Christian Eriksen-9
It’s a little misleading to list Eriksen as an attacking midfielder since he did so much of his damage in this match in a more recessed role. Still, Pochettino started him in a more advanced position so I’ll evaluate him there.
In short, it was a massive effort for the talented Dane. He’s never going to be the most physically imposing midfielder in Europe, but he was everywhere in this match. Eriksen played the Luka Modric role to perfection. He only ended the match with one assist, but he was instrumental in Tottenham’s brilliant spells of long possession.
Dele Alli-7
The precocious Englishman deserves a lot of credit for getting his team level before the halftime break. His terrific run and brilliant finish on the end of Serge Aurier’s cross where things of beauty. Unfortunately, he couldn’t replicate his magic in the second half.
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Other than his sparkling finish, we saw a lot of the things that frustrate so many fans about Dele’s game. He’s got to become more secure in possession. His moments of brilliance are all too often surrounded by frivolous giveaways. Dele gave the ball away too often, too cheaply in this match to earn a higher rating.
Heung-Min Son-8
Son played the majority of the match up top for Spurs, but again, he began the match in the attacking midfield so I will list him here. He served as the focal point of the Tottenham attack for most of the match and burned Bournemouth with two goals.
In all fairness, his opening goal came off a fortuitous mishit of the ball. I give him credit for getting into a dangerous position, but he was very fortunate to score.
His second goal was significantly more skillful. Eriksen set him free after a brilliant interception and Son rounded Begovic for a really classy finish. The Korean star is too much for defenders to handle when he’s given time and space to operate.
I have to mention that Son’s rating gets dinged a little for being a bit too selfish on several occasions. I realize his first instinct is always going to be to shoot, but he left his teammates high and dry by failing to cross the ball on two occasions. If he wants to maximize his play, he needs to make slightly better decisions.