Tottenham first-half player ratings vs Aston Villa – 3/10 star misses a sitter

The first forty-five minutes of FA Cup fourth-round action between Aston Villa and Tottenham have concluded, and it’s time for our player ratings here at Villa Park.

A must-win fixture for Tottenham

After an immensely disappointing showing in midweek up at Anfield, it’s a chance to bounce back for Ange’s Lilywhites as they travel to Birmingham on a tense Sunday evening.

There’s a lot at stake for both sides this evening, as a place in the fifth round of England’s most prestigious cup competition is up for grabs.

The occasion has added importance for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou who is under mounting pressure, particularly after Spurs’ Carabao Cup semi-final loss last time out.

Marquee January signing Mathys Tel starts for the first time in a Tottenham shirt alongside Mikey Moore and captain Heung-min Son in attack, while Kevin Danso partners Archie Gray in defence.

Over the course of the first half, we analysed each player’s individual performance, rating them on a scale of 1-10. Let’s take a look at our Tottenham FA Cup player ratings.

Tottenham’s first-half FA Cup player ratings vs Aston Villa

Antonin Kinsky: Kinsky had a howler as he conceded that he should’ve easily saved before even a minute had passed. He made a big save at full stretch to deny Bailey and then again a few minutes later, recovering from his nightmarish start for now. A lot of the saves he made were pushed back into dangerous areas though. 3.5.

Pedro Porro: Porro, to no one’s surprise, was caught out of position as Villa’s left flank ran riot down the wing, eventually scoring through Ramsey (and Kinsky). Villa’s left flank tormented him throughout the half, making use of the green space he often left behind him. 3.

Kevin Danso: Danso found himself in a spot of bother a few times with the ball at his feet under Villa’s press, but he often dealt with it well. When he tried to play positive through balls, they were often overhit, but he continuously had the right idea. It wasn’t the best half from Spurs’ new centre-back, but there were positive signs. 4.5.

Archie Gray: Archie Gray, the man that you are. Spurs’ 18-year-old makeshift centre-half continued to be Spurs’ beacon of hope as he made important challenges and progressive passes to help Spurs beat the hosts’ press. The young lad looked exhausted though, understandably. 5.5.

Djed Spence: Spence wasn’t too involved in the first half but tried to help out Tel whenever he could on the left. Some of his decisions were a bit rash as he dived into tackles a couple of times. 4.5.

Rodrigo Bentancur: Rodrigo Bentancur was nothing short of disgraceful for Tottenham in that first half. He was lazy when tracking back, and the Villa midfield bypassed him like he wasn’t there. He sorted himself out a little bit as the half grew on, but he didn’t look at all like he wanted to be out there in that first half. 3.

Lucas Bergvall: Bergvall was Spurs’ most promising midfielder in that first half, as he was strong in the tackle and smart with his passing. Setting the bar for the rest of Spurs’ midfield. 6.5.

Dejan Kulusevski: Deki struggled to do anything instrumental with the ball at his feet, and as usual recently, looked knackered. 4.

Mikey Moore: Mikey was isolated on his unfavoured right wing, struggling to get into the game for much of the first half. He nearly recorded an assist as he drilled a lovely low cross straight into Son’s pass, but the Spurs captain blew it. 4.

Mathys Tel: It’s a full debut for 19-year-old Mathys Tel, who holds down the left flank tonight. He didn’t really get into the game but when he had possession, he kept it smartly with some intricate passing and quick feet. He had a fight on his hands, particularly with Bailey who tracked back and put him under pressure. He showed flashes of brilliance, though. 5.5.

Heung-min Son: Son blew a golden opportunity to add to his tally of 10 goals this season just after 20 minutes, as he missed a sitter with the whole goal to aim at, but instead choosing to place it straight at Martinez. The Tottenham captain was passive for the rest of the half, not making runs or drifting wide to support his teammates. 3.

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