Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Premier League, leaving both sets of fans with mixed feelings.
Spurs’ performance showed flashes of quality but also highlighted inconsistencies across the pitch, and the player ratings reflect that uneven display.
Guglielmo Vicario, Tottenham’s goalkeeper, had a frustrating night. He was beaten by United’s first shot on target after Mbeumo headed home at the back post, and although Spurs believed they had taken the lead later in the second half, United equalised from just their second shot on target. Vicario made some decent saves but ultimately looked exposed on the two goals. He earns a 5 for his efforts.
Pedro Porro had a particularly difficult evening. The Spaniard failed to track Mbeumo for United’s opener and offered little from open play or set-piece situations. His delivery was inconsistent, and he was rightly substituted. Porro’s rating sits at 3 after a night to forget.
Cristian Romero, the club captain, had a quiet first half as most of United’s attacks came from the flanks, leaving him with minimal involvement. In the second half, he linked well with Odobert, creating Spurs’ first shot on target, but a knock forced him off before the final whistle. He deserves a 6 for a controlled performance despite the injury.
Micky Van de Ven impressed at the back, making crucial interventions including a vital recovery tackle to stop Sesko in a threatening position after Spurs’ equaliser. With corners underwhelming due to Kudus’ absence, Van de Ven maintained defensive solidity throughout the game, earning a 6.
Djed Spence struggled defensively and offensively. He failed to apply enough pressure on Amad Diallo’s cross for United’s opener and could not influence Spurs’ attacking play despite being switched from left to right. He earns a 4 for his inconsistent performance.
Joao Palhinha showed his defensive qualities in the first half, winning key duels and covering ground efficiently. In the second half, he ventured forward and tested Lammens with a well-struck effort, earning a 6 for a balanced display.
Pape Sarr tried to impact both ends of the pitch, blocking Cunha’s strike in the first half and attempting to contribute in United’s box, but his intensity and effectiveness were limited. He receives a 5.
Xavi Simons had glimpses of brilliance early on when Spurs looked to transition from defence to attack, but he faded in the second half and struggled to influence the game, scoring a 4.
Brennan Johnson showed some promise with a floated ball narrowly missing Richarlison and later scoring from an offside position, which summed up his uneven night. Inconsistent and often careless, he earns a 4.
Richarlison struggled to make an impact despite being more involved in the play. His decision-making in the final third was poor, his hold-up play lacked precision, but he did score Spurs’ temporary winner before De Ligt’s late equaliser. He earns a 6 for his contribution.
Randal Kolo Muani was largely ineffective, chasing shadows in the first half, and was substituted in search of a spark. He receives a 5.
Among the substitutes, Wilson Odobert made an immediate impact, coming on for Kolo Muani. The 20-year-old created chances, remained lively, and eventually assisted Spurs’ second goal, earning an impressive 8. Destiny Udogie replaced Porro and contributed significantly, combining with Odobert to set up Mathys Tel for a beautiful goal, receiving a 7.
Mathys Tel, who came on for Xavi Simons, made an instant impact, pulling Tottenham level with his first shot on target after a controlled finish from Udogie’s low-driven cross. Tel earns a 7 for a composed and effective display. Rodrigo Bentancur and Kevin Danso also made brief appearances but were largely untested and are not rated.
Overall, Tottenham’s performance highlighted both individual brilliance off the bench and struggles in maintaining consistency throughout the game. While the starting XI showed gaps, the substitutes made a decisive impact, demonstrating the depth and potential for the team to improve in the coming fixtures.
Spurs will reflect on the game as a mixed bag moments of creativity and resilience tempered by lapses in concentration and poor decision-making, but with reasons to feel optimistic about their squad depth and the impact of emerging talents.
