Tottenham player ratings at Manchester City: Centre backs star for Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Moura celebrates his sides second goal of the game Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League - Etihad Stadium 17-08-2019 . (Photo by Richard Sellers/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Moura celebrates his sides second goal of the game Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League - Etihad Stadium 17-08-2019 . (Photo by Richard Sellers/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images)
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City and Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City and Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Davinson Sanchez-7

The Colombian defender didn’t play a perfect match, but his efforts were a massive reason why Spurs were able to earn a valuable point. Time and time again he managed to stymie City attackers with his well-timed challenges.

Sanchez may never become as skillful as Jan Vertonghen on the ball, but his passing was also an underrated aspect of his play on Saturday. His play against City will make it difficult for Pochettino to drop him against Newcastle.

Toby Alderweireld-7

Alderweireld may prefer playing beside his countryman Vertonghen, but his partnership with Sanchez was excellent on Saturday. The veteran’s positioning really kept Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus at bay for the most part. This match was yet another example of why Spurs need to find a way to keep Alderweireld in the fold.

Danny Rose-4.5

Rose played with his usual level of energy in this one, but he was badly outclassed at times by the City attack. Both Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne really had their way with the English defender. It’s unlikely Ben Davies would have done any better, but look for him to get a chance to rejoin the starting XI next weekend after Rose’s sordid display.

Kyle Walker-Peters-6

This wasn’t the best match Walker-Peters will ever play, but it was an important step forward in his progression as a Premier League player. Sterling may be the toughest match-up he faces all season long. He deserves criticism for losing the City star for the opening goal, but other than that he battled him well all match long. Pochettino will be satisfied with what he got from his young right back.

Hugo Lloris-7.5

Lloris didn’t have a chance to stop either of City’s two sizzling goals. He did, however, make several crucial stops in the second half to keep Spurs in the match. There probably wasn’t a world-class stop in the lot, but the Frenchman did well in goal.

Lucas Moura-7

The Brazilian’s first touch of the match was a massively important header into the City net to equalize for Spurs. After that, he was pretty average. Even so, an important goal from a substitute is always a welcome addition for Pochettino.

Giovani Lo Celso-Inc

Tottenham fans were very interested to see the Argentine get on the pitch, but his insertion into the fixture came much too late for him to accomplish anything. It was a bit concerning to see him fail to earn even a single meaningful touch on the ball though.

Oliver Skipp-Inc

Skipp was brought on late by Pochettino in an effort to kill the match off. Interestingly, he was the player dealing with Aymeric Laporte when he was judged to have handled the ball. The young Englishman deserves a modicum of credit for forcing the larger Frenchman off his spot.