Football London

The Tottenham centre-back has been catching the eye in the Bundesliga but a knee injury is proving to be more problematic than first thought

Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic's knee joint is believed to be "more severely damaged" than first thought according to reports in Germany.

The 19-year-old Croatia international has been one of the standout players in the Bundesliga this season with his performances in the centre of Hamburg's defence, which has been one of the league's best-performing since he began to hit his stride as the season wore on.

Vuskovic has played 27 matches for the German side across this campaign, scoring five times and providing one assist and winning awards aplenty along the way.

The Spurs teenager's form has ensured he has been linked with a string of top clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich, but he has missed the past two matches with a knee injury picked up in training on April 7. HSV have duly gone from conceding 13 goals in 11 games with Vuskovic in the backline to conceding seven across those two defeats at Stuttgart and Werder Bremen.

German media outlet Bild are now reporting that the joint in his knee is "more severely damaged" than originally thought and the youngster has not even been able to do any individual rehabilitation work on the grass. A comeback against Hoffenheim this Saturday night in Hamburg is currently looking doubtful with no timeline of return given by the outlet.

Vuskovic has proved to be a young leader in the HSV backline as well as a huge presence at both defending and attacking set pieces. Hamburg boss Merlin Polzin was hoping he would be fit for that 3-1 derby defeat at Bremen last weekend but while the teenager travelled with the squad he was unable to take part.

Despite speculation over his future, Spurs have Vuskovic tied down to a long contract and he spoke about what will come next in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine after being asked about his dream of playing with his brother Mario, who is set to return to Hamburg next season from a four-year doping suspension, having maintained his innocence throughout.

"In football, you never know. It could happen next year, or in ten years," said Vuskovic of playing with Mario. "I don't want to promise anyone anything. But it's my biggest dream to be on the pitch with him here in Hamburg, or later in Split. After this season, I'll be a Tottenham player again. I have a contract there until 2030."

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One criticism of Vuskovic has been his lack of pace and acceleration and the teenager admitted that he trying to work on that aspect of his game.

"I know my weaknesses. I've been training with a private coach for a while now to work on my speed," he said. "As a footballer, you don't have to be a 100m sprinter, but a good start definitely helps. I'm constantly trying to improve my timing in certain situations. I often act on instinct, but some things just take practice.

"There used to be situations I wanted to anticipate, but sometimes I started too early, and sometimes too late. It's slowly getting better. That's especially key against fast and skilful strikers. If I know I can't catch my opponent, it can sometimes help if I take a step forward so he's offside."

Roberto De Zerbi has made a good impression since taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, but he's still yet to win a game.

Tottenham Hotspur have already shown signs of great improvement under Roberto De Zerbi. The Lilywhites were just seconds away from clinching their first Premier League win of the year when they faced Brighton on Saturday afternoon, conceding an equaliser in the dying embers of stoppage time.

Despite the disappointing result, Spurs took a step in the right direction as they look to avoid relegation from the English top-flight. De Zerbi has been in charge for only a few weeks, yet he's already implemented some of his core principles.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Joe Hart explained how the Italian has prepared Tottenham for a relegation battle that could be decided on the final day of the season. The Manchester City legend was just as impressed with how De Zerbi managed to lift fans from their seats as he was with his tactics.

Hart said: "He has identified what he doesn’t want to see, but what he wanted to see was to get that stadium rocking. The way that they pressed was really good, really impressive in fact.

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"It is not the Spurs we have been used to; it is not the Spurs we have seen this season. He wanted to set the atmosphere: every single one of his players is running forward, running forward with intent, blocking passing lanes, and requiring Brighton to be perfect, and they're not giving up.

"It was a relentless press from Tottenham, and they're eventually going to have a lot of success from it. It's so aggressive. It's the passing lanes. It's the second press. It's the passing once they turn it over. It's a real threat, and that's where the first goal comes from."

