Tottenham player ratings v Liverpool – 4/10 shocker for senior star despite win
Tottenham Hotspur carved out a massively encouraging 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of the sides’ Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
Spurs, looking for their first major trophy since lifting this same cup in 2008, will look to eke out a surprise second-leg passage at Anfield to reach the final following their victory which few expected (8 January).
Tottenham rallied despite Dominic Solanke’s second-half goal being ruled out for the most marginal of VAR offside calls, as teenage Swede Lucas Bergvall stole the show with a superb finish set up by the England striker.
The game was marred largely by a nasty injury to Rodrigo Bentancur in the opening stages, with Tottenham having since issued an update that the Uruguayan is conscious and talking.
Ange Postecoglou set his team up more defensively than in the majority of games we have seen during his reign in North London, and Antonin Kinsky came in for a debut after signing from Slavia Prague.
Spurs fans are joyous at the result but now turn their focus to an FA Cup third round trip to non-league Tamworth (12 January) in which rotations are anticipated, before a titanic North London derby with Arsenal (15 December).
Tottenham News rated each player’s performance out of 10 on the night.
Antonin Kinsky – 8
A very assured debut as he was thrown into the deep end, made some routine saves and two key stops from Nunez, and his distribution range looks encouraging going forward for Spurs’ fast attacking play.
Pedro Porro – 7
Was beaten on occasion by Gakpo, with more coming down his side in the first half from Liverpool, but improved as the game went on in an interesting duel. Missed a golden chance early in the second half, but then started the move for the decisive goal.
Radu Dragusin – 8
Had a very good early chance inside the area, which was kept out by Alisson. A steady defensive display against a top opposition, and made a vital block on the line from Alexander-Arnold.
Archie Gray – 7
It cannot be underestimated the task the teenager has faced, playing in numerous different positions. A solid showing at centre-half which will please his manager with defensive shortages.
Djed Spence – 8
Smart and confident on the ball, strong in the tackle against a superb frontline. Still looking to prove a point to his manager and is certainly the best left-back option at the club right now.
Lucas Bergvall – 9
Got the winner, was the driving force behind a massive chance for Porro, led the charge all night. Looked to join the attack more than he previously has, still zealous as expected for his age but improving in confidence with every game he plays. Possibly lucky while on a yellow for his foul on Tsimikas late on, right before scoring.
Yves Bissouma – 7
Struggled to get the better of Mac Allister and Jota in central areas early on, though did contribute with some firm challenges. Improved in the second half and was a presence in midfield which crucially allowed Bergvall more freedom.
Rodrigo Bentancur (off for Brennan Johnson 15′) – N/A
Suffered a very nasty-looking injury early on while stooping for a header from a corner into the Liverpool area. Was treated for a long period on the pitch before being stretchered off. The club have since confirmed he is conscious and being assessed in hospital.
Tottenham much more disciplined v Liverpool
Dejan Kulusevski – 6
Won the ball high up the pitch, pressed hard but just couldn’t quite find the golden touch of recent games.
Son Heung-min (off for Timo Werner 72′) – 4
Barely featured on the ball in the first half apart from to give it away in stoppage time. The sacrifice of his attacking threat comes when the defence is prioritised more than usual, but did work hard in the press.
Dominic Solanke – 7
Was harshly penalised for a very slim offside call after a neat finish, but set up Bergvall beautifully. Led the press, fed off scraps chances-wise other than his disallowed goal going forward as Postecoglou set his team up differently to absorb Liverpool. Can be pleased with his impact, considering.
Substitutes
Brennan Johnson (on for Rodrigo Bentancur 15′) – 5
Took advantage of the odd time Liverpool lost the ball but couldn’t quite strike that end product, came into a disjointed game following Bentancur’s injury.
Timo Werner (on for Son Heung-min 72′) – 5
Replaced Son and looked lively on the left, hitting the side netting with an effort and looking to provide service.
In other Tottenham news, a former Spurs boss has shortened to odds-on to return to the Premier League with a new club.
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.