Tottenham player ratings vs Vitesse Arnhem: Dele Alli disappears, Dan Scarlett not ready, Ben Davies poor

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Tottenham went down 1-0 to Vitesse Arnhem in the Europa Conference League on another difficult night for Nuno Espirito Santo and his fringe players.

The head coach left the starting XI from the win over Newcastle in London to prepare for Sunday’s derby against West Ham but his second string created little in a sell-out GelreDome and were beaten by Maximilian Wittek’s fine late volley.

It was no less than the hosts deserved for shading an uneventful match, although Spurs remain in a strong position to qualify with home games against Vitesse and Rennes and a trip to NS Mura still to come.

Dan Kilpatrick was at the GelreDome to rate the Spurs players...

Pierluigi Gollini 5

Too easily beaten for the goal, even if Wittek’s volley came through a crowd of players.

Japhet Tanganga 7

Offered little in the way of attacking threat but defended well, getting his head on a number of Vitesse crosses.

Davinson Sanchez 6

Mostly solid and put in some well-timed tackles, but guilty of one sloppy header which left Rodon in trouble.

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Joe Rodon 7

Read the game well and got stuck in. There aren’t many of this team who can stake a claim to a League place but he’s one.

Ben Davies 5

Provided no thrust going forward and failed to stop the cross from the right flank for Vitesse’s winner.

Giovani Lo Celso 5

Created a chance which Gil fired off the crossbar with a surging run but too often wanted too many touches and slowed down attacks.

Harry Winks 5

Had little impact on the game and really needs to do more to drive Spurs forward in this type of match. Created no opportunities to speak of.

Steven Bergwijn 6

Created little on his return to the team after being sidelined through injury. Lost the ball in a couple of decent positions.

Dele Alli 5

Back at no.10 but hard to remember a meaningful contribution in the attacking third until a late run and shot, which deflected into the goalkeeper’s arms.

Bryan Gil 7

Spurs’ brightest spark. Fired a lovely curling effort off the crossbar at the start of the second half. Would be interesting to see what he could do as part of the first XI.

Dane Scarlett 5

Struggled to make an impression and frequently outmuscled. Does not look ready for men’s football at this level, although his senior teammates could have created more.

Substitutes

Dilan Markanday (Scarlett 75’) 6

The 20-year-old’s senior debut was the one positive from the evening for Spurs, although he made no impression.

Not used: Austin, White, John, Fagan-Walcott, Clarke, Cesay, Ma. Craig, Mi. Craig, Lyons-Foster.

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