Hart believes De Zerbi, who worked with many of the Brighton players that Tottenham faced at the weekend, used what he learned from his spell at the Amex Stadium to his advantage. The former England international continued: "I feel like De Zerbi knew he could really get at Brighton with his previous (experience), working with some of these players.

"You have got Bart Verbruggen, you have got [Jan Paul] van Hecke, and you’ve also got [Pascal] Gross as well. He knows that, if you can block those passing lanes, Verbruggen will dither.

"You can catch him. You can turn it over, you can get easy wins, and you can score big goals. I feel like be really played on that today, and it was a great example of the top work Tottenham did."

Xavi Simons fired Tottenham into the lead in the second half, shortly after a calculated press paid dividends. Lucas Bergvall dispossessed Van Hecke, who found himself swarmed by Spurs players just moments after receiving the ball in – what seemed like – acres of space.

If Tottenham can continue in the same vein, they'll strike fear into West Ham as the race for survival build a head of steam. Nevertheless, speaking to reporters after the game, De Zerbi reflected on what 'felt like a defeat'.

The Italian said: "Brighton is a very good team. In this moment, they are playing very well, but I think we deserve to win the game, especially if you consider we conceded a goal in extra time when losing one ball in our possession.

"Anyway, I'm very proud for the performance of my players. I'm very proud because they gave, all of them, their best, with the right mentality, with the right blood, with the right character.

"We played well with the ball. We played maybe better in the first half without the ball, because in the second half we suffered too much with the ball possession, but in the first half, we regained a lot of ball.

"When we scored with Pedro Porro, we regained the ball very high, and I'm disappointed just for the result, for my players and for the fans, because it was an incredible atmosphere today.

"In a very tough situation, a very difficult moment, but the stadium was great. It was amazing."

Tottenham Hotspur have five more Premier League matches to secure their place in the top flight for next season and stop the club's first relegation in 49 years

Tottenham Hotspur are still in the Premier League relegation zone after a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Leeds United won and are up to 15th after winning back-to-back league matches for the first time this season.

They were the only bottom-six sides to play on Saturday, apart from Spurs, but it was more bad news on Sunday with Nottingham Forest beating Burnley to move five points clear of the north Londoners.

West Ham sit just one point above Spurs ahead of their trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Monday Night Football. football.london compares Spurs' remaining Premier League fixtures to their relegation rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur's remaining Premier League fixtures

Saturday, April 25: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday, May 2: Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur

Monday, May 11: Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United

Sunday, May 17: Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday, May 24: Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

West Ham United's remaining Premier League fixtures

Monday, April 20: Crystal Palace vs West Ham United

Saturday, April 25: West Ham United vs Everton

Saturday, May 2: Brentford vs West Ham United

Sunday, May 10: West Ham United vs Arsenal

Sunday, May 17: Newcastle United vs West Ham United

Sunday, May 24: West Ham United vs Leeds United

Nottingham Forest's remaining Premier League fixtures

Friday, April 24: Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest

Monday, May 4: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest

Sunday, May 10: Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United

Sunday, May 17: Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Sunday, May 24: Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth

Leeds United's remaining Premier League fixtures

Wednesday, April 22: Bournemouth vs Leeds United

Friday, May 1: Leeds United vs Burnley

Monday, May 11: Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United

Sunday, May 17: Leeds United vs Brighton

Xavi Simons was left with egg on his face when Brighton equalised in the dying embers of stoppage time.

Xavi Simons believes Tottenham Hotspur are heading in the right direction under Roberto De Zerbi. The 22-year-old midfielder thought he had fired the Lilywhites to their first Premier League win of the year on Saturday afternoon, but Brighton equalised in the dying embers of stoppage time.

With a quarter of an hour or so still left to play, Simons hurled off his shirt and threw himself into the South Stand after beating Bart Verbruggen from range. The Netherlands international curled the ball into the top corner, putting Spurs on course for a much-needed three points.

But Simons was left red-faced when the Seagulls capitalised on a mistake by Kevin Danso. Georginio Rutter, who had come off the bench to replace Danny Welbeck, levelled proceedings in the final minutes of the game, pushing Tottenham back into the bottom three.

