Sarr scores stunner and Porro impresses – Tottenham player ratings v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur made a statement with a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday.
A stunning Pape Sarr goal from near the halfway line just before half-time was enough to separate the two sides, but Thomas Frank will likely be most impressed with his team’s defensive performance.
The likes of Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven answered every single question posed of them by Arsenal, snuffing out the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz with ease.
Spurs fans will be relieved to see their side win after disappointing draws with Wycombe and Luton. But how did the players perform in the first-ever North London derby played outside of the English capital?
Spurs defence stands tall
Guglielmo Vicario – 7
Wasn’t kept too busy thanks to Arsenal misfiring in the final third, but got through his work without fuss.
Pedro Porro – 9
Whipped in a host of dangerous corners and was a constant source of frustration for Arsenal at the other end of the pitch, always seeming to pop up just when the Gunners thought they had an opening.
Cristian Romero – 7
Made four clearances, three recoveries, an interception and a tackle (FotMob), putting in a solid shift at the heart of Tottenham’s defence. Spurs need the Argentine to stay fit this season as they return to the Champions League.
Micky van de Ven – 8
Missed a good opportunity but looked solid at the back. Assured on the ball as always and clocked up 78 minutes, which will be promising for Spurs supporters given his fitness history.
Djed Spence – 8
Dribbled past just once while making four tackles, three clearances and four recoveries. Dealt with the threat of Bukayo Saka brilliantly.
Sarr scores stunner for Spurs
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7
As combative as ever, to the point where he managed to get booked in a friendly. Broke up Arsenal’s play with regularity and used the ball well.
Pape Sarr – 9
Scored a stunning goal from near the halfway line just before half-time, and capped off a top performance with a match-high five tackles, as well as four clearances, three recoveries and seven of 10 ground duels won. Thomas Frank needs Sarr to show this sort of form when the Premier League season begins.
Mohammed Kudus – 7
Had plenty of lively moments, attempting five dribbles and two shots. Lacking a little end product and sharpness, but definitely has the potential to add a new dimension to Tottenham’s attack.
Lucas Bergvall – 7
Continues to show massive potential. Bergvall’s composure is off the charts, misplacing just one of his 25 passes, while he also disrupted Arsenal from his advanced position with three tackles and three interceptions.
Wilson Odobert – 4
A quiet afternoon for Odebert, with the majority of Tottenham’s attacks coming down the other flank. Failed with four of his five attempted dribbles.
Richarlison – 5
Lively, but missed a host of good close-range chances and lacks confidence in front of goal. Won the ball back for Sarr’s stunning effort, but it was 100% a foul on Lewis-Skelly.
Son Heung-min given hero’s welcome amid departure rumours
Kevin Danso (on for Romero, 63′) – 6
Got the job done as Spurs held out for the win.
Brennan Johnson (on for Kudus, 63′) – 4
Barely had an impact, but wasn’t helped as Spurs were pushed back late on.
Mathys Tel (on for Richarlison, 63′) – 7
Barely touched the ball, but still managed to create one big chance when he did.
Son Heung-min (on for Odobert, 78′) – 6
Given a hero’s welcome by the Asian crowd, though didn’t have much time to affect the game. Every time Son takes to the pitch could be his last at the moment, given the links to LAFC.
Ben Davies (on for Van de Ven 78′) – 6
Gave Van de Ven a well-earned break and helped Spurs see the game out.
Yves Bissouma (on for Bergvall, 78′) – 6
Put himself about physically to help keep Arsenal at bay.
James Maddison (on for Bentancur, 85′) – 7
Didn’t get much time on the pitch but showed plenty of composure with the ball.
Archie Gray (on for Sarr, 85′) – 7
Won both his aerial duels and showed some class on the ball, despite limited minutes.