Tottenham player ratings from 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth – 4/10 for woeful winger display

The first defeat of a new season always carries a particular sting, and for Tottenham Hotspur, the loss at home to Bournemouth this weekend was a tough pill to swallow.

After a bright start to the Thomas Frank era, this match served as a stark reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead.

The performance was below the standard the team had set in their opening games, and while the final scoreline was a narrow 1-0 defeat, the overall display left much to be desired.

From the first whistle, Bournemouth seemed sharper, more organized, and more determined. They disrupted Tottenham’s rhythm and never allowed them to settle into their usual passing game.

While Spurs had moments of promise, they struggled to create clear-cut chances and were ultimately punished for a lack of cohesion and cutting edge in the final third.

It was a frustrating afternoon for the players and the fans, and a clear indication that there is still work to be done.

Below is a breakdown of how each player fared in a match that highlighted both individual struggles and collective shortcomings:

• Guglielmo Vicario (7/10): Arguably Tottenham’s best player on the day. The scoreline could have been far more embarrassing if not for a series of crucial saves, particularly in the second half. He was alert, commanding his area well, and the one player who emerged with real credit.

• Pedro Porro (4.5/10): A difficult afternoon for the right-back. He was consistently troubled by the pace and direct running of Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who found far too much space and joy on that flank. Defensively, he was caught out of position on several occasions.
• Cristian Romero (5/10): Uncharacteristically shaky. The usually reliable Argentine looked unsettled and was part of a defensive unit that seemed vulnerable every time Bournemouth attacked. The understanding and solidity that defined his previous performances were missing.

• Micky Van de Ven (5/10): His pace bailed the team out on a few occasions, most notably with a fantastic last-ditch block in the first half. However, it was a patchy performance overall, and he struggled to establish control and composure at the back.
• Djed Spence (5.5/10): Tried to provide an attacking outlet with his overlapping runs, but his final ball often lacked quality. He did create one excellent chance with a clever cut-back, but it was a rare moment of inspiration in an otherwise quiet game.
• Rodrigo Bentancur (5/10): Tasked with anchoring the midfield, he found it difficult to impose himself. Bournemouth bypassed the midfield with ease at times, and he offered little resistance to their counter-attacks.
• Joao Palhinha (5/10): Had a surprisingly minimal impact. He was brought in to break up play and protect the back four, but he was largely anonymous before being substituted in the second half.

• Pape Matar Sarr (5/10): Failed to make his mark on the game. He was neat in possession but lacked the incisive passing or driving runs that Tottenham needed to unlock a stubborn Bournemouth defense.
• Brennan Johnson (4/10): A very poor display from the winger. He was ineffective in the first half and showed no improvement after the break, leading to his deserved substitution. He lost possession cheaply and offered no genuine threat.

• Richarlison (4/10): Largely anonymous for long periods. He sparked into life only once, setting up a chance for a teammate late in the first half. As the focal point of the attack, he was unable to hold up the ball or bring others into play effectively.
• Mohammed Kudus (5.5/10): Showed brief flashes of his talent and was often the player Spurs looked to for a moment of magic. However, Bournemouth doubled up on him effectively, and he was ultimately crowded out with no end product.

The substitutes, including Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert, and Mathys Tel, injected some energy but lacked the composure to change the game. The overall feeling at the final whistle was one of frustration.

This performance was a step backwards, but in a long season, it can also serve as a valuable learning experience for Thomas Frank and his squad. The key now is how they respond and what they learn from this disappointing result.