• TOTTENHAM SEASON RATINGS: Antonio Conte - 5. His 16 months in charge ended in the usual acrimony that is now standard for the abrasive Italian. Blamed the board and the players for below-par performances and results but never himself. Spurs were fourth when he left in March and finished eighth, but even that feels a false position. AFP
    TOTTENHAM SEASON RATINGS: Antonio Conte - 5. His 16 months in charge ended in the usual acrimony that is now standard for the abrasive Italian. Blamed the board and the players for below-par performances and results but never himself. Spurs were fourth when he left in March and finished eighth, but even that feels a false position. AFP
  • Cristian Stellini 2 - Asked to step into the breach when Conte was sacked, fellow Italian Stellini largely used the same personnel and implemented the same tactics that doomed Conte. The nadir was the 6-1 loss to Newcastle, in which Spurs trailed 5-0 at half time. A disastrous four games in charge. AFP
    Cristian Stellini 2 - Asked to step into the breach when Conte was sacked, fellow Italian Stellini largely used the same personnel and implemented the same tactics that doomed Conte. The nadir was the 6-1 loss to Newcastle, in which Spurs trailed 5-0 at half time. A disastrous four games in charge. AFP
  • Ryan Mason 4 - Says he wants the manager's job full-time but has shown few signs he is capable of making Spurs top-four challengers again. Would be better served cutting his teeth in the lower leagues for now. PA
    Ryan Mason 4 - Says he wants the manager's job full-time but has shown few signs he is capable of making Spurs top-four challengers again. Would be better served cutting his teeth in the lower leagues for now. PA
  • Hugo Lloris 2 - A catalogue of errors had many questioning the Frenchman's place in the team even before the horror show against Newcastle. Was replaced at half-time in that match and looks likely to have played his last game for the club. PA
    Hugo Lloris 2 - A catalogue of errors had many questioning the Frenchman's place in the team even before the horror show against Newcastle. Was replaced at half-time in that match and looks likely to have played his last game for the club. PA
  • Fraser Forster 5 - Ended the season as first choice due to Lloris' awful form. Is not the long-term solution to Spurs' goalkeeper problems. Getty
    Fraser Forster 5 - Ended the season as first choice due to Lloris' awful form. Is not the long-term solution to Spurs' goalkeeper problems. Getty
  • Cristian Romero 4 - A raging bull before the World Cup and a headless chicken after it. Clearly an excellent defender but needs to cut out dallying on the ball and wild challenges. EPA
    Cristian Romero 4 - A raging bull before the World Cup and a headless chicken after it. Clearly an excellent defender but needs to cut out dallying on the ball and wild challenges. EPA
  • Eric Dier 5 - Like Romero, his form pre-World Cup was excellent and forced him back into England's squad. After that Dier reverted to the inconsistent form that has largely blighted his Tottenham career. EPA
    Eric Dier 5 - Like Romero, his form pre-World Cup was excellent and forced him back into England's squad. After that Dier reverted to the inconsistent form that has largely blighted his Tottenham career. EPA
  • Davinson Sanchez 4 - Evidence of the disconnect between the team and fans was on full display in the defeat against Bournemouth when the Colombian was booed when coming on as a sub and again when he was replaced later in the match. Getty Images
    Davinson Sanchez 4 - Evidence of the disconnect between the team and fans was on full display in the defeat against Bournemouth when the Colombian was booed when coming on as a sub and again when he was replaced later in the match. Getty Images
  • Clement Lenglet 3 - The Frenchman seems to lack positional awareness and is too often reactive instead of proactive. Would be a shock if Spurs tried to make his loan deal from Barcelona permanent. Getty
    Clement Lenglet 3 - The Frenchman seems to lack positional awareness and is too often reactive instead of proactive. Would be a shock if Spurs tried to make his loan deal from Barcelona permanent. Getty
  • Ben Davies 6 - Probably Spurs' most dependable performer in a season when the defence proved too brittle. PA
    Ben Davies 6 - Probably Spurs' most dependable performer in a season when the defence proved too brittle. PA
  • Japhet Tanganga 2 - Made only four Premier League appearances despite Spurs having one of the worst defensive records in the top half of the Premier League. Hard to see a future for him at the club. PA
    Japhet Tanganga 2 - Made only four Premier League appearances despite Spurs having one of the worst defensive records in the top half of the Premier League. Hard to see a future for him at the club. PA
  • Emerson Royal 6 - An underwhelming start to the campaign showed encouraging signs as the season progressed. Needs better end product but has the capacity to improve. AFP
    Emerson Royal 6 - An underwhelming start to the campaign showed encouraging signs as the season progressed. Needs better end product but has the capacity to improve. AFP
  • Pedro Porro 6 - Fine performances against Spurs in the Champions League prompted the North London club to sign the Spanish right-back in January. Scored a stunner in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United. EPA
    Pedro Porro 6 - Fine performances against Spurs in the Champions League prompted the North London club to sign the Spanish right-back in January. Scored a stunner in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United. EPA
