Football
Tom Fenton 4y

Son, Kane both 9/10 as rampant Spurs hit five vs. Burnley

Tottenham returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

The home side took the lead after just four minutes, when Harry Kane decided to let fly from long range, finding the corner of Nick Pope's net for a spectacular opening goal. It was two within the first 10 minutes of play, Lucas Moura with the close-range finish, following good work from Son Heung-min.

The Korean would add their third soon after, following a majestic solo run from within his own half, which culminated in a clinical finish past the despairing Pope. The second half would bring yet more goals for Spurs, Kane striking beautifully from in close, before Moussa Sissoko got in on the act to make it 5-0.

It rounds off a fine afternoon from Jose Mourinho's side, who are now just six points away from Chelsea in fourth place.

Positives

Tottenham's attacking quartet was at its devastating best this afternoon. Kane and Son exhibited moments of individual genius, while Dele Alli and Lucas linked up superbly in what was a sight to behold for the home fans. Elsewhere, solid displays from the likes of Dier and Sissoko will temporarily appease critics of Spurs' midfield in recent weeks.

Negatives

While the scoreline paints a thoroughly one-sided picture, it could have all been so different. At times, the home side's defence looked shaky once more, with Burnley creating their fair share of gilt-edged chances early on. Had the travelling side taken one of these opportunities, it may well have turned into a very different type of game.

Manager rating (out of 10)

8 -- After the defeat at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho unsurprising choose to alter his system and personnel slightly -- by bringing Eric Dier back into the fold. Some may have wanted to see a more creative influence, but the Portuguese boss instead plumped for the tried and trusted solidity of Dier. The tweak was an inspired one, as it helped the dynamic attack of Son, Alli, Kane and Lucas to thrive.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Paulo Gazzaniga, 6 -- The stand-in stopper had little to do in the first half, as most of the Burnley chances either went wide, or fell directly at his feet. If there was one area that the Argentine struggled in, it was surely in how he dealt with crosses, which was Burnley's biggest threat throughout.

DF Serge Aurier 7 -- It was a typically contrasting display from the Ivory Coast international -- exciting going forward, but a liability when facing his own goal. That aside however, the right-back was unfortunate not to have an assist to his name after a wonderful cross in the first half evaded all of Tottenham's forwards.

DF Davinson Sanchez, 7 -- Aerially, the young centre-back looked dominant, dealing well with most crosses in his domain. Brief moments of positional naivety is all that stopped the Columbian from achieving a rating of 8 or above.

DF Jan Vertonghen, 8 -- Defensively, the Belgian was solid throughout, but it was going forward where he really excelled. Vertonghen was responsible for a number of defence-splitting passes, finding himself involved regularly in the home sides build-up play.

DF Toby Alderweireld, 7 -- Much like Vertonghen, he was consistently a thorn in the side of Burnley's defence, by perpetually spraying crossfield passes with devastating accuracy. Moreover, on the occasions that he was tasked with defending, the 30-year-old stood up well for the most part.

MF Eric Dier, 8 -- Coming into the side in place of his countryman, Harry Winks, the midfielder played a crucial role in solidifying the win, by recycling possession well, and breaking up Burnley attacks.

MF Moussa Sissoko, 8 -- Not at his dominant best this afternoon, but in an attacking sense, he was very influential -- particularly so in the first half. He got his reward in the second period, converting well from close-range to make it 5-0.

MF Dele Alli, 7 -- Another fine display from Alli, who continues to thrive under the tutelage of Mourinho. Part of the reason for this appears to be the freedom he now enjoys on the field -- as his movement and interplay with Kane and Co. is a joy to behold. The Alli of old is back.

FW Son Heung-min, 9 -- When the crowd continues to applaud even after the game has kicked back off again -- you know it was a good goal. Son's solo run, from just outside his own box culminated in one of the best individual goals of the season -- a fine way to cap off another dynamic display from the star forward.

FW Lucas, 8 --The Brazilian winger hasn't quite hit the heights of last season, but today's performance was certainly a step in the right direction. A goal, alongside some wonderful link-up play with Kane and Son, rounded off a good afternoon for Lucas.

FW Harry Kane, 9 -- Kane may have endured a difficult evening at Old Trafford in midweek, but within four minutes today, he had already made amends for that underwhelming display. A sensational long-range strike was followed up by a clinical second- half finish. The Spurs talisman takes home another richly deserved MOTM award.

Substitutes

MF Ryan Sessegnon, 6 -- Looked lively after coming on with 20 minutes to play.

MF Oliver Skipp, N/R -- Replaced Aurier for the final 10 minutes.

FW Troy Parrott, N/R -- The Irish teenager came on in the closing stages to make his Premier League debut.

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