Tottenham Hotspur are never boring under Ange Postecoglou. The Lilywhites came from behind twice to rescue a 3-3 draw away to Man City this evening at the Etihad.
Let’s take a look at how the individual players got on:
Tottenham Hotspur’s Swedish midfielder #21 Dejan Kulusevski (C) vies with Manchester City’s Portuguese midfielder #20 Bernardo Silva (L) and Manchester City’s Argentinian striker #19 Julian Alvarez (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest England, on December 3, 2023. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Player Ratings vs Man City
Guglielmo Vicario – 7.5 – Made some decent stops throughout, the highlight being that diving tip around the corner at the start of the second 45. Also had to do a lot of work with his feet today. Absolutely nothing to complain about. Steady pair of hands, steady pair of feet.
Pedro Porro – 5.5 – It felt like Porro was a little afraid of Doku today, and that is understandable. The right-back opted to step off and off and off rather than meeting Doku head-on. As a result, the Man City winger was able to push his way into the box over and over again, causing a lot of trouble. When the game opened up, Porro was much better in the pockets in an attacking sense.
Emerson Royal – 4 – While it feels harsh to slam Emerson for defensive mistakes while playing out of position, I was disappointed with him on the ball today. He looked nervous with every touch under pressure and gave the ball away in some shocking areas.
Ben Davies – 6 – Once again, you have to remember he is a left-back playing in a back two. I thought Davies did some good work today, but also struggled to deal with the Man City runners. For every solid piece of defending, there was one instance where he looked a little lost.
Destiny Udogie – 6.5 – Not his usual self on the ball in the first half and was nowhere near as much of a threat going forward. Picked up a silly first-half yellow that puts him one away from a suspension and left him walking a tightrope. Much better in the second 45 when he started to contribute going forward.
Yves Bissouma – 5 – It just felt like Bissouma wasn’t switched on today. He has been in and out of the team for the past month, but there were a few times he seemed to lack concentration off the ball. You can’t turn your back on this Man City side for a second. Then, at the most vital of moments, he lost concentration on the ball too. It was a shame because he looked class in the second half.
Giovani Lo Celso – 8 – He at least added the odd positive pass in that midfield, which was really needed at times. Spurs lost some of that solidity that perhaps you need at times under siege. He then stepped up at the perfect moment to bring Spurs level. Looked really dangerous when the game opened up.
Dejan Kulusevski – 8 – Impressed in some really tight situations. Up against the best defensive midfielder in the world, he wriggled free into some great areas. Did well to set up Son’s goal with the ball over the top. Had so much space in the second 45, I just wanted to see him use his right foot and go down the line a bit more. But what a leap in the dying moments to earn Spurs a point!
Brennan Johnson – 7 – Drifted in and out of the game. Showed blistering pace to beat Gvardiol down the right and almost set up Son. Was a little selfish with some shots around the edge of the box when they were good passes on at times. Then, just when Spurs needed a moment, he delivered a pin-point cross for the winner!
Heung-min Son – 8 – Considering he fed off scraps for large parts of the game, I thought Son’s hold-up play was a lot better today. Opened the scoring and assisted Lo Celso’s too, popping up in two key moments when Tottenham needed him most. Could have had a couple more had Gil and Kulusevski played in some earlier crosses.
Bryan Gil – 7 – Unfortunate to go off at half-time but Spurs perhaps needed to change something as they were far too open. Gil is a chaotic little player and will run for you all day long. He had some lovely moments on the ball and set up the Spurs opener with a brave pass in his own box. He just needs more consistency with that final pass.
Substitutes:
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 7 – Hojbjerg was actually really steady after coming on at half-time. It was the right call by Postecoglou. Defended his own box well but used the ball nicely too.
Oliver Skipp – 5 – Only came on for 15 minutes but threw himself about to earn that point.
Richarlison – N/A – Lovely to see him back.
Jamie Donley – N/A – What a great experience for the young lad!
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