Tottenham player ratings v Manchester United: Eriksen flops without Kane

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MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – OCTOBER 28: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur and Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on October 28, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Jan Vertonghen-7

Vertonghen was the best of Tottenham’s back three in this match. He didn’t necessarily do anything outstanding, but he did his job all match long.

The Belgian even managed a few semi-successful forays up the pitch in the second half. Nothing really came off for him, but he did assert some pressure on United’s back line. It won’t go down as a banner day for Vertonghen, but he doesn’t deserve any blame for the loss.

Eric Dier-6

First off, let me express my dismay that Dier started this match instead of Davinson Sanchez. Unless Sanchez wasn’t fit, there’s no reason he shouldn’t have retain his spot in the starting XI.

With that being said, Dier very nearly put on one of his best performances of the season. For much of the match he was really terrific. He kept Romelu Lukaku and company quiet. Dier’s ability to read the game was really on display for long stretches.

Unfortunately, he ruined his performance by switching off against Martial for United’s goal. His moment of hesitation allowed the Frenchman to run by him and punish Spurs.

Toby Alderweireld-6

Much of what I just said about Dier could also describe Alderweireld’s match. He did some excellent things against Lukaku and company, but his one mental lapse ruined his match rating.

Alderweireld allowed Lukaku to essentially get a free header that set Martial free. Perhaps he was a bit unlucky that the United striker hit it so perfectly, but he’s a professional striker. Tottenham could not afford to give him the chance to provide Martial such a golden opportunity.

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