Tottenham player ratings vs Aston Villa: As this incredible player shows his quality as fortune deserts Heung-min Son……
Despite having a ton of chances, Tottenham lost 2-1 to Aston Villa at home, suffering their third straight defeat.
With a powerful goal that deflected past his Argentina teammate Emi Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso made his first League start since October 2021.
However, Villa equalized right before the half thanks to a header from Douglas Luiz, a superb free kick.
Ollie Watkins made Spurs pay for their persistent missed opportunities in the second half with a deft finish from the edge of the area.
The Spurs players are ranked as follows: Pedro Porro 8: Pedro was guilty of dangerously overplaying on the edge of his own box once, but otherwise impressive; some of his passing from deep in the first half was outstanding, and his corner led to Spurs’ goal. Emerson Royal 5: Well beaten for the goals, which were both well-executed; made a couple of smart saves, including parrying Leon Bailey’s shot onto the post and was quick off his line.
Could not get a tackle in on Watkins for Villa’s second goal and was caught out for the striker’s goal which was ruled out for a fractional offside.
Ben Davies 6
Torres got ahead of him to equalise with an outstanding header. Came close to scoring an the other end but nodded over from a good position.
Destiny Udogie 6
Missed an early chance after breaking Villa’s line. Got forward well but occasionally stretched defensively by Villa’s counter.
Rodrigo Bentancur 7
His comeback lasted just 32 minutes after a rash challenge by Matty Cash. He was bright, with his passing from deep helping to break Villa’s high line.
Giovani Lo Celso 8
Excellent on his first League start since Nuno Espirito Santo’s final game in charge. Took his goal well, used the ball superbly and got stuck in.
Dejan Kulusevski 8
Impressed in a deeper midfield role as the James Maddison alternative. Should have scored after a determined early run but his effort came back of the post. Created a number of other chances and was constantly involved.
Brennan Johnson 7
Forced a fine save from Emi Martinez and was always a threat when running at Lucas Digne.
Bryan Gil 7
Lively and involved on his first start of the season. Took up some great positions and forced a save from Martinez, although his delivery and decision-making was mixed and he was too reliant on his left foot.
Heung-min Son 7
Had no fewer than three goals ruled out for offside, including a fine solo effort. Was involved in many of Spurs’ best pieces of play and another day he might have scored a hatful.
Subs
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Bentancur 32′) 6
Came close to equalising with a 25-yard effort which extended Martinez. Passing was mixed.
Oliver Skipp (Gil 71′) 6
A willing runner but it was a measure of Spurs’ injury crisis that he was the go-to sub when they needed a goal.
Alejo Veliz (Lo Celso 82′) 6
Could not help Spurs force a late equaliser.
Not used: Forster, Austin, Dier, Donley, Dorrington.