  • Ryan Sessegnon 5 - Looks a fine player until he's asked to do something with the ball. At 23 still has plenty of time to improve and if he can work on supplying more quality into the box can be a real asset. EPA
    Ryan Sessegnon 5 - Looks a fine player until he's asked to do something with the ball. At 23 still has plenty of time to improve and if he can work on supplying more quality into the box can be a real asset. EPA
  • Ivan Perisic 6 - The veteran Croatian has the quality on the ball Sessegnon lacks. One of Spurs' better performers but at 34 hardly one for the future. PA
    Ivan Perisic 6 - The veteran Croatian has the quality on the ball Sessegnon lacks. One of Spurs' better performers but at 34 hardly one for the future. PA
  • Oliver Skipp 5 - An injury-plagued campaign for the young midfielder. Offers bite and tenacity. Getty Images
    Oliver Skipp 5 - An injury-plagued campaign for the young midfielder. Offers bite and tenacity. Getty Images
  • Yves Bissouma 4 - Another who had a season disrupted by injury but never replicated the form he showed at Brighton in the games he did manage. Spurs fans keen to see the Malian marauder in full flow next term. PA
    Yves Bissouma 4 - Another who had a season disrupted by injury but never replicated the form he showed at Brighton in the games he did manage. Spurs fans keen to see the Malian marauder in full flow next term. PA
  • Rodrigo Bentancur 5 - Spurs missed the Uruguayan's drive and quality after he was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury in February. PA
    Rodrigo Bentancur 5 - Spurs missed the Uruguayan's drive and quality after he was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury in February. PA
  • Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 7 - The Dane added goals and assists to his game and is a rare heartbeat in a team that flatlined too often. PA
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 7 - The Dane added goals and assists to his game and is a rare heartbeat in a team that flatlined too often. PA
  • Pape Sarr 4 - The Senegalese's shortcomings were exposed against Arsenal and even more ruthlessly against Newcastle - which both ended in drubbings for Spurs. Getty Images
    Pape Sarr 4 - The Senegalese's shortcomings were exposed against Arsenal and even more ruthlessly against Newcastle - which both ended in drubbings for Spurs. Getty Images
  • Lucas Moura 3 - The hero of Amsterdam endured a disappointing final season in North London. Sent off against Everton minutes after coming on as a sub and a poor touch that led to Liverpool snatching a dramatic late win were the lowlights. Both results cost Spurs dear in their push for a European spot, though he did leave fans with one more memory with a solo goal in the 4-1 win against Leeds on the final day. PA
    Lucas Moura 3 - The hero of Amsterdam endured a disappointing final season in North London. Sent off against Everton minutes after coming on as a sub and a poor touch that led to Liverpool snatching a dramatic late win were the lowlights. Both results cost Spurs dear in their push for a European spot, though he did leave fans with one more memory with a solo goal in the 4-1 win against Leeds on the final day. PA
  • Dejan Kulusevski 6 - A fit and firing Kulusevski gets the team up the pitch and causes problems for opposition defenders. Spurs didn't seen enough of either from the Swede this season. Getty
    Dejan Kulusevski 6 - A fit and firing Kulusevski gets the team up the pitch and causes problems for opposition defenders. Spurs didn't seen enough of either from the Swede this season. Getty
  • Arnaut Danjuma 4 - The Dutch winger was afforded few opportunities to showcase his talents following a January loan from Villarreal. PA
    Arnaut Danjuma 4 - The Dutch winger was afforded few opportunities to showcase his talents following a January loan from Villarreal. PA
  • Son Heung-min 5 - Much was expected from the South Korean this term after finishing joint-top Premier League scorer the previous campaign. His highlight was a 13-minute hat-trick against Leicester after coming on as a sub. PA
    Son Heung-min 5 - Much was expected from the South Korean this term after finishing joint-top Premier League scorer the previous campaign. His highlight was a 13-minute hat-trick against Leicester after coming on as a sub. PA
  • Richarlison 4 - Spurs fans questioned whether the £50 million plus to acquire the Brazilian from Everton could have been better spent. On the evidence of his first season in North London, the answer is a resounding 'yes'. Getty
    Richarlison 4 - Spurs fans questioned whether the £50 million plus to acquire the Brazilian from Everton could have been better spent. On the evidence of his first season in North London, the answer is a resounding 'yes'. Getty
  • Harry Kane 9 - On a personal level, Kane enjoyed a great season. The England striker broke Jimmy Greaves' long-standing goals record for the club and Kane's 30 Premier League goals came against 25 teams - a record for a 38-game season. Seems unthinkable he will sign a new contract at Spurs and the club must decide whether to cash in on their prized asset this summer or risk losing him for nothing next. PA
    Harry Kane 9 - On a personal level, Kane enjoyed a great season. The England striker broke Jimmy Greaves' long-standing goals record for the club and Kane's 30 Premier League goals came against 25 teams - a record for a 38-game season. Seems unthinkable he will sign a new contract at Spurs and the club must decide whether to cash in on their prized asset this summer or risk losing him for nothing next. PA

