Tottenham missed a host of chances but were ultimately rewarded for their persistence as Micky van de Ven’s first goal for the club saw them beat Luton 1-0 at Kenilworth Road to go top of the Premier League.
Richarlison and James Maddison were among those to squander presentable opportunities in the first half, which ended in disappointment for Spurs as Yves Bissouma was booked for diving and sent down the tunnel for two yellow cards in the space of just 11 minutes.
Spurs took the lead just after the break when Van de Ven converted from a well-crafted short-corner routine.
Luton grew into the fixture but lacked a clinical edge in the second half, just as their visitors had in the first.
It ended 1-0 to Tottenham, lifting them above Manchester City to the top of the Premier League table, having played a game more.
Dom Smith was there to rate the Spurs players at Kenilworth Road…
Guglielmo Vicario — 6
Had very little to do, despite Luton putting the ball in the net with a disallowed first-half goal.
Pedro Porro — 6
Missed a good opportunity early on. Always offered himself down the right-hand side.
Micky van de Ven — 8
Was comfortable in possession, and scored the winning goal to notch his first for the club.
Cristian Romero — 6
A physical presence at the back, but too often outpaced by balls in behind for the likes of Elijah Adebayo.
Destiny Udogie — 7
Played positively with his passes, distributing the ball well. Subbed late on.
Pape Matar Sarr — 6
Dispossessed a few too many times in midfield, but never outbattled in an energetic performance.
Yves Bissouma — 3
Got himself sent off for diving just 10 minutes and 22 seconds after earning a first booking. Terrible individual discipline.
James Maddison — 7
Created and assisted the goal that separated the sides by the end, and was bright as ever.
Dejan Kulusevski — 7
Always useful on the ball, driving Tottenham forward, testing goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski, and keeping the visitors on the front foot.
Richarlison — 4
Missed two clear-cut chances in the opening six minutes and never looked sharp. Replaced at the break.
Heung-min Son — 6
Not the South Korean’s most influential game, but a decent enough performance in which he combined well with Maddison.
Subs:
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Richarlison, 46’) — 6
Kept Spurs ticking over in the middle of the park.
Oliver Skipp (Son, 76’) — N/A
Emerson Royal (Maddison, 76’) — N/A
Ben Davies (Udogie, 82’) — N/A
Alejo Veliz (Kulusevski, 92’) - N/A
Subs not used: Forster, Gil, Dier, Lo Celso
