Rodrigo Bentancur was impressive as Tottenham battled to victory over Brighton
(Picture: Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I)Tottenham responded to last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal with a hard-fought win at Brighton.
Harry Kane’s first half header was the difference between the sides but the Seagulls dominated at 1-0 down, with Hugo Lloris making smart saves from Moises Caicedo and Danny Welbeck before the interval.
Spurs fluffed a number of openings on the counter after the interval and finished the game by clinging on thanks to some last-ditch defending.
Dan Kilpatrick was at the Amex to rate the visiting players...
Hugo Lloris 8
Made smart saves to deny Moises Caicedo and Danny Welbeck in a spell of Brighton pressure at the end of the first half. Quick off his line to snuff out danger.
Cristian Romero 7
Threw himself into tackles and blocks, and enjoyed the licence to roam afforded by an extra midfielder. Still feels like his intensity could go up a level though.
Eric Dier 8
A dependable last line of defence, snuffing out several promising Brighton attacks.
Ben Davies 8
Played some nice stuff when stepping out of defence, particularly in the first half, and defended well.
Matt Doherty 6
Got in good positions in the opening 20 minutes on his first start since April but touch was understandably rusty. Faded as the game went on but made a crucial late challenge to deny Leandro Trossard.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 8
Helped to make the goal with a lovely cushioned pass to Son, and played really well. Recycled the ball when necessary and drove forward when space opened up.
Rodrigo Bentancur 8
Enjoys playing here. Another impressive display, particularly with the ball. Won the corner in a build up to Kane’s goal with a fine effort which was well saved by Robert Sanchez.
Yves Bissouma 7
Booked for a clumsy challenge on Alexis Mac Allister in the first half but otherwise played well on his return to the Amex. Anchored the midfield and offered Bentancur and Hojbjerg a platform to push on.
Ryan Sessegnon 6
Got up and down the left flank really well but final ball and decision-making is still a little erratic. Wasted some good positions.
Heung-min Son 7
Created Kane’s goal with a show of quick feet and a fine cross, and unlucky to see a trademark curling effort disallowed for a tight offside. Nonetheless, his touch was shaky again and occasionally stuttered in the final third.
Harry Kane 7
Scored for the eighth time in nine League games with a clever, stooped finish and should have had a second when he dragged a shot wide. Not at his best but still decisive.
Subs
Richarlison (Bissouma 70’) 6
Busy for the final 20 minutes but failed to make an impact in the final third.
Ivan Perisic (Son 78’) 6
Dragged a cross-shot across goal from a promising position in his only involvement of note.
Oliver Skipp (Kane 89’) N/A
