Tottenham ended their recent losing streak as the return of talisman Harry Kane inspired them to a 2-0 victory over wrestlers West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon.
The Spurs started off brightest, forcing last-minute tackles from West Brom’s two center-backs early on. Traffic was one-sided for the entire first half, with the visitors defending heroically, although Hugo Lloris had to stay awake to avoid a good header from Mbaye Diagne shortly before half-time.
It was more or less the same in the second 45 and Spurs finally got their breakthrough in the 54th minute. Kane (obviously) found room in the box to get home, and it was two not long after Son Heung-min’s mighty effort made its way into the back of the net.
Diagne continued to try to bring West Brom back into the game, but had two goals properly ruled out for offside, ensuring the Spurs galloped to victory without any issues.
Hugo Lloris (GK) – 7/10 – Largely spectator but did well to remain vigilant and refuse Diagne last in the first half.
Serge Aurier (RB) – 8/10 – Everything Spurs did seemed to go through Aurier, who was constantly involved on the right. Caused problems for Townsend prior to his withdrawal due to injury.
Toby Alderweireld (CB) – 6/10 – We’ve had some good times but have shown the inconsistency that has plagued Spurs this season. Fight against the physicality of Diagne.
Davinson Sanchez (CB) – 6/10 – Fought to stay vigilant and made a handful of mistakes on the odd occasion West Brom attacked. Looked a little nervous.
Ben Davies (LB) – 7/10 – Davies’ move was too much for Peltier. He was constantly available on offense, but will be a little frustrated with his final product in the final third.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (DM) – 7/10 – Wasn’t needed much in defense and instead showed off his skills on offense. Had a handful of great passes including Kane’s opener and proved he is more than just an anchor.
Tanguy Ndombele (DM) – 6/10 – Deployed into a deeper role and seemed uncomfortable with his job. Could not find many spaces and lost a few passes.
Erik Lamela (RM) – 8/10 – Combined with Aurier to perfection. Lamela’s pace of work was exceptional and his desire to put the ball into the box made him look like a man possessed at times.
Lucas Moura (AM) – 7/10 – Teased us with a great run at the start which was indicative of his overall performance. Led the counter for Son’s goal and timed the pass to perfection.
Son Heung-min (LM) – 7/10 – Seemed to struggle with the lack of space behind West Brom’s deep block, but Son came to life after the opening goal and took his own with real skill.
Harry Kane (ST) – 8/10 – He looked happy and healthy on his return to action and showed his worth to Spurs by scoring the opening goal. Clearly explained why Spurs were begging him to come back.
Matt Doherty – 6/10
Steven Bergwijn – 6/10
Dane Scarlett – N / A
Sam Johnstone (GK) – 7/10 – I must have made a great stop on the line shortly before the break. Spurs are constantly frustrated with an impressive goalkeeper, but they will have been disappointed to have let Son strike him in his arms.
Lee Peltier (RB) – 7/10 – I lost Davies a little too often, but it was otherwise heroic throughout the game. Really looked like a man who wants a permanent starter role.
Semi Ajayi (CB) – 7/10 – Did several huge challenges early on and was a constant threat from the back, wiping out everything that came his way. Deserved a blank sheet.
Kyle Bartley (CB) – 7/10 – Guided by the example at the back by throwing his body in front of everything. He did not avoid the physical battle and did all he could to try to protect Johnstone.
Conor Townsend (LB) – 6/10 – Did some trouble going forward but got completely overtaken at the back. Aurier and Lamela were just too good.
Robert Snodgrass (RM) – 7/10 – He spent most of his time operating as the second right-back and making a real change when needed. Will be disappointed with his difficulties in the future.
Conor Gallagher (CM) – 5/10 – I can’t fault his efforts but spent too much time as a passenger. Impossible to chain the passes and failed to manage the fluidity of Spurs in attack.
Romaine Sawyers (CM) – 5/10 – Turned off to give Kane his first match and looked too often at the pace in this one.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (CM) – 5/10 – A difficult start for Maitland-Niles. Seemed decent in possession but a bit aimless when forced to do so much defense.
Karlan Grant (LM) – 5/10 – I had to go down deep to get close to the ball. Spent more time as a defender and couldn’t get into the game at either end of the pitch.
Mbaye Diagne (ST) – 7/10 – Caused real trouble in the air and relished the chance to beat Spurs defenders, but he was far too isolated as his knockdowns were usually wasted. Even set up a defensive change too.
Matt Phillips – 6/10
Ok Yokuslu – N / A
Matheus Pereira – N / A
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