Son Heung-min led by example as Tottenham overcame Hoffenheim (Image: Getty)
Tottenham held their nerve to seal an important 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim in the Europa League. Son Heung-min struck a brace and Richarlison shone in his first start for three months as Ange Postecoglou was afforded some respite amid staunch criticism following the weekend’s 3-2 defeat against Everton.
James Maddison’s excellent finish opened the scoring before Son’s deflected strike made it 2-0 before half-time. Spurs have thrown similar leads away this season and, for a large period in the second half, seemed like they might do that again.
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VAR came to the North Londoners’ rescue, overruling a penalty awarded to the hosts. Anton Stach finally grabbed a goal back.
However, Son scored again with a similar finish, thrashing the ball across goal with his left foot. Hoffenheim continued to heap on pressure and scored again through David Mokwa, but Spurs showed huge strength in character to hold on.
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Brandon Austin – 7
This was a successful European debut for Austin, who has waited for so long to have regular involvement at Spurs. With Antonin Kinsky unable to play in the Europa League until the next round, Austin staked a claim for more starts with a couple of excellent saves.
His assurance when coming for crosses is particularly notable, and referee Morten Krogh was proved to be incorrect in awarding a penalty against the 26-year-old.
Pedro Porro – 7
Porro set Spurs on their way to victory with an excellent diagonal pass to Maddison. The right-back played the ball in behind Hoffenheim’s defence and the Spurs No. 10 did the rest.
Radu Dragusin – 6
There were some nervy moments for Spurs defensively. Dragusin generally dealt with Andrej Kramaric well.
Ben Davies – 6
Ange Postecoglou’s decision to play Archie Gray at centre-back has backfired at times, and Davies was a much more reassuring presence at the heart of defence.
Archie Gray – 5
The evidence is mounting that Gray’s future lies in midfield, not in a back four. Once again the former Leeds star was caught in the wrong position at a cross as Hoffenheim halved the deficit with 20 minutes remaining. There were a couple of nice moments and it is important to highlight that Gray, who is only 18, might not have expected to play so much this season.
Pedro Porro
Pedro Porro was excellent in Tottenham’s Europa League win (Image: Getty)
Lucas Bergvall – 6
Bergvall’s energy and pressing ability in midfield have been a rare highlight in Spurs’ season. The Swede’s technical ability in building play cannot be underestimated either.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7
Bentancur shielded a piecemeal back four exceptionally. Spurs are a better team when the Uruguayan is available.
James Maddison – 7
This was Maddison’s most influential performance in a while. His excellent run from a deep position was found by Porro, and the England international finished superbly into the roof of the net. He must do this on a more consistent basis.
Dejan Kulusevski – 6
Kulusevski was the quietest of Spurs’ attacking players. He needed to do more to get onto the ball.
Son Heung-min
Tottenham need this Son Heung-min performance on a more consistent basis (Image: Getty)
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Richarlison – 8
Spurs have lacked a focal presence in Dominic Solanke’s absence and Richarlison provided it. The Brazilian was making his first start since October and held up the ball extremely well in a statement performance. It was no coincidence that the momentum turned in Hoffenheim’s favour after Richarlison’s 56th-minute withdrawal.
Son Heung-min – 8
Spurs need this version of Son much more. The captain was a constant threat on the left in the first half and scored a brace. Both came from intelligent runs, and the second was timed perfectly as Spurs faced huge second-half pressure.
Substitutes
Mikey Moore (for Richarlison ‘56) – 6
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Moore was unable to get himself into the game with his side facing mounting pressure from their German opponents.
Will Lankshear (for Son -79) – N/A
Lankshear had little time to make an impact after replacing Son with around 10 minutes remaining.
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