TOTTENHAM overcame a dreadful first half performance to beat a stubborn Brighton team 2-1.
Brighton’s Adam Webster had put the Seagull’s 1-0 up in the 37th minute with a well-taken header from a set-piece whipped in by Pascal Gross.
Harry Kane led Spurs to a 2-1 win over BrightonCredit: Reuters
However, after a stern teamtalk from Jose Mourinho, Tottenham came out firing in the second half.
Goals by Harry Kane (’53) and Dele Alli (’72) were enough, as Spurs managed to hold on.
Jon Boon watched the game, here’s how he rated Tottenham’s performance…
PAULO GAZZANIGA 6
Had no chance with Webster’s goal, and showed safe hands when called upon.
Pulled off a decent stop from Alzate, although fumbled a Gross shot from the edge of the area.
He’s done well as cover for the injured Hugo Lloris.
SERGE AURIER 7
Concentrated hard defensively, and still managed to burst forward on the right hand side.
Provided the perfect assist with a lovely cut back for Dele Alli’s well-taken goal.
One of Aurier’s better games in a Spurs shirt.
Ryan Sessegnon was hooked after 55 minutesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
RYAN SESSEGNON 6
Showed flashes of his pace, breaking through on the left-hand side playing in the left wing-back role on his first Premier League start for Spurs.
Defensively wasn’t too troubled, and in fairness looked Spurs’ biggest threat in the first half.
He was hooked after 55 minutes and replaced by Giovani Lo Celso.
TOBY ALDERWEIRELD 6
Looked happy to have finally got his contract situation resolved.
In Tottenham’s zonal marking system, he couldn’t do much with Brighton’s goal from Webster.
Tried to push Spurs forward with passes from the back.
JAN VERTONGHEN 6
Like Alderweireld, Vertonghen desperately tried to drive Spurs forward.
Harry Winks got his fifth yellow of the season and is now suspended for Norwich gameCredit: PA:Press Association
His passing was better than his compatriot, but still a little slow.
Needs to move the ball faster.
DAVINSON SANCHEZ 6
Didn’t put a foot wrong in a back three.
As the quickest of the centre backs, his job is to sweep up around Vertonghen and Alderweireld.
But with the ball played mostly in front of him, he didn’t have to chase back too much.
HARRY WINKS 5
The normally reliable Winks didn’t have his best game screening the Tottenham back four.
His passing was a bit slow at times too, which hindered Spurs on the attack.
Was lucky to stay on the pitch when he lunged in late on a yellow. Will miss Spurs’ next game through suspension after reaching five bookings.
MOUSSA SISSOKO 5
Dreadful first half, couldn’t string a pass together and gave the ball away a number of times.
Was one of two Spurs players going into this game on five yellow cards and he ended up getting another booking for a silly tackle.
Will miss Norwich away next.
DELE ALLI 7
After a quiet first half, Alli exploded into the life in the second.
He was back to his best, breaking into the box whenever Spurs were on the attack.
Took his goal exceptionally well, sweeping the ball home after a cut back from Aurier.
LUCAS MOURA 7
Also anonymous in the first half, but came to life in the second.
Worked hard for the team, retrieving the ball and making himself a nuisance.
His hard work on the edge of the box helped Kane fashion the equaliser.
HARRY KANE 8
Didn’t have as many chances as he usually does, but worked so hard for the team defensively.
Took his goal well at the second time of asking, forcing a save from Brighton keeper Ryan.
A true centre-forward’s performance.
SUBS:
GIOVANI LO CELSO 4
Came on for Sessegnon on 55 minutes, but you could’ve fooled me.
Had very little impact on affairs, and was largely anonymous.
Spurs fans will wonder if signing the Argentinian after his loan deal is a sound investment.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN 6
He may be suffering from bad form at the moment, but he can still be a match-winner.
It was his pass through to Aurier that led to Alli’s winner.
Maybe that’ll give him some confidence going forward.
ERIC DIER 5
Came on for Moura to shore up Tottenham’s defence.
Kept his shape, made it difficult for Brighton with some tough tackles and helped his teammates.
Did his job to sit in his own half.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
