An emotional evening for everyone connected with Spurs, following the passing of coach Gian Piero Ventrone, ended with a well-fought 1-0 victory for the Lilywhites. Harry Kane’s instinctive header was the only goal separating the two teams.
Manager rating: 8
Props to Antonio Conte for switching to the 3-5-2 formation, which was very effective in the first half.
Hugo Lloris: 7
Did not have to deal with much goalmouth action but was faultless when called upon.
Matt Doherty: 7
Good performance from the Irishman, epitomised by his last-ditch challenge late in the second half to ensure the three points for the Lilywhites.
Christian Romero: 7
An unusually uneventful game for the Argentinian, but was solid when called upon.
Eric Dier: 8
With every game that goes by I think Dier becomes a better defender, his reading of the game today was immaculate. Another step in the right direction regarding his World Cup hopes.
Ben Davies: 7
Good return to the side for the Welshman. Will be a good battle between him and Clement Lenglet to see who locks down the left centre-back position.
Ryan Sessegnon: 8
Deservedly man of the match, his intensity and will to win shone bright today. Spurs often look a more dangerous side when we have Ryan’s blistering pace on the left-hand side.
Yves Bissouma: 6
Not the best performance by the summer signing; however, he is clearly still playing his way into fitness and getting used to Conte’s style – I’m sure he will come good.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg : 8
A close rival for man-of-the-match, the Dane led the press well and stopped Brighton from progressing through the midfield. One of our most important players at the moment.
Rodrigo Bentancur: 7
Pressed well alongside Hojbjerg and looked like he enjoyed the more advanced role today.
Harry Kane: 7
Instinctive finish, bagging another goal for his tally. However, Harry did look slightly sloppy on the ball.
Heung-Min Son: 7
Linked up well with Harry for the goal. Slightly struggled being more isolated up top, with the two-striker formation.
Subs:
Richarlison: 5
Ivan Perisic: 5
Oliver Skipp: 5
I respectfully disagree on Sess being MOTM. Can’t fault his effort and committment but goals and assists are still not there which is possibly down to poor decisions made under pressure, not unlike Royal on the other wing. If either player could slow their thoughts down and pick that final cross, pass or shot they might actually become top quality wingbacks. ATM I prefer Doherty as he seems more focused and aware and likely to provide an assist or score one himself, despite being a bit underdone and that’s saying something as he probably has half the talent of the other two yet achieves more with what he has.