West Ham have the chance to go four points clear of the Lilywhites when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night. Speaking to SpursPlay after the game, Simons reflected on what was a hammer blow to his side's hopes of avoiding relegation.

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"The goal in the last minute hurts," said the Dutchman. "I think the fans were fantastic, and we have to keep working through this. You could see the atmosphere that was in the stadium from the first minute, and we as players feel that as well.

"What I can say is we are really working hard to go through this situation. The new manager is coming in, so we have to adapt on things, but we are going in the right direction, and we are going to work hard for the last five games.

"I have been through a difficult journey, I would say this season, but it is life, and I am still young, and I have to learn things."

Simons, who made his first start for De Zerbi at the weekend, outlined his desire to 'play football' and 'help the team'. On the Italian, he said: "I am really happy the coach is here and for me especially.

"I want to play football, I want to score and assist, and I want to help the team to go through this situation together. These are the kind of games I want to be on the pitch and show everyone I can help the team.

"I am just putting the work in morning, afternoon and night. I want to really help the team and that is the most important thing."

Speaking to reporters following the draw to Brighton De Zerbi explained why he's the perfect match for Simons. The Tottenham boss said: "He played very well, a great game.

"I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager, and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs, because I was a player, I was number 10, and I think I know what he thinks, because I thought the same when I was a player.

"I think I'm lucky to have this player on my team, but also he's lucky because with number 10, I can understand better than other coaches."

On whether he feels more confident about staying in the Premier League, De Zerbi said: "Yes, I always thought and believed in the quality of the players.

"They played a good game, I think we can play better than today with much more quality and more calm, especially when we are in possession, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude and this mentality.

"It is not finished yet. We have another five games. It is tough. Every one of us knows it is a tough moment, a difficult situation, but we have another five games and 15 points.

"This team is able to win five games in a row. Now, it is difficult to hear my words, but if you watch the players and analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row.

"Not to be arrogant, because I am not arrogant, especially now, but we have the qualities enough to fight and win games in a row."

Tottenham conceded a dramatic equaliser against Brighton and remain in the Premier League relegation zone

Pedro Porro collapsed to the turf while Xavi Simons fought back the tears.

Just as Tottenham finally thought the tide had begun to turn, they were crippled by the ultimate stoppage-time sucker punch from Georginio Rutter.

For that reason, it may be time to accept that relegation from the Premier League is probable because Spurs cannot buy a slice of luck, even when they play well.

Buried beneath thousands of white flags and deafening noise pre-kick-off was one uncomfortable question. How could an arena as marvellous as the picturesque Tottenham Hotspur Stadium play host to Championship football next season?

That prospect, with just five matches to go, is starting to become very real. Still, in Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs have a reason to believe.

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There has undeniably been improvement, though they couldn't get much worse, yet the clock is ticking at a ruthless and aggressive rate.

On paper, Sunderland and Brighton were two winnable fixtures where Spurs had to get the ball rolling and put points on the board.

A single draw feels inadequate. Unfortunately, it's hard to shake the feeling that the Italian's arrival is a case of too little, too late.

They have won just twice at home in the Premier League all season and have not done so since December 6. It doesn't require a mathematician to tell you that is the kind of form that will get you relegated.

And what hurts the most is Tottenham done enough to win the game against Brighton but were undone by two clinical finishes at the end of either half.

It points to mental fragility and a team that does not know how to see out a victory. When Xavi Simons curled home his stunner, ripped off his shirt and flew into the South Stand at full throttle, it felt like Tottenham were finally primed to turn the corner.

You sensed at long last, the stars were finally beginning to align as De Zerbi executed a managerial masterstroke.

The Italian spent much of his press conference on Friday hinting Tottenham's marquee £51.8million summer signing would not start, indicating a "20 or 30-minute" cameo was far more likely.

