Tottenham player ratings vs Wolves: Dele Alli an all-round machine as Harry Kane returned

Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur
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Dan Kilpatrick @Dan_KP22 August 2021

Harry Kane returned to action as Tottenham continued their perfect start under Nuno Espirito Santo with a 1-0 win at Wolves.

Kane played the final 20 minutes and helped Spurs make it back-to-back wins at the start of the season after Dele Alli’s first-half penalty downed Nuno’s former club.

Dan Kilpatrick was at Molineux to rate the Spurs players...

The captain stood up when it mattered, saving from Adama Traore one-v-one to preserve his side’s lead.

After shackling Raheem Sterling last weekend, endured a nightmare afternoon against Traore. The winger frequently created a yard of space and once outright skinned the right-back, creating a fine chance for Raul Jimenez.

Action Images via Reuters

Davinson Sanchez 6

Looked uncomfortable faced with the physical threat of Traore and allowed Jimenez in behind in the first half with a mistimed sliding clearance. After a good display against City, his limitations were evident here.

Eric Dier 7

Dispossessed by Ruben Neves, leading to Wolves’ best chance when Lloris stood up to Traore. Otherwise solid – but must cut out the lapses.

Sergio Reguilon 7

Occasionally struggled with the twin threat of Nelson Semedo and Francisco Trincao, and was loose in possession. Read the game well, though, and made the penalty with a pass for Dele.

Oliver Skipp 7

A busy display in front of the watching England manager Gareth Southgate. Second best to Wolves’ midfield two for long periods but covered ground and got stuck in. Booked for tackle on Traore.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 7

Often forced out of position to double up on Traore, creating space for Wolves in the middle of the park. Put himself about as usual and set up a dangerous counter-attack for Son, while nearly scoring late on with a nice piece of skill.

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Dele Alli 8

A first Premier League goal since March 2020 suggested his renaissance is well under way. Won the penalty with a trademark dart into the box and cooly sent Sa the wrong way. His defensive work – including flinging himself in front of a Raul Jimenez shot – was just as impressive.

Lucas Moura 5

After such an impressive display against City, the Brazilian was largely anonymous and was loose in possession. Hooked for Lo Celso in Spurs’ first change.

Steven Bergwijn 7

Tested Sa and set up chances for Kane and Son, but should have set up Dele before half-time. Feels like he needs a goal or two to restore his confidence in the final third.

Heung-min Son 6

Played with strapping on his left hamstring and left the warm-up early, suggesting he may have been carrying a knock. Tested Sa with an effort and nearly found Bergwijn with a cross following a quick counter.

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Substitutes

Giovani Lo Celso (Lucas 67’) 6

Still does not look fully up to speed after a delayed return to pre-season but added energy to the right side of attack.

Harry Kane (Son 72’) 7

Did not look like a man with his mind elsewhere, although should have wrapped up the win for Spurs, only to shoot straight at Sa one-v-one.

Harry Winks (Bergwijn 90’) N/A

Subs not used: Gollini, Doherty, Gil, Sessegnon, Davies, Scarlett.

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