North Londoners escaped with a draw in a tricky test
AFP via Getty Images
Matt Verri
COMMENTS
Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Tottenham were fortunate to come away with a point after a 0-0 draw with Monaco in the Champions League.
Thomas Frank’s side were second-best throughout and could easily have conceded three or four goals, were it not for a string of superb saves from Guglielmo Vicario and some poor Monaco finishing.
It leaves Spurs unbeaten from their three European matches this season, picking up five points, but they are yet to produce a convincing performance.
Here’s how Standard Sport rated the Spurs players...
Guglielmo Vicario 9
Single-handedly earned Spurs a point. Sensational performance to save Spurs in the first half. Stunning stops denied Folarin Balogun on more than one occasion and looked much more confident with crosses. Eight saves in all.
Pedro Porro 5
Delivery really poor, particularly from set-pieces. Wasted one free-kick in a dangerous position when shooting straight into the wall and floated another straight out of play. Not great defensively either.
Kevin Danso 6
Couple of loose moments on the ball to remind everyone just how much Spurs need Cristian Romero fit. Big chance from corner in the first half was headed over.
Read More
Liverpool knock five past sorry Frankfurt in Champions League rout
Three things we learned from Tottenham draw as Spurs toothless up top
Chelsea ratings: Estevao superb as Guiu shines in Blues demolition job
Sponsored
Running a business: 5 expenses you might be overlooking
Micky van de Ven 8
Dominated his battle with Balogun when left one-on-one with the striker - too strong and too quick. Led the defence well with the captain’s armband.
Archie Gray 7
Superb start to the match when holding things together almost single-handedly from left-back. Overrun at times down that wing but overall impressive out of position.
Impressive: Archie Gray
AFP via Getty Images
Joao Palhinha 7
Hoovered up in midfield as ever, pouncing on loose balls with several firm challenges. One of the first names on the team sheet - question is who plays alongside him.
Rodrigo Bentancur 5
Passing is too safe and didn’t offer much midfield security either, with Maghnes Akliouche regularly finding space. Enough evidence that partnership with Palhinha hampered Spurs’ creativity.
Mohammed Kudus 7
Attack relies on him so much. Not quite at his best but still looked dangerous and most threatening moments came from his crosses. Spurs can be too reliant on him sometimes, even when he’s isolated.
Lucas Bergvall 5
Failed to take chance at No10. Not found often enough but sloppy on the ball when he did have it. Usual drive was lacking in a frustrating display.
Wilson Odobert 8
Confidence is visibly growing. Bright and direct with the ball and decision-making was better than it has been, playing Richarlison in after one superb run. Deserves to keep his place but went off with a rib issue.
Injury worry: Wilson Odobert
AFP via Getty Images
Richarlison 4
Poor display on his returning to the starting lineup. Didn’t hold the ball up well enough and too slow to get shot away in first half in what proved to be his only chance. Spurs need Dominic Solanke back.
Substitutes
Xavi Simons (Bergvall 60’) 4
Needs to be braver. Ruined one dangerous counter when strangely turning back and then playing poor pass.
Pape Matar Sarr (Bentancur 60’) 6
Strong burst got him in behind late on and he squared for Johnson. As dangerous as Spurs looked from open play.
Randal Kolo Muani (Richarlison 69’) 6
Held the ball up better than Richarlison. Still building fitness but could soon be leading the line.
Brennan Johnson (Odobert 69’) 4
Easy to forget he was on the pitch until his chance in the closing stages which he scuffed.
Djed Spence (Kudus 79’) N/A
MORE ABOUT