Better than Solanke: Tottenham star dropped an unplayable 9/10 display
Tottenham’s rollercoaster season continued with an emphatic return to form, as Ange Postecoglou’s squad delivered their strongest Premier League performance yet. Following a disappointing away loss to Crystal Palace, Spurs bounced back with a midweek Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City, setting the stage for a commanding 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
The impressive display saw the team rally after a first-half goal from Morgan Rogers, with Tottenham answering back through Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and two goals from Dominic Solanke, whose timely return to form gave Spurs the spark they needed.
Solanke, a summer signing from Bournemouth for £65 million, has faced some scrutiny, especially after managing only two shots across recent league matches against West Ham, Brighton, and Crystal Palace.
But on Sunday, the striker found his rhythm, taking five shots and netting two. Solanke’s first goal came from a deft pass by Dejan Kulusevski, allowing him to go one-on-one with Emi Martinez and score with a precise chip. His second goal, a close-range finish following a well-placed cut-back from Richarlison, showcased his clinical side.
Solanke’s stats underline his influence, boasting an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.66 and winning six out of ten duels.
However, while Solanke’s contributions were notable, midfielder Pape Matar Sarr arguably stole the show. After being benched in favor of James Maddison the previous week, Sarr made his mark against Villa, putting in a dynamic, all-around performance that earned him a standout 9/10 rating from Football.London’s Alasdair Gold.
Fans and analysts alike praised Sarr, with podcaster Lee McQueen calling him “unplayable” and GOAL reporter Mitch Fretton referring to his game as a “masterclass.”
Sarr’s influence extended well beyond his defensive duties. In 90 minutes, he completed 80 touches, achieved a 92% pass accuracy (59/64), and made a key interception that led to Tottenham’s third goal, igniting the attack that eventually found Richarlison. Here’s a breakdown of Sarr’s impactful performance:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 80 |
| Accurate passes | 59/64 (92%) |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Shots | 4 |
| Ground duels won | 2/7 |
| Aerial duels won | 1/2 |
| Possession lost | 7 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Tackles | 0 |
These numbers highlight Sarr’s all-around contribution, especially his pass completion rate and key interception that helped turn the tide for Spurs. With such an impressive showing, Sarr’s role in the squad looks crucial.
Despite starting just three league games this season, his influence suggests he should be a regular on the team sheet, anchoring Tottenham’s midfield with skill and vision. His presence undoubtedly raises Tottenham’s level of play, offering stability and creativity.
Solanke, on the other hand, has shown flashes of brilliance, but his consistency has been in question. His recent performance may mark a turning point, showing that he has the potential to step up as an essential part of the Tottenham attack.
With both Sarr and Solanke rising to the occasion, Tottenham could be set for a promising push in the league, building momentum from this latest victory.
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