“He’s far Better than Solanke”- Spurs star just dropped an “unplayable” 9/10 “masterclass”
Tottenham Hotspur’s rollercoaster season under Ange Postecoglou took another thrilling turn on Sunday afternoon, as the team bounced back with what many are calling their best performance of the Premier League campaign so far. Just a week ago, Spurs were dealing with the frustration of an unexpected loss away to a winless Crystal Palace, raising questions about their consistency. However, in typical Spurs fashion this season, they delivered an emphatic response.
The team regained momentum on Wednesday with an impressive win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup. That victory seemed to fuel their confidence, as they continued to dominate against Unai Emery’s high-flying Aston Villa, ultimately clinching a commanding 4-1 victory.
While the match ended in a one-sided scoreline, Tottenham had to dig deep after a rocky start. Aston Villa struck first through Morgan Rogers, who fired in a goal during the first half, putting the visitors ahead. But Tottenham refused to let the setback derail them. The comeback started with Brennan Johnson leveling the score, followed by goals from James Maddison and a brace from summer signing Dominic Solanke, whose return to form couldn’t have come at a better time.
Solanke’s Much-Needed Breakthrough
Dominic Solanke, who joined from Bournemouth for a hefty £65 million this summer, hadn’t exactly lived up to the expectations that come with a high transfer fee. While his performances hadn’t been poor, fans were eager to see more output from the striker. In the last three league games — against West Ham, Brighton, and Crystal Palace — Solanke managed just two shots on goal. Those numbers were underwhelming for a marquee signing expected to be Tottenham’s primary goal-scoring threat.
But on Sunday, Solanke was a player reborn. He registered five shots in the match, two of which found the back of the net. His first goal was a masterclass in composure and technique, calmly lifting the ball over Villa’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez after being expertly played through by Dejan Kulusevski. His second goal was more straightforward but equally important, a simple tap-in from Richarlison’s precise cut-back.
With Richarlison recently returning from injury, it was crucial for Solanke to rediscover his scoring touch, and he didn’t disappoint. Solanke’s stats reflected his resurgence: an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.66 and a success rate of six out of ten duels won. Yet, despite his stellar performance, he wasn’t necessarily the best player on the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that afternoon.
Pape Matar Sarr’s Standout Display
For many, the true star of the match was Pape Matar Sarr, whose contribution was nothing short of exceptional. The Senegalese midfielder started the previous week’s game on the bench, with James Maddison taking his place in midfield. However, Sarr’s explosive impact on Sunday left little doubt that he deserves a regular starting role.
Awarded a 9/10 rating by Football.London’s Alasdair Gold, Sarr was described as delivering an “all-action performance.” Spurs fan and podcaster Lee McQueen went so far as to call him “unplayable,” while Mitch Fretton from GOAL summed it up perfectly by calling it a “masterclass” from the 22-year-old. His numbers tell the story: Sarr achieved an impressive 92% pass accuracy, took four shots, and provided one key pass. His standout moment came with a crucial interception that set up Tottenham’s third goal, showcasing his defensive awareness and quick transition play.
Sarr’s energy and ability to influence both ends of the pitch made him a constant threat, and his versatility was on full display as he linked up play and provided cover in midfield. Despite only making three Premier League starts this season, his performance against Villa makes a strong case for him to be one of the first names on the team sheet moving forward. Sarr’s presence undeniably elevates Spurs’ midfield, bringing a balance that has sometimes been lacking.
The Road Ahead
Tottenham’s performance against Aston Villa is likely to boost morale within the squad and reaffirm Postecoglou’s tactical vision. The combination of Sarr’s tenacity in midfield and Solanke’s newly sharpened eye for goal provides a promising foundation as the team heads into a crucial stretch of the season.
While Solanke’s contributions were vital, his form hasn’t been as consistent as Tottenham would like, a fact highlighted by his previous goal drought. By contrast, Sarr’s consistency and impact have left a lasting impression, even with limited playing time. The young midfielder’s skill set complements Postecoglou’s high-pressing system, making him an essential component for Spurs as they push for a top-four finish.
The win over Villa sends a clear message that Tottenham can respond to setbacks and rise to the occasion, especially with players like Solanke stepping up at critical moments and Sarr bringing a level of dynamism and control that makes him indispensable. This balance between attacking prowess and midfield solidity could be the key to Spurs sustaining their form in what promises to be a challenging season ahead.