Tottenham Talking Points against Hearts

The 5 Talking Points from Hearts against Tottenham Hotspur

1. Archie Gray’s debut at centre back. Gray was played out of position due to the absences of Cristian Romero, Micky Van De Ven and Radu Dragusin and did a very solid job. He virtually won every single battle and ball that came his way and it was an impressive debut in pre-season from the versatile 18 year old. During his first-half appearance against Hearts, Gray’s stats spoke volumes as he completed 51 out of 53 passes, won all three aerial duels, made three interceptions, executed accurate long passes and successfully completed one tackle.
2. Dejan Kulusevski’s midfield role. Dejan Kulusevski looked faultless at times in a number 8 role and was linking up play very nicely in the first half at times with James Maddison, Son and Brennan Johnson in particular. It was his precise backheel that found James Maddison in the build up for Brennan’s goal. It was a typical Brennan Johnson Tottenham goal with him ghosting unmarked into the box and finishing powerfully from close range. Liquid football at times.
3. Lucas Bergvall’s sharp moments. January signing Lucas Bergvall linked up with the squad at the beginning of July after signing from Djurgardens. Bergvall was not afraid to put in tackles and get stuck in and did it to a mixed effect in Edinburgh. A few of these attempts were harshly given as fouls resulting in Heart’s free kicks but nothing came from any of them. The Swede did register an assist for Mikey Moore’s goal, and played a beautiful pinpoint cross for Dane Scarlett who’s effort was saved in the build up to the 5th Tottenham goal.
4. First goals for Will Lankshear and Mikey Moore. Lankshear cooly slotted one on one after Djed Spence played him in, and it was a quality finish from him – a very Kane-esque technique behind his goal too. Will Lankshear’s hold up play looked bright as well during his 23 minutes on the pitch. Mikey Moore scored a nicely taken goal too, showing how he isn’t fazed by playing senior experienced defenders. These young lads need chances in the first team in a competitive match in the near future as their futures look very bright as of right now.
5. Emerson Royal’s sloppy moment. A minute after coming on at half time Emerson tried a Cruyff turn on the edge of his own box and conceded possession and seconds later the ball was in the back of our net. It was a poor lapse of concentration from Emerson and these calamities never feel far away whenever watching him play in this Tottenham team. It is tough to see who would hold an interest in him and pay up the fee Daniel Levy would demand. AC Milan were only willing to pay 8.4 million and Daniel Levy wants close to 20 million.