Player Ratings: Xavi Simons shines as Tottenham Hotspur smash Slavia Prague | OneFootball

Player Ratings: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Slavia Prague

Tottenham Hotspur moved into the Champions League top eight with a composed 3-0 win against Slavia Prague, an evening defined by control, precision and moments of individual quality. Under Thomas Frank, Spurs approached the match with a clear structure and an assertive tempo, a blend that allowed them to dominate without ever truly leaving second gear.

Match Overview

The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute and came in unusual fashion, with a Slavia Prague own goal giving Tottenham Hotspur the early advantage. It reflected the pressure Spurs were applying, particularly from set pieces, where Cristian Romero’s aerial presence made a notable impact.

After half time, Spurs intensified their grip on the contest. Pedro Porro surged into the right side of the box and as he shaped to cross, he was brought down by Youssoupha Sanyang. The referee pointed to the spot and despite expectations that Richarlison might take it, Mohammed Kudus stepped forward instead and, as the report stated, “coolly slotted straight down the middle”.

Spurs continued to dictate play and the defining moment came when Xavi Simons earned a second penalty after being upended inside the area. He struck low to the corner and although the goalkeeper reached it, the ball squirmed home, sparking celebration across the South Stand. Tottenham had not just secured the points but had showcased an encouraging rhythm in their Champions League campaign.

Photo IMAGO

Tactical Impressions

Frank’s approach was measured and possession led, allowing midfield engineers Archie Gray and Joao Palhinha to dictate tempo with ease. Tottenham Hotspur regularly shifted Slavia Prague from side to side, probing patiently, ensuring the visitors were constantly retreating.

The front line offered mobility and unpredictability, with Kudus and Richarlison stretching the defence while Simons thrived between the lines. The substitutions reinforced Spurs’ momentum, particularly Mathys Tel and Pape Matar Sarr who injected energy and vertical drive.

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings vs Slavia Prague

Guglielmo Vicario, 6Pedro Porro, 6Cristian Romero, 6Micky van de Ven, 6Djed Spence, 7Joao Palhinha, 7Archie Gray, 7Xavi Simons, 9Mohammed Kudus, 8Richarlison, 7Wilson Odobert, 6

Substitutes

Mathys Tel, 7Pape Matar Sarr, 7Randal Kolo Muani, 7Ben Davies, 6Lucas Bergvall, 6

Manager

Thomas Frank, 7A controlled and intelligent performance from his side, well managed and tactically coherent throughout.

Final Thoughts

Tottenham Hotspur’s win over Slavia Prague was not merely about the scoreline, it reflected a side increasingly comfortable in its identity. The blend of youthful sharpness, structured possession and decisive penalty taking shaped a night that strengthens their Champions League ambitions. With domestic fixtures looming, the discipline and flow shown here offer Frank a solid foundation to build upon.