Tottenham Hotspur can continue to dream about potentially winning silverware this season after they came out on top in a pulsating Carabao Cup fourth-round clash with Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
Ange Postecoglou has made no secret of his desire to win trophies and Spurs showed they are equality ravenous as strikes from Timo Werner and Pape Sarr secured a 2-1 success over Pep Guardiola’s much-rotated Cityzens.
It was nervy at times, but which stars have played their way into their Australian manager’s thoughts and who’ll be watching nervously over their shoulder ahead of the weekend?
Here are Tottenham’s best and worst players against Man City, as revealed by 90min’s player ratings.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 9/10
Tottenham lacked an enormous amount of bravery when they slumped to defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend. There was no appetite in central midfield, but that wasn’t the case with Rodrigo Bentancur on Wednesday night.
The Uruguay international was so often on the scene to launch Spurs’ dangerous counter-attacks, picking out the right pass time and time again, and also broke up play well with tackles and interceptions.
Complete control is rarely achievable under Ange Postecoglou and even more so against quality opposition like City, but Bentancur’s dominance in the midfield battle set the tone for a momentous victory.
Honourable mentions
Radu Dragusin – 8/10
Radu Dragusin’s agent seems to like seeing his name in the papers given how often he chirps about his client’s lack of game time. That’s unlikely to be an issue in the short term after Micky van de Ven suffered a hamstring blow, but this was arguably the first truly authoritative performance from the Romanian.
He was sloppy on the ball on rare occasions but also took part in some eye-catching sequences, helping Tottenham build from the back. What was positive for Spurs fans to see, however, was Dragusin’s willingness to throw himself at every ball, a trait which isn’t always shown by Cristian Romero or Van de Ven.
Dejan Kulusevski – 8/10
Few players throughout the Premier League can claim to look as transformed this season as Dejan Kulusevski.
The Swede has all the qualities needed to play in central midfield and is putting every facet of his game together right now, running powerfully on the ball while assisting his teammates. He set up both goals on Wednesday, crossing for Werner before laying off Pape Sarr’s strike from distance.
Kulusevski is developing into the midfield leader Tottenham are crying out for and their hopes of silverware this season may rest more heavily on his shoulders than any other player.
Timo Werner – 8/10
Timo Werner has not exactly been exuding confidence in the last few weeks. In fact, there were points when it looked like the former RB Leipzig and Chelsea forward had never kicked a ball in his life.
However, things came together for the German early on against City. His movement remains incredible and he made good on his run to the back stick by powering in Kulusevski’s cross first time.
Werner had some time to think about his shot but went first time and it paid dividends. He might have got another one on another day, but he placed his effort a lick of paint wide of the post when sent scampering through. Still, it’s a step in the right direction.
Guglielmo Vicario – 6/10
Guglielmo Vicario remains questionable under crosses and that was clear to see at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Italian was caught floundering a number of times and seems to struggle when put under pressure from set pieces.
He still mades some saves here and there, but he must improve that specific part of his game quickly.
