Tottenham 1 Manchester City 0 : Player Ratings and Man of the Match
By David Crook
The Midfield
Fernandinho
Pleased to see him back, not just for his defensive cover but also his range of passing which threatened to unlock our attacks on a number of occasions. Had time to infuriate fans of other clubs with some “dark arts” being practised, my favourite of which was when he used his elbow to get up by placing it on the back of Kane’s head. Let us hope that does not come back to haunt us.
Player Rating 7
David Silva
What was once silky smooth was again somewhat leaden and lumpy. Too many passes went staray and too many challenges went without connecting. Still, he looked to present a threat in the box from a number of moves but sadly was not reached by the correct passes. Looking like a rest is needed.
Player Rating 6
Ilkay Gundogan
In a surprise Pep Guardiola went with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Gundogan employed in a similar position to Fernandinho – although he did seem to be positioned slightly in front. He was energetic enough but still found himself marooned frequently in a no mans land, isolated from the play. Did not really make any of his touches count.
Player Rating 6