Tottenham Hotspur player ratings: Seven get 6/10 and two 7/10s in Spurs 2-0 defeat of Chelsea

Spurs piled the press pressure on Graham Potter’s Chelsea and came away with a deserved three points after a 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The visitors dominated the opening spell, with good pressure on the edge of the box, Joao Felix inches away getting a foot to the ball after getting in behind.

The best chance of the opening stages came after 25 minutes when Richarlison played a one-two with Skipp on the edge of the box before feeding Hojbjerg. The Dane’s deflected shot hit the post and Richarlison got wiped out for his troubles.

Chelsea could easily have been down to 10 men just before half time, when Ziyech raised his hand to shove Royal. But a bizarre bit of officiating from Stuart Attwell saw a red given, eventually, and then rescinded seconds later after he took a look at the VAR screen.

The first goal came right at the start of the second half. Kane fed Kulusevski, who fed Royal. The shot was blocked by Kepa but Chelsea failed to clear their lines and Skipp struck sweetly from the edge of the box.

And the second came after 82 minutes, with a Son corner, a Dier head on and a Kane poach.

Coming into the game Spurs were clinging onto a Champions League spot, a point ahead of Newcastle but already having played a game extra. Manchester United’s form had them seven points ahead and looking strong.

If Spurs have had an underwhelming season so far, Chelsea has been completely lacking in ‘whelm’. Despite their spending, they sat 11 points behind Spurs, but with a game in hand - and now it’s 14.

1. Fraser Forster (6)

The understudy for Lloris was not tested until the closing minutes of the first half, making a save he would expect to make after Sterling cut in from the left.

He had to be alert after an hour when Havertz was fed through, but Forster was brave and beat him to the ball.

4. Oliver Skipp (7)

Skipp is benefitting from Bantencur’s absence, getting some much-needed game time. He’s improving rapidly and his strike for the goal will live long in the memory. After out-muscling Joao Felix he shot was too powerful for Kepa, who was partially unsighted.

5. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (6)

The Dane is a pragmatic player and that does not always go down well with the fans. But he plays sensible balls for the situation

9. Richarlison (6)

Playing on the left, in Son’s position, the Brazilian works as hard as could be hoped, doing some good work facing his own goal.

A beaututiful bit of interplay with Skipp on the edge of the box for Hojbjerg’s shot showed what he can do, but he wants more from himself.

Desperate for a goal, he wriggled free late in the first half but could not wrap his foot around the ball well enough to find the corner of the net. When the ball came to him after 75 minutes he couldn’t keep the shot down.

However, it was his hard work and industry that won the corner for the second goal.

His standing ovation coming off after 88 minutes was well deserved, even if he still didn’t look happy.

10. Harry Kane (c) (7)

Kane’s physical strength has always been an asset but leaving a shoulder in for pantomime villain Kepa to collide with was particularly delicious for the home fans.

He’s one of the best passers of the ball in the league and, most importantly, Harry Kane scores goals.

12. Emerson Royal (6)

Tottenham’s newest hero got another run-out on the right, “partnering” Ben Davies on the opposite flank. Defensively he’s strong and going forward his decision making has improved.

Fed by Kulusevski at the start of the second half, he could only strike tamely towards Kepa, but the ball ended up with Skipp anway.

15. Eric Dier (6)

At his best, Dier is as assured at the back as anyone, but he struggles for consistency. A block of a Joao Felix shot from the edge of the box was him at his best.

It was Dier’s head on from Son’s corner that gave Harry Kane his goal.

17. Cristian Romero (6)

He doesn't feel pity or remorse or fear, and he absolutely will not stop - but he might do himself, or someone else, an injury.

Joao Felix was the recipient of the strongest in the first half. The second half featured well-timed interceptions, a rash challenge after a bad touch and some strong shepherding of Havertz to defuse a dangerous situation.

He’s made for local derbies and he’s in the right place - Spurs have 12 of them in the league alone.

21. Dejan Kulusevski (5)

Playing on the right, Deki created the first real excitement for the home fans, wriggling between two blue shirts and finding Kane to release Davies. The move ultimately won only a corner but it demonstrated potential.

Kulusevski is not at his very best right now, but he still causes the opposition all kinds of problems.

33. Ben Davies (6)

Davies got another start at left wing-back, something he revels in. His teammates were looking for him on the switch and early on he produced some sensible headers down to Kane’s feet.

He may not be the young, speedy type but he’s an intelligent player and strong in this position.

34. Clement Lenglet (5)

A steady performance at the back, completing an efficient three with Dier and Romero.

Substitutes:

7. Heung-Min Son

He came on late for Kulusevski but made an impact, putting in the corner that led to Kane’s goal.

23. Pedro Porro

A late, late appearance for the long-coveted wing-back.