football.london rates the Tottenham players following their X vs Brighton in the Premier League
19:38, 18 Apr 2026Updated 20:12, 18 Apr 2026
Xavi Simons impressed for Tottenham
Tottenham suffered heartbreak as Brighton snatched a last-gasp equaliser to leave them in the relegation zone with just five games to play.
Spurs were ahead on 39 minutes when Pedro Porro rose to glance home Xavi Simons’ excellent cross. The hosts, at that point, looked as if they would motor onto victory but of course, nothing ever comes easy when the Europa League winners are involved.
Brighton equalised in first-half stoppage-time when Kaoru Mitoma rifled in a sublime volley to stun the hosts. Xavi then scored a second-half stunner to put the north Londoners on track for a huge win that would have moved them out of the relegation zone.
But Georginio Rutter stepped up with just three minutes of injury time remaining to break Spurs’ hearts. Here are the full player ratings…
Antonin Kinsky – 6
Started really well, dealt with a corner then made a close-range stop to keep out Danny Welbeck. Won’t be happy to concede either goal, despite the fact he could not have got to either.
Pedro Porro – 6
Set the tone early on and got himself on the scoresheet with a brilliant header. But question marks defensively, again.
Kevin Danso – 5
Made excellent last-ditch clearance to prevent Danny Welbeck from scoring. Made great block to stop Kaoru Mitoma’s shot too. Solid for most of the game but was at fault for Brighton’s second as he did not clear his lines which lowers his rating given the significance of the goal.
Micky Van de Ven – 7
Led by example as captain. Strong on the ball and used it well, too. Huge improvement from recent weeks. Nearly turned into his own net in first half but one of Spurs’ better players.
Destiny Udogie – 6
Udogie provided balance and was a threat from the start. Had an early penalty shout waved away but attacked and overlapped with purpose before fading.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6
Made his return from injury and was solid enough, but not a standout performer.
Yves Bissouma – 5
Started well then faded and was hindered by a cheap booking. Lacked match sharpness, which was understandable.
Randal Kolo Muani – 4
Not a winger and was slow to react after Xavi Simons hit the post in the first half. Most of Spurs’ attacking play went down the left flank.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Showed signs of the Gallagher Tottenham thought they were buying. Pressed from the front and got further forward. Energetic and combative. Left the pitch to a standing ovation.
Xavi Simons – 8
Started poorly then grew into the game, notching a great assist for Pedro Porro’s opener before dancing inside and hitting the post. Made things happen, not least his thunderbolt in the second half.
Dominic Solanke – 5
Mixed display. Protected the ball well at times but never looked threatening.
Subs
Archie Gray – 6
Great energy, unlucky not to start, had a shot saved.
Mathys Tel – 6
Did more than Kolo Muani, put in a deep cross and had a few small bright moments.
Joao Palhinha – 6
Deflected effort saved.
Lucas Bergvall – 6
Won the ball back for Xavi’s goal.
Djed Spence – 5
Replaced Udogie but did not have an impact on the game.