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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dan Kilpatrick

Tottenham player ratings vs Brighton: Rodrigo Bentancur impressive again with Harry Kane decisive

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.

Yves Bissouma was brought into the side against his former club (Getty Images)

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

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