Roberto Soldado may have many attributes but the ability to take a proper penalty is something that Spurs players seem to have struggled with in the last few seasons. That wasn’t a great issue in the last campaign as we weren’t actually awarded a spot kick but if that changes for 2013-14, Roberto looks like a trusted man when it comes to conversions.
It was the Spaniard’s early strike that put Tottenham ahead against Espanyol and although we were pegged back by a David Lopez header just before half time, manager Andre Villas-Boas was able to take many positives from our last pre-season friendly of an eventful summer.
“There were very positive aspects for all the team,” said Andre on the club’s official website.
“Following on from Monaco, it was a great performance, great attitude, good combinations in the first half, some really interesting football.
“The result didn’t go with the performance. I think we deserved better and I’m extremely happy with everyone.”
The game also gave us a first glimpse of Paulinho and Nacer Chadli at the Lane while there were welcome returns from Sandro and Younes Kaboul after long term injury issues.
“It was the first time at White Hart Lane for the new signings, with that intensity, the fans were pushing us on and they did well, Nacer, Paulinho and Soldado,” AVB added.
“We saw great signs from Kaboul and Sandro coming back, Michael Dawson played 90 minutes after an injury. There were lots and lots of positives. I just hope we can translate it into three points against Palace next week.”
So that’s it for friendlies leaving a week of further transfer speculation before we finally get our competitive campaign underway with that trip to Selhurst Park on 18th August.
