Spurs first-half player ratings vs AS Roma – A slender lead at the interval

The first forty-five minutes of tonight’s Europa League action in North London has come to a close, and it’s time for Spurs vs Roma player ratings, with the Lilywhites leading at the interval subject to goals from Son and Johnson.

Tottenham are managing an injury crisis

Postecoglou has been dealt another monumental injury blow after the news of star goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s ankle surgery broke late Monday evening, causing disarray amongst the Tottenham faithful.

Vicario’s absence means the shot-stopping responsibility has fallen to Fraser Forster, who turns 37 next March. The last time Forster had to deputise in the Tottenham starting eleven was during the back-end of the 22/23 season, a time at Tottenham which the less said about it, the better.

Spurs are without six other players tonight due to either injury or suspension but surprisingly, Ange Postecoglou has named a relatively strong starting eleven than was expected. Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who is currently serving a domestic ban, starts.

Spurs vs Roma in the Europa League

The Lilywhites come into this contest off the back of an emphatic 4-0 victory away to the reigning champions, and will be hoping to carry the momentum from that win all through the festive period. Unfortunately, though, Spurs’ inconsistency this campaign has been their fatal flaw, and without key players, who knows where Tottenham will be by the new year.

Tonight’s visitors currently lie 12th in the Italian top flight and are winless since October, which will likely worry Spurs fans more than if they were in the form of their lives.

Over the duration of the first-half, we’ve studied each player’s individual performance, rating them on a scale of 1-10.

Spurs vs Roma player ratings

Fraser Forster: Although he conceded, the veteran goalkeeper demonstrated his shot-stopping ability, with his most notable action being a splendid stop to deny Dybala. He did the basics well and kept it simple with the ball at his feet. 6.

Archie Gray: Archie’s versatility has proved vital once again as the youngster found himself named as the starting left-back once again for Ange Postecoglou. The 18-year-old was tidy on the ball and shouldn’t have too many complaints about his first-half display. Not many of the visitor’s attacks came down his side, so he wasn’t too troubled defensively. 7.

Radu Dragusin: The Romanian had a positive first-half, effectively halting a number of Roma attacks. On the ball, he kept it simple, which can only be viewed as a positive thing. 6.

Ben Davies: Defensively dependable, as per usual. 6.

Pedro Porro: Porro was impressive in advanced areas and tried a lot of long shots in an attempt to get his name on the scoresheet. Defensively, he wasn’t brilliant however. 5.

Rodrigo Bentancur: The Uruguayan was comfortable on the ball early on, but was often unable to disrupt many Roma counters. Understandably, he doesn’t look the sharpest off the ball but he hasn’t been bad by any means. 5.

Pape Matar Sarr: Won the penalty that gave Spurs an early advantage after beating Hummels to a loose ball in the box but he wouldn’t have been too dissatisfied with his start to the contest, although he was often too slow off the mark to intercept or receive central balls. On the occassions that he did, however, Sarr was instrumental in creating goalscoring opportunities. 6.

Dejan Kulusevski: Spurs’ midfield maestro started sloppily and struggled to keep possession on a number of occassions, but it was his determination and vision that found Johnson on the edge of the box to make it 2-1. Minutes later, the Swede was unlucky not to put his own name on the scoresheet as he surged forward and struck the ball onto the post. He turned what could’ve been a poor display into an impressive one, continuing his fine run of form. 8.

Brennan Johnson: The Welshman had a shot blocked on the goal-line after some heroic defending by the visitors, however he made it nine in all competitions with a lovely swept finish on his weaker foot. 7.

Dominic Solanke: Solanke will be desperate to register a much needed, and deserved, goal in the second period but he definitely needs more service – it might be up to him to create chances with some dynamic runs and a bit of penalty-box presence, though. 5.

Heung-min Son: The Spurs captain got his name on the scoresheet after cooly converting a penalty but blew a golden opportunity for a second after a rebound fell kindly to him. When dropping deep, Son was composed on the ball, drawing fouls and squeezing the ball out of tight areas. 7.

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