Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth yesterday demonstrated their determination to come back from a losing position after being two goals down with half an hour to go.
Pape Sarr and Heung-min Son managed to get themselves on the scoresheet in North London, potentially setting them up for Thursday’s Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar.
Ange Postecoglou has been a man under fire over the last few months given the current Premier League standing, which sees them occupy a place in the bottom half of the table.
Injuries have played their part, but the Aussie hasn’t helped himself in certain situations, even in yesterday’s showing, which saw them trail by two goals after some inexcusable defending.
However, there was a positive response after going behind to the Cherries, with numerous players impressing despite the struggles the Lilywhites faced before the comeback.
Spurs’ impressive performers against Bournemouth
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has returned from injury in recent weeks, providing that quality which has been greatly missed in his absence – with his showing against the Cherries one of the best since his comeback.
The Italian made six saves during his 90-minute performance, making three saves in the first couple of minutes of the encounter and handing Ange’s side the platform to get themselves a point late on.
Full-back Djed Spence has been a player who has been the beneficiary of the injury crisis, allowing for regular minutes and staking his claim for a key role under the Aussie.
Yesterday was no different for the 24-year-old, who completed 94% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning 100% of the tackles that he entered – having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.
Such a display is evidence of the level he is capable of, needing regular minutes to continue his development in North London, which could see one player sold in the summer – with his latest showing not doing himself any favours.
The Spurs player who needs to be sold after 3/10 display
Given the disappointing campaign, it’s no surprise to see players fail to live up to the high levels of expectations they have set themselves during their time at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
One of those is full-back Pedro Porro, with the Spaniard registering four goals and seven assists in his first full campaign in North London during 2023/24.
However, despite notching two goals and seven assists in the ongoing campaign, questions have been asked about his long-term future at the club, especially with Spence’s form in the first team.
The 25-year-old has struggled in recent matches, with the draw against Bournemouth no different, misplacing the pass for the visitor’s opener and subsequently being caught out of position in the process.
Porro also failed to complete any of his three attempted dribbles, finding a teammate with just 44% of his crosses – looking wasteful when finding himself in forward areas.
Minutes played
87
Touches
79
Passes completed
32/46 (70%)
Dribbles completed
0/3 (0%)
Crosses completed
4/9 (44%)
Ground duels won
3/7 (43%)
Fouls committed
1
Possession lost
27x
The full-back, who was labelled “absolutely terrible” by one Spurs podcaster, also only came out on top in 43% of his ground duels – struggling to contain opposition winger Antoine Semenyo.
As a result of his showing, he was handed a 3/10 match rating by Daily Express journalist Tom Parsons – highlighting how disappointing he was for Ange’s side, with Spence managing to outshine him during the draw.
Given his lack of positive impact, coupled with Spence’s emergence over the last few weeks, Postecoglou may want to cash in on Porro’s services – especially if Real Madrid still want a move for him.
The Englishman is a younger option for Spurs, whilst also being a more effective one if recent form is to go by, allowing for the Aussie to potentially invest money into other areas of the first team squad.
Fewer touches than Vicario: Ange must drop 3/10 Spurs dud after Bournemouth
Tottenham Hotspur secured a point against Bournemouth after being two goals down in North London.
ByEthan LambMar 9, 2025