When asked what Simons needed to do to finally arrive in the Premier League following a turbulent debut campaign in English football, De Zerbi's message was simple: "He has to score, he has to make assists and run without the ball. That's enough."

The Dutch attacking midfielder carried out De Zerbi's demands to a tee and emptied the tank, yet incredibly, it still wasn't enough.

Injured captain Cristian Romero was up on his feet after the 23-year-old's firecracker while his new boss steamed over to pounce on his bench and Spurs supporters amid the bedlam.

De Zerbi has given Tottenham a flicker of hope and if they are able to play with this level of effort, hunger and enthusiasm in their final five matches, they could be in with a sniff.

But a sniff is not enough for a club of this magnitude and failure to beat Wolves away next Saturday could effectively seal their fate.

Rutter's goal is the bitterest of pills to swallow and you cannot underestimate the mental toll that strike could have on De Zerbi's wounded soldiers from here on in. Just when there is finally light at the end of the tunnel, it turns out to be an oncoming train.

Chelsea fans were keeping a close eye on Tottenham Hotspur's dramatic draw with Brighton before facing Manchester United in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea fans inside Stamford Bridge celebrated the closing moments of Tottenham Hotspur’s dramatic draw with Brighton in wild fashion.

Spurs were forced to settle for a point in the 2-2 draw with the Seagulls on Saturday evening, a result which still leaves the club in the relegation zone.

Spurs thought they had secured a long-awaited victory when Xavi Simons’ long-range effort put the home side 2-1 in front in the 77th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, Georginio Rutter equalised for Brighton in stoppage time, which saw Spurs drop two vital points in the battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.

Chelsea were taking on Manchester United in the 8pm kick-off on Saturday night, with many fans already gathered in Stamford Bridge ahead of the game.

Those inside Stamford Bridge witnessed Chelsea fans appearing to really enjoy rivals Tottenham dropping points in dramatic fashion.

Loud cheers echoed around the ground prior to kick off against United, to show there's no love lost between the London clubs.

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The result leaves Tottenham in 18th place in the Premier League table with just five matches left to play, and are one point behind West Ham, who have a game in hand which will see them face Crystal Palace in the Monday Night Football.

Chelsea went into the half-time interval against United 1-0 down after Matheus Cunha opened the scoring for the visitors in west London.

The Blues were also forced to deal with an injury blow during the game, as Estevao William was withdrawn due to a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced by former United star Alejandro Garnacho.

Here is every word Roberto De Zerbi just said after Tottenham's frustrating 2-2 draw with Brighton in the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi has spoken to the media following Tottenham's frustrating 2-2 draw with Brighton in the Premier League.

The Italian has set the record straight on his team's performance, Kevin Danso's error and why he won't give up on survival as he set Spurs an ambitious target.

Here is every word De Zerbi said during his press conference.

Roberto, your first point as a Tottenham manager, did that feel like a defeat?

"Yeah, yes, because we played a good game. Brighton is a very good team. In this moment, they are playing very well. But I think we deserve to win the game, especially if you consider we conceded a goal in extra time when losing one ball in our possession. But anyway, I'm very proud for the performance of my players.

"I'm very proud because they gave all of them their best, with the right mentality, with the right blood, with the right character. We played well with the ball. We played maybe better in the first half without the ball because in the second half we suffered too much with] the ball possession.

"But in the first half, we regained a lot of ball. When we scored with Pedro Porro, we regained the ball very high. And I'm disappointed just for the result, for my players and for the fans, because it was an incredible atmosphere today. In a very tough situation, a very difficult moment, but the stadium was great, it was amazing."

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On Xavi Simons' display"He played very well. A great game. I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager. And I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs. Because [when] I was a player, I was number 10, and I think I know what he thinks, because I thought the same when I was a player. I think I'm lucky to have this player on my team, but also he's lucky because with number 10, I can understand better than other coaches."Concern about conceding at the end of either half? Point towards mental fragility?"I don't know, I didn't think like this. The first goal of Mitoma was incredible. And the second goal, the ball possession was for us, because Danso played another fantastic game, but the ball was with Danso. He lost the ball and then we conceded a goal. But I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede a goal without personality, without courage. Now we need courage, now we need to win the game. And to win the game we have to be positive and to play football with the ball and not stay just to defend with 11 players and go in counter-attack."

