored one of the best goals in the Premier League this season with a sensational solo effort for the opener. It was followed by a hard-working performance that caught the eye of the onlookers, especially with the Brazilian’s improved link-up play and confidence under Conte.
Simply breathtaking, Lucas Moura. ? pic.twitter.com/JsYOi2t9ui
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 5, 2021
Son Heung-min: 8.5/10
Son Heung-min was a menace, as always, for the opposing defence with his marauding runs and dynamism in the final third. His decision making was a bit off, but the South Korean kept up the pressure on the opposition, nonetheless. He capped off his display with a late goal and an equally impressive Spider-Man celebration.
Harry Kane: 7/10
It was a frustrating evening for Harry Kane, who simply couldn’t find an opening, as he continues his poor form in front of goal this season. However, the forward made a solid impression with his work rate and link-up play in the final third.
Substitutes
Ryan Sessegnon: 7/10
Ryan Sessegnon replaced the injured Reguilon early on in the game. He put in a lot of heart with his attacking runs forward, making some useful passes in the final third.
Matt Doherty: 6/10
Matt Doherty added more offensive quality on the right hand side after coming on for Tanganga during the hour mark.
Steven Bergwijn: N/A
A late replacement for Lucas. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
