TOTTENHAM 4–1. ASTON VILLA: Dominic Solanke’s second-half brace compensated for a few of flaws in Ange Postecoglou
Dominic Solanke’s brace helped Tottenham to an impressive comeback victory over Aston Villa in north London. The £60 million summer addition benefited from greater service in the second half to secure a 4-1 win.
Ange Postecoglou’s team cruised past Villa, who had taken the lead early on thanks to Morgan Rogers’ goal. Brennan Johnson got the equalizer before Solanke scored twice. James Maddison’s superb free kick rounded out the scoring.
However, Postecoglou will be extremely concerned about the injuries sustained by South American players Cristian Romero and Richarlison. Both players hobbled out in the second half, and Son Heung-min played only 55 minutes on his return from a thigh injury.
The Italian is an excellent shot-stopper, but he once again demonstrated his vulnerabilities at set-pieces. His absence from a first-half corner allowed Rogers to score from close range.
Pedro Porro – 6
Porro, a Spaniard, had a much better second half, with Spurs being much more intense in and out of possession. However, he still appeared vulnerable while being dribbled at in one-on-one scenarios.
Cristian Romero – 6
Romero had Ollie Watkins at arm’s length for the whole of the game. However, the Argentine made a foolish challenge early in the second half, which would have concerned Postecoglou when he walked off with an injury.
Radu Dragusin – 5
Dragusin has struggled at times during his year in north London and has done little to demonstrate that he should be a member of Spurs’ starting back four. If Romero is away for an extended period of time, he may have another partner.
Destiny Udogie – 6
Left-back Udogie remains one of Tottenham’s most promising young players, and his defensive game is rapidly improving. He came close with a thunderous right-footed drive in the second half.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6
Bentancur was frequently left on his own to deal with Villa’s counter-attacks, but he handled them admirably. He was removed early in the second half.
Pape Matar Sarr – 6
Sarr’s outstanding anticipation halted a promising Villa attack, propelling Spurs ahead for Solanke’s second goal. His confrontational displays are increasingly important for Postecoglou.
Dejan Kulusevski – 7
Kulusevski had a quieter game this time around, but his clever ball to Solanke helped Spurs take the lead. That is how the finest Premier League players perform.
Brennan Johnson – 6
Johnson has been Spurs’ best player in recent months, and he saved a point with another goal. His ability to make runs to the back post has helped him become one of the Premier League’s most productive wingers.
Dominic Solanke – 8
Solanke requires Spurs to improve his service because when they do get their centre-forward in front of goal, he finishes devastatingly. Kulusevski’s excellent ball sent the England forward one-on-one with Emi Martinez, who delivered a fantastic dinked finish.
The 27-year-old then scored again with a one-touch finish off Richarlison’s cross. Solanke is capable of producing a wide range of finishes.
Heung-Min – 5
Son assisted Johnson’s goal with a lovely left-footed cross. However, the Spurs captain did not appear to be at ease on his return from injury and was replaced prematurely in the 55th minute.
Substitutes
Richarlison (for Son, 1955) – 6
Richarlison injured himself while setting up Solanke’s second goal. It will be a disappointment for the Brazilian, who hopes to get regular starts.
Yves Bissouma (for Bentancur, 1955) – 6
Bissouma made a great impact in midfield after taking over for Bentancur.
Ben Davies (for Romero, 1961) – 6
Following his first Premier League outing of the season, the veteran Davies could get further action. Spurs will hope Romero’s problem is not serious.
James Maddison (for Richarlison, 1982).
A magnificent free kick reminded everyone, particularly Postecoglou, of his abilities. Maddison has had a terrible start to the season, but this could help him regain his form.
Archie Gray (for Udogie, 1982) – NA
The kid had little time to make an effect after coming on late.
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