Tottenham 2022/23 season player ratings: Kane 9, Son 5, Lloris 2


Steve Luckings
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Tottenham Hotspur signed off their season with a flourish, but Sunday's 4-1 thrashing of Leeds United was a case of too little, too late for the North London club.

A season that promised so much ended with Spurs not only missing out on Champions League qualification but European football altogether as they finished eighth on 60 points.

Ryan Mason saw the season out after two managers were sacked while fans turned on chairman Daniel Levy demanding his resignation.

There is also the more pressing matter of Harry Kane's future, with Spurs' record scorer almost certain to leave the club this summer.

Transfer policy will also have to be addressed after too few recruits lived up to expectations.

Spurs splashed upwards of £50 million to sign Richarlison from Everton but fans' misgivings about him proved well-founded as the Brazil striker struggled for goals and a regular starting place.

Others underperformed, a sentiment Antonio Conte was only too willing to point out in public, most notably after Spurs threw away a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Southampton in March.

The Italian labelled his players "selfish" and accused them of not wanting to play under pressure. As is his wont, Conte also took aim at the board for the team's struggles.

His reluctance for any introspection created a chasm at the club and he was sacked on March 26 after Tottenham suffered exits from the Champions League and FA Cup.

The appointment of Conte's assistant, Cristian Stellini, to help steady the ship with the club still, then at least, well placed for a top-four finish, proved a disaster.

Stellini suffered the same fate as his compatriot a day after Spurs suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Newcastle United on April 23 that ended any lingering hopes of a top-four finish and Champions League football.

