Matthew Chadder

Mon 28 August 2023 16:00, UK

It is hard to ignore the feel-good factor around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium right now as Ange Postecoglou continued his impressive start as a Premier League manager with a 2-0 win at Bournemouth.

Away wins were a rarity in the Premier League for Tottenham last season. That is why this result and clean sheet on the road represent even more promise that the future is bright under their new Australian head coach.

Besides a spell at the beginning of the second half where they seemed to lose their way a little bit, the visitors were absolutely dominant as they made it seven points from nine and continued their undefeated start to the league campaign.

And even that wobble during the first fifteen or so minutes after the break showcased just how good of a coach Postecoglou is, as he made some much-needed changes to retake control of the match, and not long after those substitutions, Spurs had doubled their lead on the South Coast.

Many wondered just what the former Celtic boss could bring to England’s top flight, after all, he had never really been tested in a top European league prior to this appointment, however so far, he is passing this test with flying colours.

Of course, things can change very quickly in the land of Tottenham, yet for now, all seems well and supporters will be keen to keep their spirits high after their trip to the seaside which saw them return with a tan and three valuable points.

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

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario – 7/10

His reduced rating from the victory against Manchester United is not a reflection on the player himself, but rather the fact that he had very little to do in order to warrant anything higher than a seven.

The Italian shot-stopper made it two clean sheets in a row as he continued to build his confidence and demonstrate just how good of a signing he could become after a shaky start away at Brentford.

He made three saves, which prevented 0.26 expected goals, and was successful with 100 per cent of his runouts. His distribution wasn’t as assured as it was in his previous outing, as he completed just 73 per cent of his passes (24 out of 33) on this occasion, but it was still a very solid showing (Sofascore).

The above image shows one of the three saves he made, and it was a confident stop, as he pushed away a strike from distance, despite being unsighted as the ball travelled toward him.

Right-back – Pedro Porro – 7/10

Once again a very confident defensive display from the Spaniard, who also looked to get forward and support the attack on plenty of occasions.

He improved on his performance against Manchester United and continued to prove to fans that he can defend in a back-four, despite some concerns before the season that he might not be able to adapt to his new boss’ way of playing.

Throughout the match, he made three clearances and three tackles, as well as blocking one shot and winning four of his six ground duels. He was also influential on the ball, making 82 touches and completing 87 per cent of his passes (47 out of 54).

It seems as if the 23-year-old might have locked down the right-back position as his own despite Emerson Royal’s positive start to the season.

Centre-back – Mick van de Ven – 8/10

A player who looks as if he has been in the Premier League for three years, not three games. It is now two clean sheets out of two for himself and Cristian Romero, who did start together against Brentford but only played alongside each other for 10 minutes. Therefore, when they have both been on the pitch, Spurs have not yet conceded.

At times during the lunchtime kick-off, he showed incredible recovery speed to get back and win challenges, demonstrating levels of pace that will make him a match for any striker in the division.

He was absolutely everywhere, making seven clearances, one interception, two tackles and winning 100 per cent of his ground duels (three out of three), while not conceding a single foul. In addition to his defensive work, his distribution was sublime, as he completed 95 per cent of his attempted passes (69 out of 73).

If the Dutchman continues to improve, then his new side can expect to concede far fewer goals than they did last season.

Centre-back – Cristian Romero – 9/10

Part of the reason Van de Ven might have adapted to life in England so quickly is because he has an outstanding defensive partner to learn his trade from. Romero was sensational on Saturday, proving to be an immovable force among the Spurs back four.

It is amazing to see just how talented the Argentine is when he has a capable player next to him who he can rely on. While Van de Ven’s numbers were impressive, Romero managed to somehow better them.

The 25-year-old completed an astonishing 97 per cent of his passes (37 out of 38) while getting stuck in defensively, making six clearances, three interceptions and five tackles, as well as also winning 100 per cent of his ground duels (five out of five).

Not much more needs to be said.

Left-back – Destiny Udogie – 7/10

Udogie was absolutely key in the second goal scored by Tottenham as he worked tirelessly to provide the assist for Dejan Kulusevski.

As the image above shows, he played a great ball to Son Heung-min after cutting in from the left and then continued his run toward the byline.

He managed to reach the ball and impressively keep it in play while cutting it across the goal for Kulusevski, who ran across the six-yard box to meet the cross and turn it home.

It was a fine bit of attacking play and showcased just how influential the left-back can be up the pitch, which is key for the success of a Postecoglou team.

Udogie made four clearances while also completing 93 per cent of his passes (33 out of 36), with one of those being key. Tottenham have certainly found their left-back for the next few years.

