Tottenham player ratings vs Sheffield United: Richarlison decisive with Yves Bissouma outstanding again

Richarlison produced a goal and an assist in stoppage-time  (Action Images via Reuters)
Richarlison produced a goal and an assist in stoppage-time (Action Images via Reuters)

Tottenham scored twice in stoppage-time to earn a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United, continuing their fine start under Ange Postecoglou.

Gustavo Hamer’s 73rd-minute strike looked set to earn the Blades a remarkable smash-and-grab but substitute Richarlison scored one and set up Dejan Kulusevski’s 100th-minute winner to cap a difficult week and complete the turnaround.

Wes Foderingham in the visitors’ goal made seven saves in the first half alone, while James Maddison and Heung-min Son had penalty appeals waved away. Debutant Brennan Johnson thought he had equalised after coming off the bench but was flagged offside.

Dan Kilpatrick was at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players...

Guglielmo Vicario 8

Got behind an Oliver McBurnie header at the end of the first half and distribution was quick and accurate. Powerless to stop Hamer’s strike creeping into the far corner.

Pedro Porro 7

Slung some dangerous crosses into the box, including for a late Richarlison header, and caught the eye with a brilliant Cryuff turn in the first half.

Cristian Romero 7

Caught under the long throw which led to Hamer’s goal. Otherwise impressive again, particularly with the ball.

Micky van de Ven 8

Made a couple of important interventions in the early exchanges as Spurs found their feet, and his pace was important in recovery.

Destiny Udogie 7

Unsettled by Hamer in the first few minutes but grew into the game with another bright performance.

Yves Bissouma 8

Forced Foderingham into the best save of the first half after a brilliant burst into the box. Outstanding again in the middle, driving Spurs forward with a mix of skill and power.

Pape Matar Sarr 7

A presence in the box, twice testing Foderingham, and scampered up and down the pitch, constantly involving himself in the action.

James Maddison 8

At the heart of many of Spurs’ best attacks although will probably feel that he fell short of his own high standards. Unlucky to see a credible penalty shout turned down and twice went close in the first half.

Dejan Kulusevski 8

Raised the roof with a brilliant winning goal, having earlier forced a really smart save from the goalkeeper. A threat down the right, where he always seemed to have space.

Dejan Kulusevski completed a stunning late comeback (PA)
Dejan Kulusevski completed a stunning late comeback (PA)

Manor Soloman 7

Lively. Wriggled himself into some good shooting positions and tested Foderingham in the first half.

Heung-min Son 6

Produced a sprawling save from Foderingham but often crowded out by a sea of yellow shirts. Had a decent penalty appeal waved away.

Subs

Brennan Johnson (Son 79’) 7

A surprise it took so long for his introduction (true of all the subs). Nearly had lift-off immediately after a lovely finish to equalise but he was just offside.

Richarlison (Sarr 79’) 9

Capped a really tough week with a decisive display, heading home the equaliser and squaring for Kulusevski’s dramatic winner. Could this be lift-off for him at Spurs?

Ivan Perisic (Solomon 79’) 8

Involved in both late goals, taking the corner for Richarlison’s equaliser and played the ball round the corner for the Brazilian ahead of the winner.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (ven de Ven 90’) 7

Involved in the build-up to the winning goal in a brief but calm cameo.

Emerson Royal (Porro 90’) 7

Lively in a late showing.

Not used: Forster, Skipp, Dier, Davies.