PLAYER RATINGS: Son Heung-min is the star of the show again for Spurs in win over Luton – but James Maddison fails to impress

It was all go across the division as the Premier League returned on Saturday, and Tottenham edged past relegation-threatened Luton Town in North London.

Ange Postecolgou’s side saw their Champions League hopes boosted as they narrowly avoided dropping points to the Hatters, with 70 per cent of possession eventually bearing fruits for the hosts.

A counter attacker saw Tahith Chong open the scoring for Rob Edwards’ outfit just three minutes into the game, and the underdogs held on for much of the match until Issa Kabore put through his own net at the start of the second half.

Spurs captain Son Heung-min then took matters into his own hands and netted just four minutes from time to earn his side all three points in an outcome that could prove damaging for their visitors’ survival hopes.

Mail Sport’s Matt Barlow and Lewis Browning give their ratings from the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham (4-3-3)

Guglielmo Vicario 6.5

Great save to deny Jordan Clark in the second half. Could not have done much for the opening goal.

Pedro Porro 7.5

Was Tottenham’s second-best player and is having the season of his life under Postecoglou’s management. His return from injury is welcomed, and surely his first league goal of the season isn’t too far away.

Cristian Romero 6.5

Didn’t have too much to do and did what was needed well. Instructions for centre backs are clear in this team.

Radu Dragusin 6

He is no Micky van de Ven but a capable deputy. Doesn’t quite have the pace, either, to bail Tottenham out of trouble. A perhaps disjointed defensive line the cause of the opener.

Destiny Udogie 6

Backed up Porro well on the other side but was nowhere near as threatening. One of his quieter games.

Pape Sarr 7

Not at his brutal best and unable to have too much of an impact on the game. Will likely go again against West Ham in midweek and remains a key cog of this side.

Yves Bissouma 6.5

Seemed lazy when it came to closing down the cross for the goal. Formed has dipped off a bit towards the end of the season.

James Maddison 6

Taken off early much to the surprise of many after limited minutes over the international break. Looked to get on the ball as much as possible, but spot in the England squad may be handing by a thread.

Dejan Kulusevski 6

Also hooked early after what was far from his best performance. His lack of pace continues to frustrate, but creativity can continue to help his side that now has a number of options out wide.

Son Heung-min 8

Surprisingly missed a golden opportunity that saw the ball hit both posts and roll across the goal line, but took it upon himself to earn victory in the second half. May be back out wide when Richarlison is fine to start.

Timo Werner 7

End product will always be an issue but work-rate and creativity won’t. Has done what he was brought into do at Tottenham but may not be kept on in the summer. 

Subs

Brennan Johnson (on for Kulusevski 46) 7.5

Rodrigo Bentancur (on for Maddison 68) 6

Giovani Lo Celso (on for Sarr 68) 6

Richarlison (on for Bissouma 85)

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (on for Son 88)

Manager – Ange Postecoglou 7

First halves are starting to become a problem for the Australian’s side, who were met by boos at half time before again coming back in the second half. His way earned the points in the end, but may have to start showing some adaptation due to current defensive frailties.

Luton Town (4-3-3)

Thomas Kaminski 7.5

Fears of an early injury worried Luton but their goalkeeper carried on to help them earn a point from the game. Pulled off a glorious save from Johnson to prevent it going 2-1 15 minutes from time. A fantastic summer signing.

Issa Kabore 6.5

Regularly faces questions about his defensive ability and they will continue after he somehow managed to fire the ball into his own net after such good defensive work from his side.

Reece Burke 7

Played his part in his team holding on for so long and delivered Edwards’ instructions to a tee. Has probably played a lot more than he expected this season but can be proud of his efforts.

Teden Mengi 7.5

Probably one of Luton’s prize assets and their best defender. Will be disappointed not to have at least held onto a point as one of the more involved players.

Alfie Doughty 6.5

Didn’t have his usual attacking impact but tightened up defensively playing in a back four. Got back well to hook Johnson’s effort of the line in the second period. Can consider himself unlucky not to be in discussion for international recognition.

Luke Berry 6.5

Another quiet one for the midfielder who again found himself having to hold his shape for the majority of the game. Taken off just after the hour mark.

Ross Barkley 6

Continues to be Luton’s main source of creativity and picked up a smart assist here. May also be unlucky not to be in the conversation for an England recall.

Pelly Mpanzu 6

May have found himself surprised to have been starting but enjoyed the 90 minutes and played a key role in Edwards’ system.

Andros Townsend 6

Is going through a quiet spell after bursting onto the scene with Luton and was anonymous for much of the game with a lot of defensive responsibility placed on his shoulders.

Carlton Morris 5.5

Failed to provide the outlet fans know he can and wasted opportunities that came his way. Will have better days.

Tahith Chong 7

Three goals in five games now for the midfielder who is really starting to find his way at the club. Will be vital to his side’s chances of staying up for the rest of the season.

Subs

Daiki Hashioka (on for Burke 45) 6

Jordan Clark (on for Berry 63) 6

Fred Onyedinma (on for Chong 74)

Cauley Woodrow (on for Doughty 83) 

Manager – Rob Edwards 6.5

Spoke before the game about his desire to attack and did that early before sitting on his lead a bit. Still has Luton fighting when hardly anyone gave them a chance at the start of the season. No one the Hatters would rather have in charge at this stage.