Premier League Top Five, Round 14: Superstar Spurs
Alli has flourished under Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese coach's arrival at Spurs, and continued his upturn in form against Bournemouth with two goals. Both came via high balls over the top of the opposition defence, with Son setting up his first following an expertly taken touch, allowing Alli to pass home. For the second, he burst beyond the backline to pluck possession out of the air, allowing him to head into the box and dink a finish over the oncoming goalkeeper. He worked hard, too, making eight ball recoveries and winning 12/15 duels.
Son was at his unselfish best against the Cherries, recording two assists including for the aforementioned goal for Alli. His touch for the set-up was magnificent, but it remains to be seen whether it was indeed for his team-mate, or for himself. We'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Then, in the second period to make it 3-0 Tottenham, he flashed a perfect cross to the back post for Sissoko to guide a high finish into the top corner. As always, he worked his socks off, winning 100% of his tackles and making five ball recoveries. He also, remarkably, misplaced just two passes the whole game.
It was a towering performance from Van Dijk on Saturday as Liverpool had to rely on two goals from the big Dutchman to overcome Brighton 2-1. His double came within a six-minute period in the first half, with both coming from his head. The first was guided up and over Matt Ryan after a free-kick from Mohamed Salah, while the second was bulleted home into the centre of the goal after a corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold. After Liverpool went down to 10 men, his defensive prowess was key to them holding on to the win, as won he 7/7 duels, 3/3 aerial duels, and made five ball recoveries and clearances.
Wilson ensured the Spurs fans had their hearts in their mouths in the latter stages of the game against Bournemouth, as he came off the bench to score two goals, with the second coming in the 96th minute. The first was a fantastic free-kick curled into the top right corner from 20 yards, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The lovely finish for his second came too long into injury time to make a true impact on proceedings, but it represented the second league match in a row in which Spurs have taken their foot off the gas to concede two after going 3-0 up.
Sissoko was key in driving Spurs forward in the win over Bournemouth, as he completed four dribbles, 10/17 duels, and 5/7 aerial duels. He helped to halt any potential ascendancy for Bournemouth in the first half with five ball recoveries and three interceptions. He earned a deserved goal in the 69th minute with a beautifully taken volley at the back post, showing impressive athleticism to stretch his leg into the air to make contact.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Kevin De Bruyne (8.2) deserved to be on a winning team after his performance against Newcastle, impressing in an under-par City team. He probably scored the goal of the weekend with a thumping half-volley in off the crossbar from the edge of the box.
ROUND TO FORGET
Callum Wilson (5.2) was ineffective for Bournemouth in the loss against Spurs, failing to register a single shot on target. He also completed just nine passes in the 90 minutes.