Tottenham star Dominic Solanke’s brace secured an excellent comeback victory against Aston Villa in north London. The £60million summer signing benefitted from improved service in the second half to seal a 4-1 victory.
A much improved performance from Ange Postecoglou’s side in the second period saw them ease past Villa, who went ahead through Morgan Rogers’ early goal. Brennan Johnson scored the equaliser before Solanke struck twice. James Maddison added gloss to the scoreline with a sumptuous free kick.
Postecoglou will have huge concerns with injuries suffered by South American pair Cristian Romero and Richarlison, though. Both players hobbled off in the second half, while Son Heung-min lasted only 55 minutes on his return from a thigh issue.
Here is how Express Sport rated the Spurs players.
Vicario – 4
The Italian is a fantastic shot-stopper but once again showed his weaknesses at set-pieces. His lack of presence from a first-half corner allowed Rogers to convert from close range.
Pedro Porro – 6
Spaniard Porro had a much better second half, with Spurs much more intense both in and out of possession. However, he still seemed a little exposed while being dribbled at in one-on-one situations.
Cristian Romero – 6
Romero kept Ollie Watkins at arm’s length for most of the game. However, the Argentine was guilty of a rash challenge early in the second half and would have worried Postecoglou when he soon hobbled off with an injury.
Radu Dragusin – 5
Dragusin has struggled at times during his year in north London and did little to prove that he should be part of Spurs’ first-choice back four. He could have another partner if Romero is out for any length of time.
Destiny Udogie – 6
Left-back Udogie remains one of Spurs’ brightest talents going forward and is rapidly improving defensively. He went close with a powerful right-footed drive in the second half.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6
Bentancur was often left dealing with Villa’s counter-attacks by himself but coped perfectly well. He was taken off early in the second half.
Pape Matar Sarr – 6
It was Sarr whose excellent anticipation intercepted a promising Villa attack and moved Spurs forward for Solanke’s second goal. His combative displays are becoming crucial for Postecoglou.
Dejan Kulusevski – 7
This was a quieter outing for Kulusevski but it was his cute pass to Solanke which helped put Spurs ahead. That is how the Premier League’s best players operate.
Brennan Johnson – 6
Johnson has been Spurs’ brightest player in recent months and salvaged a point with another goal. His ability to make runs to the back post has made him one of the Premier League’s most prolific wingers.
Dominic Solanke – 8
Solanke needs Spurs to start providing him with better service because when they do find their centre-forward in front of goal, his finishing is devastating. Kulusevski’s clever pass found the England forward one-on-one with Emi Martinez, and he provided a wonderful dinked finish.
The 27-year-old then struck again with a one-touch finish from Richarlison’s cross. Solanke is capable of all kinds of different finishes.
Son Heung-min – 5
Son provided the assist for Johnson’s goal with a delightful left-footed cross. However, the Spurs captain did not look comfortable on his return from injury and was taken off prematurely in the 55th minute.
Substitutes
Richarlison (for Son, ‘55) – 6
Richarlison injured himself in the process of setting up Solanke’s second goal. It will be a disappointment for the Brazilian, who is keen to earn regular starts.
Yves Bissouma (for Bentancur, ‘55) – 6
Bissouma had a positive impact in midfield after replacing Bentancur.
Ben Davies (for Romero, ‘61) – 6
The experienced Davies could be set for more action after making his first Premier League appearance of the season. Spurs will hope that Romero’s issue is not serious.
James Maddison (for Richarlison, ’82) – 7
A stunning free kick reminded everyone, not least Postecoglou, of his qualities. It’s been a tough start to the season for Maddison but this could help kickstart his form.
Archie Gray (for Udogie, ’82) – NA
The teenager had little time to make an impact after coming on late on.
