Tottenham 2-0 West Brom: Player ratings as returning Kane fires Spurs back to victory
By Tom Gott
Tottenham put an end to their recent losing streak as the return of talisman Harry Kane inspired them to a 2-0 win over strugglers West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon.
Spurs began the brightest, forcing last-ditch tackles from both West Brom centre-backs early on. It was one-way traffic for the entirety of the first half, with the visitors defending heroically, although Hugo Lloris had to stay awake to keep out a good header from Mbaye Diagne shortly before half-time.
It was more of the same in the second 45 and Spurs finally got their breakthrough in the 54th minute. Kane (obviously) found some space in the box to slot home, and it was two soon after as Son Heung-min's powerful effort made its way into the back of the net.
Diagne continued to try and drag West Brom back into things but had two goals correctly ruled out for offside, ensuring Spurs cantered to victory without any real issues.
TOTTENHAM
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Hugo Lloris (GK) - 7/10 - Largely a spectator but did well to stay alert and deny Diagne last in the first half.
Serge Aurier (RB) - 8/10 - Everything Spurs did seemed to go through Aurier, who was constantly involved down the right. Gave Townsend problems before his withdrawal through injury.
Toby Alderweireld (CB) - 6/10 - Had some good moments but flashed the inconsistency which has plagued Spurs this season. Struggled against Diagne's physicality.
Davinson Sanchez (CB) - 6/10 - Struggled to stay alert and made a handful of errors on the odd occasion that West Brom attacked. Looked a little nervous.
Ben Davies (LB) - 7/10 - Davies' movement was far too much for Peltier. He was constantly available in attack, but will be a little frustrated with his end product in the final third.
2. Midfielders
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (DM) - 7/10 - Wasn't needed in defence much and instead showcased his skills in attack. Pulled off a handful of nice passes, including for Kane's opener, and proved he's more than just an anchor.
Tanguy Ndombele (DM) - 6/10 - Deployed in a deeper role and looked uncomfortable with his job. Couldn't find many spaces and misplaced a few passes.
Erik Lamela (RM) - 8/10 - Combined with Aurier to perfection. Lamela's work rate was outstanding and his desire to get the ball in the box made him look like a man possessed at times.
Lucas Moura (AM) - 7/10 - Teased us with a gorgeous run early on which was indicative of his performance as a whole. Led the counter for Son's goal and timed the pass to perfection.
Son Heung-min (LM) - 7/10 - Seemed to struggle with the lack of space behind West Brom's deep block, but Son came to life after the first goal and took his own with real skill.
3. Forward
Harry Kane (ST) - 8/10 - Looked happy and healthy on his return to action and showed his worth to Spurs by bagging the opening goal. Made it clear why Spurs were begging for him to return.
4. Substitutes
Matt Doherty - 6/10
Steven Bergwijn - 6/10
Dane Scarlett - N/A
WEST BROM
5. Goalkeepers & defenders
Sam Johnstone (GK) - 7/10 - Had to make a great save off the line shortly before the break. Constantly frustrated Spurs with some impressive goalkeeping, but will have been disappointed to have let Son's strike through his arms.
Lee Peltier (RB) - 7/10 - Lost Davies a little too often but was otherwise heroic all game long. Definitely looked like a man who wants a permanent starting role.
Semi Ajayi (CB) - 7/10 - Made several huge challenges early on and was a constant menace at the back, clearing everything that came his way. Deserved a clean sheet.
Kyle Bartley (CB) - 7/10 - Led by example at the back by throwing his body in front of everything. Didn't shirk the physical battle and did whatever he could to try and protect Johnstone.
Conor Townsend (LB) - 6/10 - Caused some problems going forward but was completely overwhelmed at the back. Aurier and Lamela were just too good.
6. Midfielders
Robert Snodgrass (RM) - 7/10 - Spent most of his time operating as a second right-back and put in a real shift when needed. Will be disappointed with his struggles going forward.
Conor Gallagher (CM) - 5/10 - Can't fault his effort but spent too much time as a passenger. Couldn't string together passes and failed to deal with Spurs' fluidity in attack.
Romaine Sawyers (CM) - 5/10 - Switched off to gift Kane his opener and looked off the pace far too often in this one.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (CM) - 5/10 - A tough debut for Maitland-Niles. Looked decent in possession but a little aimless when forced to do so much defending.
Karlan Grant (LM) - 5/10 - Had to drop deep to get anywhere near the ball. Spent more time as a defender and couldn't get into the game at either end of the pitch.
7. Forward
Mbaye Diagne (ST) - 7/10 - Caused real problems in the air and relished the chance to overpower Spurs' defenders, but he was far too isolated as his knock-downs usually went to waste. Even put in a shift defensively as well.
8. Substitutes
Matt Phillips - 6/10
Okay Yokuslu - N/A
Matheus Pereira - N/A