Matthew Chadder

Mon 18 September 2023 14:30, UK

Tottenham came from behind with just four minutes left on the clock to score a memorable and dramatic 2-1 victory at home against Sheffield United on Saturday (16 September).

The latest winning comeback in Premier League history was set by Tottenham against the Blades, beating the previous record held by Tottenham themselves. As the match entered stoppage time, Ange Postecgolou was staring down the barrel of a sobering defeat, which would have seen the club come crashing down to earth after such a bright start to the season.

Instead, what was meant to be a routine win might now end up being Spurs’ most memorable and important victory of the season, sending the players and supporters into a realm higher than cloud nine – whatever that might be.

If asked before the game whether Tottenham fans would prefer a 4-0 or 2-1 win, it would have been a challenge to find a supporter who didn’t answer with the former – yet in the end, the 2-1 win, and fashion they got it in, might end up being so much more important.

We knew Postecoglou’s side could play some pretty football, we had seen it all season. What we didn’t know is how the team would respond when the going got tough, however on Saturday we found out, and they showed they could respond well, pretty well indeed.

Here, Tottenham News has provided a player rating for each and every Spurs player who took to the field.

Guglielmo Vicario – 7/10

Vicario made a fantastic reaction save in the first half to deny James McAtee from point-blank range. He once again demonstrated composed distribution and could do very little about the goal conceded. Overall he made four saves, with three of those coming from inside the box, and prevented 0.41 goals, as well as completing 82 per cent of his passes (Sofascore). However, his most important contribution to the game was perhaps his role in the celebrations. After Dejan Kulusevski turned home the winner, the 26-year-old ran the length of the pitch to celebrate with his teammates, showcasing to the Tottenham supporters once again just how much passion he has for the club.

Pedro Porro – 7/10

Early in the first half, the Spaniard produced a wonderful bit of skill that demonstrated just how much confidence he has in his new role as an inverted right back. It was another solid showing from the 24-year-old, as he won four of his five ground duels, completed 91 per cent of his passes – with four of them being key – and made two tackles. He also succeeded with his one dribble attempt and racked up an expected assists total of 0.25.

Cristian Romero – 7/10

Yet again another reliable display from the Argentinian who did well to put in an impressive shift after returning from some tough fixtures with his nation in South America. He would have still been recovering from the journey, yet showed no signs of jet lag, making three tackles, winning three of his four ground duels and completing 90 per cent of his passes. He could do nothing about the goal conceded.

Micky van de Ven – 6/10

Not his most enjoyable afternoon in a Spurs shirt, yet by no means a poor performance. He struggled in some areas, winning just three of his six ground duels and five of his 15 aerial duels, but still excelled on the ball, completing 97 per cent of his passes. Another lesson for the Dutchman in English football.

Destiny Udogie – 7/10

A shaky start for the young Italian, as he misplaced some passes and at one point required Van de Ven to bail him out after he had given the ball away. Nonetheless, his role in the winning goal was absolutely crucial. As the visitors looked to play out, he pressed high and won possession back, starting an attack which led to the winner. He made three tackles and three interceptions and won five of his six ground duels, while also completing 87 per cent of his passes.

Pape Matar Sarr – 7/10

Had some good opportunities in the first half that saw him rack up an XG of 0.25, and on another afternoon might have had a goal to his name. He also completed 95 per cent of his passes and proved once again how much potential he has at such a young age.

Yves Bissouma – 7/10

Went so close to scoring after a moment of individual brilliance in the first half. Having picked up the ball on the edge of the box in the 19th minute, he glided effortlessly toward the six-yard area, past multiple players in yellow, but saw his shot from a tight angle saved. Once again was impressive statistically, completing 88 per cent of his passes, with three of them being key, winning seven of his 12 ground duels, and completing 100 per cent of the dribbles he attempted, while also making a tackle and an interception. Quickly becoming one of the club’s most important players.

James Maddison – 7/10

Maddison was at the centre of everything once again. Not only did he see plenty of the ball and look to create, but on numerous occasions he tracked back and made some fantastic recovery challenges, with the stats reflecting this by showing that he made three tackles and won nine of his 13 ground duels. As per usual, he completed 82 per cent of his passes, with four of them being key, but it was his overall game and attitude that would have pleased supporters. With moments to play, and the score still reading 1-0 to the visitors, he waved his hands in front of the south stand, lifting the noise levels in the stadium.

Manor Solomon – 7/10

Very lively throughout, and saw a lot of the ball, especially in the first half. He always looked to get past his man and put in some dangerous crosses, as well as testing Wes Foderingham with a shot from distance. Solomon was successful with 50 per cent of his dribbles, completing four, and completed 83 per cent of his passes, with four of them being key. Certainly some things to work on, but another bright display nonetheless.

Dejan Kulusevski – 8/10

One of his best performances of the season to date. Although he was rather anonymous in the first half, he became very influential in the second and was of course the winning goalscorer, with an incredibly composed finish considering the circumstances. He played five key passes and created two big chances, but in the end, it was his goal which stole the show.

Son-Heung min – 6/10

A disappointing performance from the captain considering his hat-trick last time out. Son wasn’t able to build on this at all and struggled to influence the game, managing just one shot on target and completing no dribbles. He was up against a team set up in a low block, which isn’t suited to his game, and will certainly pose more threat in other matches this season.

Subsitutes

Richarlison – 9/10

If there was ever a way to bounce back from a tough week, a goal and an assist off the bench to win the game for your team is certainly not a bad way to do it. This would have done the Brazillian number nine’s confidence the world of good and fans will be excited to see how he builds on this.

Ivan Perisic – 7/10

An assist off the bench as he once again showed he can be a vital part of this squad going forward.

Brennan Johnson – 6/10

A really solid debut for the deadline-day signing who thought he had scored before seeing the offside flag go up.

Emerson Royal – 5/10

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 5/10

In other Tottenham news, the club’s Under-18s also scored a big win on Saturday 16 September.