Spurs secured a comfortable 2-0 win away at Bournemouth in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off. Here’s five things we learned from the game…
Maddison’s free role
Embed from Getty ImagesJames Maddison was an injury doubt ahead of the game after being seen leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a protective boot following the win over Manchester United last week. But the midfielder was in brilliant form despite only returning to training late in the week, and thrived in the free role he was given by boss Ange Postecoglou to roam and pick up the ball in different positions and create opportunities. He went from being part of the defensive build-up play in his own box at times, to popping up in the opposition’s penalty area to score a brilliantly worked goal. A top-notch performance.
Richarlison frustrated
Embed from Getty ImagesBeing tasked with replacing Harry Kane is not easy for any player, but Richarlison’s efforts to do so have so far ended in frustration. A dismal last season which saw him score just one Premier League goal looks to have carried into this season, with the Brazillian’s bad luck reflected in a first-half opportunity which was cleared off the line. His frustration was evident in the second half which saw him taken off, committing a cynical foul while on the floor after accidentally standing on the ball before a misplaced pass followed by a shake of the head spelled the end of his afternoon.
Bissouma and Sarr’s promising partnership
Another player who disappointed last season, Yves Bissouma has been like a new signing so far for Spurs this campaign with his performances in the middle of the park. The midfielder was excellent again, using his rapid acceleration to catch opposition players by surprise and win the ball back, as well as drive forward from deep. Alongside Pape Metar Sarr, another player with tremendous energy and ability to break forward with speed, Tottenham’s midfield partnership was key to their victory and both combined brilliantly to set up Maddison for the opening goal of the game.
Son missing Kane
Embed from Getty ImagesTottenham fans will be delighted with what they’ve seen from their team so far this season, but one man who has yet to really show what he’s capable of is Heung-Min Son. The forward struggled last season having battled injury problems and in the absence of strike partner Harry Kane, with whom he formed one of the most deadly partnerships in Premier League history, Son’s chances have been limited and he failed to have a big influence on the game. It may take time for him to get back to his best.
Bournemouth should have enough
Despite failing to win any of their first three games – one of those also away at Liverpool – there are encouraging signs for Bournemouth. They were second best against Spurs overall and deserved to lose but showed real promise in parts and threatened the Tottenham goal. Philip Billing and Antoine Semenyo both caused problems and against the lesser teams they should be able to pick up the points they need to stay up.
