Three winners and three losers from Tottenham’s 4-0 thrashing of Copenhagen

There was a lot of quality on display as Tottenham Hotspur obliterated Copenhagen, despite being reduced to 10 men.

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways in the Champions League, comfortably brushing aside the champions of Denmark. It was a strong all-round performance, with Spurs looking dangerous in attack and easily maintaining a clean sheet. 

Here are the three winners and losers from Tottenham’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Copenhagen.

Xavi Simons ran the show for Tottenham

No player created more big chances than Xavi Simons on Tuesday night. The 22-year-old was a threat from very early on until he was taken off after 60 minutes.

Simons’ standout moment was his assist for Brennan Johnson’s goal. He played a stunning ball over the top, which caused the Copenhagen goalkeeper to leave his area and attempt to make a challenge, allowing the Welshman to score into an empty net. 

It was the midfield’s best showing since moving to Tottenham, and he was unlucky to be subbed off as early into the game as he was.

Micky van de Ven scores yet again

Spurs supporters have already been left stunned by the goalscoring ability of Luka Vuskovic, the Tottenham defender on loan at Hamburg.

However, it seems the club already had a centre-back capable of scoring goals for fun in Micky van de Ven, who already has a mindblowing six goals in all competitions this season.

The Dutchman’s latest is likely the best goal he will ever score, as he took the ball through most of Copenhagen’s team and finished the move with a well-placed strike.

van de Ven’s run began on the edge of his penalty box, yet he was able to dribble the length of the pitch without needing any support. It is about time pundits begin recognising him for what he is – one of the best defenders in Europe.

Destiny Udogie played well for Tottenham

Life has not been easy for Destiny Udogie, who seems to pick up an injury every time he gets into some good form.

Worse still, it has been revealed that the Italian was allegedly threatened at gunpoint by a football agent last month.

Despite this, he returned to the starting lineup and had a solid game for Tottenham, winning all his ground duels and playing plenty of balls into the final third. Right now, it feels like Udogie has the edge over Djed Spence at left-back when he is fully fit.

Now, let’s take a look at the three losers from Tottenham 4-0 Copenhagen…

Brennan Johnson is suspended after his red card

Brennan Johnson scored his fourth goal of the season against Copenhagen, showing he is a bigger threat than Mohammed Kudus in front of goal.

However, the Welshman was sent off for a completely unnecessary challenge. Although there is room for debate about whether it was worthy of a red card, he did leave the ground with his studs raised.

Tottenham looked a much better side after this incident and doubled their lead, which is not great for a player who is often criticised for his lack of contributions across a 90-minute match.

As a result of his red card, Johnson is now suspended. This will allow Wilson Odobert to build on his performance against Copenhagen, as he also made the scoresheet. The France U21 international appears to be above Johnson in the pecking order at the moment, and the sending off will only strengthen his standing in the Tottenham first-team squad.

Richarlison failed to hit the target

Randal Kolo Muani looked incompetent in front of goal in the first half, but he warmed into the game and earned himself an assist.

Richarlison only played around 20 minutes, but this was enough time to miss two big chances, including a penalty which had been won by Dane Scarlett.

The Brazilian did strike the woodwork twice, but this is not good enough if he wants to reclaim his place as a regular name in the starting lineup. Winning one of six ground duels is also a bit concerning.

Jamie Carragher was wrong to criticise Joao Palhinha

Jamie Carragher slammed Joao Palhinha for being unable to break lines with his passes following Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The Liverpool legend was highly disrespectful in his comments, claiming there is a reason no Premier League club wanted to sign Palhinha and why he was not starting at Bayern.

Fast forward a day, and the Portuguese midfielder came off the bench and scored his fourth goal of the season for Tottenham. If he played for Liverpool, Carragher would probably be raving about how great he is.

READ MORE – Xavi Simons goes from Tottenham struggles to setting a Champions League record vs Copenhagen