Tottenham 2-4 Barcelona Ratings Explained: Magical Messi downs Tottenham
Tottenham huffed and puffed in the second half, but came unstuck against a rampant Barcelona side as the Premier League outfit fell to a 4-2 loss at Wembley.
TOTTENHAM - 6.15
Hugo Lloris - 4.90 - Made the worst possible start upon his return to the starting XI as he rushed out to try and beat Jordi Alba to a Lionel Messi pass to leave the goal gaping. Could do little for Barcelona’s other three goals, but didn’t cover himself in glory with some erratic defending that presented Lionel Messi with a chance in the second half
Ben Davies - 5.78 - After an underwhelming display at Inter, did himself no favours with a disappointing showing tonight. Struggled with Barcelona’s pace down their right, though it’s easier said than done being asked to keep Lionel Messi quiet. Did make a crucial header to stop Luis Suarez a free run on goal with two minutes to go, to his credit.
Davinson Sanchez - 7.00 - Looked lost without the experienced Jan Vertonghen at the back, but was still on hand to win three aerial duels and make four tackles.
Toby Alderweireld - 4.87 - Was very much sub-par without Jan Vertonghen beside him at the heart of the Tottenham defence. Left Lionel Messi with plenty of time to net Barcelona’s fourth late on. You’d expect better from a player of his calibre and experience.
Kieran Trippier - 6.43 - Far from solid defensively, yet could’ve had an assist to his name as he got forward well, making three key passes.
Harry Winks - 5.74 - Appeared overawed by the task at hand, but improved as the match wore on, particularly with Eric Dier shielding the defence following his second half introduction.
Victor Wanyama - 5.60 - Made just his second start of the season and it showed. Was booked in the first half and made just one tackle before being hooked on the hour mark. Game past him by as he was overrun by the Barcelona midfield.
Son Heung-Min - 6.31 - Struggled down the Tottenham left, but got the assist for Erik Lamela’s second half goal moments before he was withdrawn.
Erik Lamela - 7.35 - Got the assist for Harry Kane’s goal then got on the scoresheet himself to continue his great start to the season having now had a direct hand in seven goals in six appearances. Worked tirelessly to press the Barcelona midfield and defence and was arguably Tottenham’s best player. Very much earned his standing ovation when forced off with a knock with 10 minutes to play.
Lucas Moura - 6.55 - Made a couple of darting runs to put the Barcelona backline on the back burner and could’ve had a goal late on, only to see his shot deflect wide.
Harry Kane - 7.67 - Tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen from distance in the first half and scored his 10th Champions League goal of his career with a well taken low finish in the second half. Looks to be getting back to his best with another fine display in attack.
Subs
Eric Dier - 5.89 - Didn’t do much wrong, yet didn’t little right either. However, it would be harsh to be too critical on the England international, who looked off the pace against the impressive Barcelona attack following his introduction.
Moussa Sissoko - 6.10 - Had an early chance to draw Tottenham level after just replacing Son Heung-Min, only to fire into the stands.
Fernando Llorente - 5.95 - Strived to pressure the Barcelona defence, yet was routinely outmuscled.
BARCELONA - 7.15
Marc-Andre ter Stegen - 6.43 - Did well to hold onto a Harry Kane effort from 25 yards that bounced just before reaching the goal midway through the first half. Clawed out what looked a dead cert goal moments after Barcelona had doubled their advantage. Could do nothing for Harry Kane and Erik Lamela’s goals, but still required to make four saves.
Jordi Alba - 8.15 - Got forward well early on to provide the assist for Coutinho’s opener with a well-timed cut-back. Helped himself to a second after the break as he broke forward on a whim and added his third assist of the night with a minute of normal time left on the clock.
Clement Lenglet - 7.15 - Made five tackles in the match, but didn’t instil confidence at the back as compatriot Samuel Umtiti does.
Gerard Pique - 6.83 - Not a great performance from the centre-back, but was still on hand to make three interceptions and four clearances.
Nelson Semedo - 6.85 - Spurs focused their attacks down their left flank early on, but the right-back dealt with the threat easily enough. Got lucky with a touch to take the ball away from Lucas Moura in the second half in his own box.
Coutinho - 7.84 - Became the first Barcelona player other than Lionel Messi to score an away European goal since 2016 with just 90 seconds gone. Provided the assist for Ivan Rakitic’s superb hit midway through the first half as he worked hard to keep the play alive.
Sergio Busquets - 7.38 - Dictated the tempo with consummate ease from midfield. Completed all 67 attempted passes, while an additional seven tackles reinforced a fine performance in the middle of the park.
Arthur - 6.52 - Came in for Ousmane Dembele and didn’t look out of place alongside Sergio Busquets in the middle of the park. An enterprising performance from the young Brazilian, who was effective in possession and tenacious out of it.
Ivan Rakitic - 7.49 - Poorly conceded possession twice in the opening 15 minutes that, fortunately for Barcelona, wasn’t capitalised upon. Settled well after that, though, to double Barcelona’s advantage midway through the first half with an unbelievable strike.
Luis Suarez - 7.30 - A performance below the standards expected of him, though showed great awareness to dummy Jordi Alba’s low cross in the second half that allowed Lionel Messi to score and did the same again for Messi’s second and Barcelona’s fourth.
Lionel Messi - 10.0 - Picked out the marauding Jordi Alba early on that resulted in Barcelona’s opening goal. Spent much of the match in third gear - that says more about the remarkable standards with which we hold the Argentine - but was still unstoppable and could’ve had four having struck the post twice before finding the back of the net at the third time of asking. Added his second and Barcelona’s fourth at the death to seal the win.
Subs
Rafinha - 6.09 - Not enough time to impact the match.
Arturo Vidal - 6.04 - Not enough time to impact the match.
Thomas Vermaelen - 6.05 - Not enough time to impact the match.
