Tottenham player ratings vs Man City - Kulusevski stars, Werner impact and five more excellent

Tottenham secured their place in the fifth round of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 win against Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday evening. Dealt a tough hand in the fourth round draw after coming up against the reigning Premier League champions, Ange Postecoglou made five alterations to his Tottenham team but selected a very strong XI in his quest to get the better of Pep Guardiola.

Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Timo Werner were the quintet to come into the side, with Djed Spence missing out altogether despite returning to training following his recent injury. The Lilywhites made the perfect start to the contest with Werner opening the scoring on five minutes after finishing off Dejan Kulusevski's precise cross in style.

Spurs were then dealt a major blow not long after scoring as Micky van de Ven left the pitch in tears with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. However, there was to be more joy for the hosts on 25 minutes as Sarr netted an incredible curling strike from the edge of the area.

Looking good to go into the half-time break with a two-goal cushion, Matheus Nunes reduced the deficit seconds before the whistle as he was left all alone at the far post to find the net. Spurs did have chances on goal to restore their two-goal lead not long after the break, notably through Werner and Kulusevski, but they couldn't take them much to the delight of the visitors.

City did go close through substitute Jacob Wright midway inside the second half and Yves Bissouma was required to stop Nico O'Reilly restoring parity in the last few minutes as Spurs held on for the win. Here's how we rated the Tottenham players in the Carabao Cup tie against Manchester City:

Guglielmo Vicario

Had nothing of note to do in the first half apart from pick the ball out of the goal following Nunes' strike seconds before half-time. Once again quiet in the second half and unfortunately fluffed at a cross in the final few minutes and needed Bissouma to save him. 6

Archie Gray

Handed a start at right-back and struggled at times against the pace of Nunes. Had to cover James McAtee's run on the stroke of half-time and that left Nunes in acres of space to convert. Better performance in the second half and used the ball well. 6

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Cristian Romero

Involved in the opening goal of the night as Spurs built play from the back. Solid in defence and produced some very good moments to frustrate the visitors before making way shortly after the break. 8

Radu Dragusin

Also had a hand in the opener as Spurs worked the ball at the back before moving it forward. Made some key headers and defensive contributions over the course of the game in what was an excellent showing. 8

Micky van de Ven

Moved across to left-back with Destiny Udogie on the bench but his night would only last 13 minutes due to what looked to be a hamstring issue. The Dutchman was completely gutted to make way and substitute Bissouma led him down the tunnel. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur

Another to be handed a chance in the team following the defeat at Crystal Palace and worked the ball well in midfield and made some key tackles. Strong showing. 8

Pape Matar Sarr

Scored an outrageous strike with a curling effort from the edge of the box that gave Stefan Ortega no chance. Was on a booking and replaced at the break as Bissouma was introduced. 8

Dejan Kulusevski

Created the opening goal with a sublime pass across the area that Werner finished off in style and then got another assist to his name for Sarr's goal. Was unlucky not to have a goal for himself early in the second half after Stefan Ortega stopped him from finding the bottom corner with a strong hand. 9

Brennan Johnson

Didn't have many opportunities to cause a threat going forward and maybe should have done better with his tracking back to cover for City's goal. Went close to a goal early in the second half and played a lovely pass that released Kulusevski for a chance. 6

Dominic Solanke

Worked hard up front over the course of the game but once again chances were limited for him. Showed what he's all about with a brilliant pass that released Werner at the beginning of the second half. 7

Timo Werner

Named on the left of Tottenham's front three and opened the scoring early on with an emphatic finish. Also played his part in the second goal with Spurs scoring from a short corner routine that involved the German and Kulusevski before Sarr netted. Very close to doubling his tally not long into the second half after bursting through on goal but his effort just went wide of the post. Picked up an issue midway inside the second half and was duly replaced by Richarlison. Really good shift in his game time and a much-needed top performance. 8

Substitutes

Destiny Udogie (Micky van de Ven, 13)

Introduced after 13 minutes due to Van de Ven's injury and didn't get close enough to cut out Savinho's cross for Nunes' goal just before half-time. Linked up well down the left at times in the second half. 7

Yves Bissouma (Pape Matar Sarr, 46)

Booked not long after entering the fray and that left him walking a tightrope for the rest of the contest. However, put in a big shift in midfield and made a sublime block on his own line late in the contest to deny O'Reilly a certain goal. 8

Ben Davies (Cristian Romero, 52)

Came on at centre-back and performed well with City pushing for an equaliser. 7

Richarlison (Timo Werner, 68)

Utilised from the left-wing as he took Werner's place and made some good runs into the final third when in possession in what was a battling display. Missed a big chance in the final ten minutes and he knew it given his reaction. 7

Mikey Moore (Brennan Johnson, 68)

Operated from the right-wing but didn't have many opportunities to really test the City defence. 5

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