That game, in which Tottenham found themselves 3-0 down in nine minutes and 5-0 down at half time, almost certainly signalled the end of captain Hugo Lloris' 11-year stay.

The French goalkeeper was replaced at half time at St James' Park following an error-strewn display. It wasn't the first time in 2022/23 Lloris was badly at fault but is likely to be the last with Fraser Forster instilled as first choice for the remaining matches.

  • Tottenham players celebrate with Harry Kane after the 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London on February 5, 2023. Kane's 15th-minute goal was his 267th for Spurs - a club record. Reuters
    Tottenham players celebrate with Harry Kane after the 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London on February 5, 2023. Kane's 15th-minute goal was his 267th for Spurs - a club record. Reuters
  • Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, centre, celebrates scoring against Manchester City. It was Kane's 200th Premier League goal. PA
    Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, centre, celebrates scoring against Manchester City. It was Kane's 200th Premier League goal. PA
  • Tottenham assistant manager Cristian Stellini greets Harry Kane after the match against Manchester City. EPA
    Tottenham assistant manager Cristian Stellini greets Harry Kane after the match against Manchester City. EPA
  • Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane reacts following the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. PA
    Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane reacts following the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. PA
  • Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane is interviewed after the match. PA
    Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane is interviewed after the match. PA
  • The LED board shows a message of congratulations to Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur. Getty Images
    The LED board shows a message of congratulations to Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur. Getty Images
  • Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane scores past Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. Reuters
    Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane scores past Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. Reuters
  • Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, left, and Manchester City's Erling Haaland in action. PA
    Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, left, and Manchester City's Erling Haaland in action. PA
  • A February 14, 2016 file photo of Harry Kane scoring for Tottenham. PA
    A February 14, 2016 file photo of Harry Kane scoring for Tottenham. PA
  • A July 6, 1966 file photo of Jimmy Greaves, who had held Tottenham's goalscoring record of 266 goals since 1970. PA
    A July 6, 1966 file photo of Jimmy Greaves, who had held Tottenham's goalscoring record of 266 goals since 1970. PA
  • Harry Kane scoring one of his final goals at White Hart Lane against Everton on March 5, 2017. PA
    Harry Kane scoring one of his final goals at White Hart Lane against Everton on March 5, 2017. PA
  • Harry Kane scores against Arsenal in the 2015-16 campaign. PA
    Harry Kane scores against Arsenal in the 2015-16 campaign. PA
  • Harry Kane scoring a superb individual goal in Tottenham's 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Year's Day, 2015. PA
    Harry Kane scoring a superb individual goal in Tottenham's 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Year's Day, 2015. PA
  • Harry Kane beating Virgil van Dijk before scoring his side's first goal against Southampton on December 19, 2015. PA
    Harry Kane beating Virgil van Dijk before scoring his side's first goal against Southampton on December 19, 2015. PA
  • Harry Kane scores against Wolves on December 29, 2018. PA
    Harry Kane scores against Wolves on December 29, 2018. PA

The one bright spot in a bleak campaign was undoubtedly the goalscoring exploits of Kane.

His typically predatory strike in Tottenham's 1-0 win against Manchester City took him past Jimmy Greaves to a record 267 goals for the North London club.

Kane's strike against City also moved him on to 200 Premier League goals, making him only the third player to do so. His 30 league goals this campaign came against 25 teams – a record for a 38-game season.

But the England striker's double against Leeds on Sunday – which took his tally to 280 goals for the club – could well be his last in Tottenham colours.

The 29-year-old's current deal ends next summer and the club must decide whether to hold him to the final year of his contract and risk losing him for nothing or to cash in on their prized asset.

With no European football as a distraction next season, Spurs, with the right manager and the right squad, will fancy themselves to challenge for a top-four finish in 2023/24.

Whether Kane is part of that remains to be seen.

Updated: May 31, 2023, 5:35 AM