Tottenham Hotspur suffered another calamitous result as they lost 1-0 against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League.
With West Ham beating Wolves on Friday, Spurs had slipped into the relegation zone. They will now stay there for at least another week after losing against the Black Cats. Their other relegation rivals, Nottingham Forest, also picked up points, drawing 1-1 against Aston Villa.
Spurs started the game brightly in their first game under Roberto De Zerbi and created a couple of chances. However, it was brief as Sunderland grew into the game after the first 15-20 minutes.
In the 61st minute, Nordi Mukiele made a lung-busting run and reached the area outside Tottenham’s box unchallenged. He let out a shot from his left foot, which took a deflection from Micky van de Ven and went into the goal past a hapless Antonin Kinsky. The north London side tried to create some chances for an equalizer but never really threatened Sunderland’s goal.
With the result, Tottenham remain in 18th place in the Premier League, two points behind West Ham in 17th. They will next face De Zerbi’s former side, Brighton, at home on April 18.
Tottenham Player Ratings against Sunderland
Antonin Kinsky – 7/10
He couldn’t have done anything about the goal, and largely had a solid game without any mistakes. Kinsky made a really good save in the first half and was part of the unfortunate collision with Romero.
Pedro Porro – 6.5/10
Had Tottenham’s first shot on target with an inventive effort, and as always, he tried hard to create something. However, like all Spurs players, his quality was largely ineffective. Defensively, he didn’t have much to do.
Cristian Romero – 7.5/10
What was a largely good performance ended in tears for the Tottenham captain. He was solid in defense despite receiving an arguably harsh yellow card. However, he was subbed off in tears after a collision in the 70th minute.
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Micky van de Ven – 6/10
His unfortunate deflection led to Mukiele’s goal, but he couldn’t have done much about it. Other than that, Van de Ven didn’t have much to do and made a couple of decent clearances.
Destiny Udogie – 5.5/10
He was largely anonymous in the game. He was urged to move from the left-back position, but didn’t have a big impact in either part of the game.
Conor Gallagher – 5/10
Another average performance from the Englishman since his move to Spurs in January. He played as a central midfielder with Archie Gray, but failed to make an impact. He could have done better to prevent Nordi Mukiele’s goal as well.
Also Read: Roberto De Zerbi makes important Conor Gallagher confession during first Tottenham press conference
Archie Gray – 6/10
An uncharacteristic average performance from Gray. He tried to push Spurs on at times, but struggled to find options up front.
Lucas Bergvall – 5.5/10
The Swede was chosen to play in the No. 10 position, as he has done multiple times this season. However, as in previous times, he struggled to get on the ball and create. Passing isn’t his strength, which was evident on the day.
Richarlison – 6/10
He had a good start, creating the first chance of the game for Tottenham. He also made some defensive contributions, but could have done better with a couple of chances.
Dominic Solanke – 5.5/10
He had some decent hold-up play at times, but failed to do much in attack. Missed a big chance in the first half, but was largely anonymous.
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Randal Kolo Muani – 6.5/10
Arguably Tottenham’s best attacker on the day. Kept running and tried hard to push the team up front. He pressed hard and pestered Sunderland’s defenders, but again, he couldn’t really create much.
Substitutes:
Pape Matar Sarr – 5.5/10
Just like most other Tottenham players, he couldn’t make any impact, especially after coming on after the goal.
Mathys Tel – 5.5/10
As always, the Frenchman tried to push forward, but he couldn’t create any chance.
Xavi Simons – NA/10
Came on with just five minutes remaining and couldn’t have done much.
Kevin Danso – 6/10
Came on for Romero and dealt well with some Sunderland attacks. However, with the game state favoring the visitors, he struggled to get to grips.
Joao Palhinha – 5/10
Came on in the 62nd minute for Gray and didn’t make much of an impact, either in defense or in attack.