Midfield – Yves Bissouma – 8/10

Once again a masterful performance as the Mali international continues his resurgence, which at this moment in time, is showing no signs of slowing down.

He did not complete the full 90 minutes on this occasion, but for the 74 minutes he was on the pitch, he was dominant in the midfield.

Bissouma completed 87 per cent of his passes (33 out of 38) while also making three successful dribblers out of the four that he attempted. He won eight of his 12 ground duels and made four tackles as well as three interceptions.

While it was subtle, a moment of quality from the 26-year-old was absolutely vital to his side opening the scoring.

As shown in the image above, he receives a pass from Porro and positions his body as if he is going to return the favour back to his teammate.

Instead of doing this, he uses his right boot to bring the ball forward with a cute touch that is perfectly weighted, which allows him to drive up the pitch and play a pass to Pape Matar Sarr, who eventually assists James Maddison.

Midfield – Pape Matar Sarr – 7/10

Sarr was only on the pitch for 59 minutes, as he was taken off as part of a tactical shuffle, but his contribution in the first half was crucial to sending Tottenham on their way to a second straight victory.

As shown in the image above, while on the ball just outside the area he managed to spot Maddison’s run and played a composed pass, which was perfectly weighted, into the path of the Englishman who simply had to get the slightest of touches to turn it goalwards.

A goal last week, followed by an assist this week showcases that the 20-year-old talent is able to impact proceedings in the final third which will be just what his manager is demanding from him.

He also completed 89 per cent of his passes (24 out of 27) while making two tackles in the middle of the park.

Midfield – James Maddison – 9/10

A man-of-the-match performance from the 26-year-old who was absolutely unplayable at times. Maddison oozes class whenever he is on the ball and could prove to be one of the signings of the summer should he continue on this trajectory.

He got his first goal in Lilywhite against Bournemouth and was unlucky not to add a couple of assists to his tally. He was head and shoulders above every other player on the pitch, completely dominating proceedings, especially in the first half.

As well as completing 91 per cent of his passes (29 out of 32), with one of those being key, he was successful with 100 per cent of his dribbles (two out of two) and completed two accurate long balls from the three that he attempted.

In addition to his goal, the above image shows another brilliant chance he had, which he was unlucky not to bury, while also demonstrating the types of runs that he makes into the box from midfield.

Tottenham’s new number 10 is proving to be as effective as he is entertaining.

Left-winger – Son Heung-min – 7/10

Arguably the captain’s best performance so far this season. He was absolutely crucial in Spurs’ second goal, laying the ball off to Udogie, who played it across for Kulusevski to divert home.

He also provided Maddison with a fantastic opportunity and was unlucky not to leave the Vitality Stadium with an assist or two to his name.

Of his attempted passes, 85 per cent of them were accurate (33 out of 39) and four of them were key. Son created one big chance while completing two successful dribbles from the three that he attempted.

Slowly but surely there are signs of life from the South Korea international who now seems to be adapting to Postecoglou’s style.

Right-winger – Dejan Kulusevski – 8/10

Kulusevski grabbed a goal that could prove absolutely crucial for the Swede’s confidence. His celebration told it all, with his passionate screaming and wrist-clenching demonstrating more relief than joy.

Up until the goal he had struggled once again. A moment during the first half in particular where he was unable to square the ball during a counter-attack suggested he was low on confidence as he certainly has the quality to make that sort of pass.

However, he was still successful with 100 per cent of his dribbles (two out of two) and 81 per cent of his passes (21 out of 26).

Hopefully, for the 23-year-old, his goal can help him kick on.

Striker – Richarlison – 5/10

The new Tottenham number nine just can’t seem to get it right. If a player has ever needed a goal, it is Richarlison. After a slightly improved performance against United, the Brazil international had perhaps the worst performance of his season so far.

One step forward, two steps back. A moment during the first half, in particular, demonstrated his struggles when the ball came into him and rather than shooting first time he tried to take a touch and ended up fluffing his lines.

He was hooked off on the hour mark after being booked, making just 29 touches and completing only 77 per cent of his passes (10 out of 13). It was another afternoon to forget for the 26-year-old who needs to find some form fast.

Substitutes

Ivan Perisic – 6/10

Completed 90 per cent of his passes (18 out of 20) and proved once again that he is a useful squad player going forward.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 6/10

Helped Tottenham regain control of the game when he came on, completing 93 per cent of his passes (40 out of 43) and winning four out of his three ground duels.

Oliver Skipp – 5/10

Tidy in possession during his limited time on the pitch.

Giovani Lo Celso – 4/10

Only on the pitch for 16 minutes yet gave the ball away four times.

Ben Davies – N/A

In other Tottenham news, a deeper look into Maddison’s man-of-the-match display against the Cherries.