‘Antonin Kinsky superb, Djed Spence abysmal’ – Tottenham ratings vs Aston Villa
Tottenham fell to yet another defeat in the Premier League, as they were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa away from home.
It was Spurs’ last game before the Europa League final and despite a promising first half display, they capitulated in the second period.
Ezri Konsa gave the home side the lead, hooking home from a couple of yards out, before Boubacar Kamara made sure of the three points.
Tottenham have been criticised for their Premier League performances, but once again looked as if their full focus was on their European final.
Here is how Football Insider rated the performance of the Tottenham squad during that clash with Aston Villa on Friday (16 May).
Kinsky performs superbly while Spence has a shocker
Antonin Kinsky – 8
Made a ridiculous save from Morgan Rogers in the first half, flying to his left-hand side to tip the ball round the post. Also kept out Ollie Watkins with a sharp stop. He was fairly assured in commanding his area, and deputised well for Guglielmo Vicario. Could do little about the opening goal, but would’ve liked to do better with Kamara’s strike.
Djed Spence – 3
Really struggled both on and off the ball, in what was a night to forget for the full back. Gave possession away a number of times in the first half, and John McGinn got the better of him on more than one occasion.
Kevin Danso – 7
By far Tottenham’s best defender, putting his body on the line and making some crucial blocks and interceptions. Lacked help as Spurs fell apart in the second half.
Ben Davies – 6
A very safe display from the Welshman who didn’t do too much wrong. However, often left Danso isolated and was slightly at fault for the first goal, as he found himself lost in his own box.
Sergio Reguilon (Off for Bentancur 74′) – 5
His first appearance in Tottenham colours since January, and it showed, as the full back put in a less-than-impressive performance.
Sarr hobbles off ahead of Europa League final
Archie Gray – 5
Struggled to get on the ball in the middle. Was moved out to right back when Bentancur was introduced and looked more comfortable.
Pape Matar Sarr (Off for Bissouma 52′) – 6
Worked hard and made a number of important challenges in the centre of the park. Brought off after just seven minutes of the second half with what looked like a slight knock. Postecoglou will hope the midfielder is fit for the final.
Mikey Moore (Off for Richarlison 86′) – 4
The youngster undoubtedly has a lot of talent, but on this performance, he is not yet ready for the Premier League. The winger struggled to get involved in the game.
Son performs well on return from injury
Wilson Odobert (Off for Johnson 86′) – 6
Showed flashes of ability and excitement, especially in the first half, but lacked the end product to make Villa pay. Almost delightfully flicked home Tel’s cross, but Martinez denied him. He fell away in the second period as Spurs capitulated.
Heung Min Son (Off for Solanke 74′) – 7
It was Son’s first start since returning from injury, and it was an impressive first-half performance from Tottenham’s captain. He curled an effort just over the bar, but clearly not up to full match fitness yet, and was taken off after the second Villa goal.
Mathys Tel – 7
With Dejan Kulusevski out injured, Tel is likely to be the man to replace him in the Europa League final. The Bayern Munich loanee showed quality while going forward, and everything good from Tottenham seemed to go through him.
Substitutes
Yves Bissouma (On for Pape Matar Sarr 52′) – 5
Moments after he came on, Bissouma lost Konsa in the box, and the Villa centre back made him pay.
Dominic Solanke (On for Son 74′) – 5
Rested ahead of the Europa League final, and saw little of the ball when introduced.
Rodrigo Bentancur (On for Reguilon 74′) – 6
Tried to turn the tide, but couldn’t help Spurs back into the game.
Richarlison (On for Moore 86′) – 5
On for the last ten minutes with the game already gone. Still had time to misplace a couple of passes.
Brennan Johnson (On for Odobert 86′) – 5
Didn’t have time to make an impact.