More confident about survival?

"Yes I always thought and believed in the quality of the players. They played a good game, I think we can play better than today with much more quality and more calm, especially when we are in possession, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude and this mentality. It is not finished yet. We have another five games. It is tough. Every one of us knows it is a tough moment, it is a difficult situation, but we have another five games and 15 points.

"This team is able to win five games in a row. Now it is difficult to hear my words, but if you watch the players and analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row. Not to be arrogant because I am not arrogant, especially now but we have the quality enough to fight and win games in a row."

How do you lift the players?

"No, no."They looked dejected?

“They have to follow me and not think and listen to me. They have to listen to me. I am proud of their performance. They have to be stronger and be focused longer and come to training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile otherwise they go home. I have no time to see negative people or to see sad players or sad assistant. No, we are lucky because we are working at a big club, a big stadium, we are working in Premier League and we have the quality, the right quality to win the game so we have to be positive. I don’t like the people who cry and who thinks in negative way.The way you played, is that the way you want your Tottenham to play?

“Yes absolutely. They have to play like this and have to play showing what they are able to do on the pitch. Enjoy with the ball, enjoy when they come to the training ground and to feel in confidence. I have to be good to transfer what I think and what I believe in my players because it is the truth and to prepare game by game. Stop. Not too much.

James Maddison has been included in the Tottenham squad to face Brighton with Roberto De Zerbi issuing a clear verdict

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has issued an emphatic verdict on James Maddison after including him in the matchday squad to face Brighton. The attacking midfielder has not played in this campaign after suffering a bad knee injury in pre-season.

However, he has been in team training over the last few weeks and has been named among the substitutes for the Premier League clash against Brighton. On Maddison, De Zerbi said: "James is one of the leaders, one of the most important players in the squad.

"I think he can give us energy, quality, because when he will be available to play, his quality is amazing. In this moment, we need everyone, all players focused on Tottenham, and especially an important player like James."

De Zerbi has also been boosted by the return of Rodrigo Bentancur, who has missed the last three months with a hamstring injury.

Yves Bissouma is also back in the starting XI with Xavi Simons another included from the off. Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison are the players that have made way.

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Kevin Danso is the other change made by De Zerbi with that one enforced due to the injury suffered by Cristian Romero.

He has joined Mohammed Kudus in picking up an issue that will see him miss the remainder of the season. Guglielmo Vicario is expected back before the end of May but is still not fit to feature after hernia surgery, which means Antonin Kinsky has remained in goal.

The Lilywhites are in desperate need of points in their battle to avoid relegation, with last weekend's results pushing them into the bottom three.

This weekend, Spurs have the chance to put the pressure on as they play before West Ham United and Nottingham Forest. The latter host Burnley on Sunday while West Ham travel to Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

Having lost his first game in charge against Sunderland last Sunday, relegation to the Championship is a real possibility with just six matches left to preserve their spot, though De Zerbi is just taking it one game at a time.

He said: "In my words, what I said last week was the focus is to win one game. I don't know if tomorrow we are able to win, I hope.

"I think we have the quality enough to win a game, but anyway we have to be stronger because the qualities of the players are bigger than all, the difficulties we are spending in this moment."

I always believe in the qualities of the players.

They play a good game, I think they can play better than today with more quality and more calm.

Especially when we are in possession.

In this moment we need this attitude.

It's not finished yet, it's tough, we have another five games.

Everyone knows it's a tough moment, a difficult situation.

This team is able to win five games in a row.

He says: I am sorry for the result, for the players because they are suffering too much. Today we deserved to win the game against one great Brighton. A big congratulations for their style, their level of players and everything. We couldn't concede that goal from Rutter.

