Spurs finished their pre-season preparations this afternoon with a 1-0 victory over North London rivals Arsenal in front of fans for a first time in a long-time, in support of the charity MIND.
Rivalries aside. What a moment this was this afternoon.
💙 @BukayoSaka87 pic.twitter.com/sfObRqyGP8
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 8, 2021
Heung-min Son’s finish in the 79th minute after some fantastic work from homegrown defender Japhet Tanganga was enough to secure the victory and ensure that Nuno’s men would go into the opening Premier League fixture against Manchester City next weekend on a high.
So which players caught the eye and succeeded in their attempts to impress their new manager?
Dele Alli’s positioning, confidence and chance creation
Oops 🥜 😅 pic.twitter.com/BUeo9ydJLV
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 8, 2021
Every team has a ‘Marmite’ player, who you either love or hate. Dele Alli is that player for Spurs, because while there is so much to love about the player, he always seems to do something which leaves you questioning his decision making or ability.
Today was no different, however, if you asked me to pick a side, I’d be edging towards favouring Dele, as he is certainly looking like he is returning to his old self again, and today’s performance proved that.
Popping up in the pockets of space between the Arsenal defence and midfield to offer an out-ball when the Spurs back-line were under-pressure, pulling off some excellent tricks and flicks to get the crowd going and also finding himself in goalscoring positions on three occasions – and on a different day he could have buried all of those chances.
Japhet Tanganga’s aggression, pace and determination
It's a beauty from Heung-Min Son!
⚪️ 1-0 🔴 (79’) pic.twitter.com/m5bfcpBPeG
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 8, 2021
The performance from Japhet Tanganga today was nothing short of sensational, as he time and time again bullied Kieran Tierney and got Spurs on the front foot with marauding runs forward – something we have only seen from him a couple of times when he has been deployed at right-back.
However, it seems as if Nuno has instilled a new-found confidence within the youngster, who has thus far turned down loan opportunities to Turkish giants Galatasaray, and with a performance like that, he could have just made his way into the starting line-up for next week’s opener against Manchester City.
Tanganga’s desire to win the ball off Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe summed up the defender’s game, as he pressured the Ivorian towards his own corner flag before sending him and then Pablo Mari both to the gym with his superior strength and athleticism – setting up Heung-Min Son for the winner in the same move.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s leadership and sharpness
🎙 Let's hear from @hojbjerg23! pic.twitter.com/OBS1ytT0oZ
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 8, 2021
How crucial will Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg be next season? We can answer that for you – one of the first names on the team sheet.
Is there many players in world football who are as fearless and hungry as the Danish warrior is? It may just be pre-season, but having only returned to the club from his holidays in the last 14 days, Hojbjerg already looks sharp, fit and raring to go for the season.
Directing youngster Oliver Skipp when Spurs were looking to press with great leadership and awareness, Hojbjerg is relishing his role as one of the more senior figures in the squad – but he loves being the bad guy too as he gave Mikel Arteta a piece of his mind midway through the match, forcing the Arsenal manager to backtrack into his own technical area looking intimidated.