Glenn Hoddle says Tottenham midfielder ‘upped the ante’ against Chelsea

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Glenn Hoddle has heaped praise on Tottenham star Ivan Perisic for his cameo role against Chelsea during Sunday’s feisty 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge – saying his delivery from corners was an improvement on that of Son Heung-min.

Tottenham came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Chelsea – Harry Kane scoring a dramatic late header on 96 minutes. It comes after goals from Kalidou Koulibaly, Reece James and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on Sunday afternoon.

A game that had everything. Controversy, quality, tempo and red cards – between Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea dominated arguably the first hour, but Conte’s substitutes changed the game, notably Richarlison.

Fellow new signing Perisic came on for Son towards the end of the game and got the assist for Kane’s header. Tottenham icon, and ex-Chelsea manager Hoddle, says Perisic’s delivery from corners improved Tottenham.

“Son has been the corner taker for Tottenham, right foot, left foot, he takes all the corners. He’s not on the pitch,” Hoddle said, during his analysis on the Premier League’s coverage of Sunday’s London derby.

“Perisic comes on, and upped the ante. his quality of corners, left and right, got better. That’s the difference. Harry can’t head that ball in without that quality of cross. As a manager you think, yes, we have improved the squad.”

Hoddle praise for Tottenham star Perisic

Son is a world-class player. His ability to go past players and finish is up there with the best in the world. But his delivery from corners was something that Tottenham could improve – and they have done that with Perisic.

Perisic had three corners during his substitute appearance. His first was poor, but he has just come on. Then, with Spurs pushing for the equaliser, they had two in quick succession. The first pulled a save out of Edouard Mendy.

Then the second, resulted in the goal. The deliveries were immense, described as “fantastic” by Shaun Wright-Phillips. Hoddle is right, Perisic improves the Tottenham squad in terms of quality – even if it is only from set-pieces.