On if there was positives for him to take: I am positive but I am proud of my players. They played a fantastic game with character and spirit. We have to be stronger than this result, we have to move on and prepare the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. If you are strong like today, I think we can compete again.

On what he said to players after the game: I said to be strong, to follow me again and again because I want to help them. They can change the mentality because that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negative, but we have to be focused on this performance and work to find the condition to win again. I am positive because I know my players, I know their qualities. I know them like people and I believe in them.

On his first home game as Spurs boss: I know we are fighting to stay in the Premier League. A very difficult moment. But we are lucky, every one of us to work in this club with these fans because it was an incredible atmosphere today. You would think we are fighting for Champions League, not relegation. Until the end we will fight in every game and give our best. If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet.

On if he saw positives: Today I saw signs, I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target.

On what needs to be worked on still: We have to improve a lot of things. The crucial part is to keep this mentality and I told the players to come on Monday afternoon with the same behaviour they showed today. I don't want to work with sad people, with negative people. They have to believe in myself. If I am here, it's because I am positive to stay in the Premier League next season.

football.london rates the Tottenham players following their X vs Brighton in the Premier League

Tottenham suffered heartbreak as Brighton snatched a last-gasp equaliser to leave them in the relegation zone with just five games to play.

Spurs were ahead on 39 minutes when Pedro Porro rose to glance home Xavi Simons' excellent cross. The hosts, at that point, looked as if they would motor onto victory but of course, nothing ever comes easy when the Europa League winners are involved.

Brighton equalised in first-half stoppage-time when Kaoru Mitoma rifled in a sublime volley to stun the hosts. Xavi then scored a second-half stunner to put the north Londoners on track for a huge win that would have moved them out of the relegation zone.

But Georginio Rutter stepped up with just three minutes of injury time remaining to break Spurs' hearts. Here are the full player ratings...

Antonin Kinsky - 6

Started really well, dealt with a corner then made a close-range stop to keep out Danny Welbeck. Won't be happy to concede either goal, despite the fact he could not have got to either.

Pedro Porro - 6

Set the tone early on and got himself on the scoresheet with a brilliant header. But question marks defensively, again.

Kevin Danso - 5

Made excellent last-ditch clearance to prevent Danny Welbeck from scoring. Made great block to stop Kaoru Mitoma's shot too. Solid for most of the game but was at fault for Brighton's second as he did not clear his lines which lowers his rating given the significance of the goal.

Micky Van de Ven - 7

Led by example as captain. Strong on the ball and used it well, too. Huge improvement from recent weeks. Nearly turned into his own net in first half but one of Spurs' better players.

Destiny Udogie - 6

Udogie provided balance and was a threat from the start. Had an early penalty shout waved away but attacked and overlapped with purpose before fading.

Rodrigo Bentancur - 6

Made his return from injury and was solid enough, but not a standout performer.

Yves Bissouma - 5

Started well then faded and was hindered by a cheap booking. Lacked match sharpness, which was understandable.

Randal Kolo Muani - 4

Not a winger and was slow to react after Xavi Simons hit the post in the first half. Most of Spurs' attacking play went down the left flank.

Conor Gallagher - 7

Showed signs of the Gallagher Tottenham thought they were buying. Pressed from the front and got further forward. Energetic and combative. Left the pitch to a standing ovation.

Xavi Simons - 8

Started poorly then grew into the game, notching a great assist for Pedro Porro's opener before dancing inside and hitting the post. Made things happen, not least his thunderbolt in the second half.

Dominic Solanke - 5

Mixed display. Protected the ball well at times but never looked threatening.

Subs

Archie Gray - 6

Great energy, unlucky not to start, had a shot saved.

Mathys Tel - 6

Did more than Kolo Muani, put in a deep cross and had a few small bright moments.

Joao Palhinha - 6

Deflected effort saved.

Lucas Bergvall - 6

Won the ball back for Xavi's goal.

Djed Spence - 5

Replaced Udogie but did not have an impact on the game.