Spurs enjoyed an excellent first half in their 2-1 win at the Riverside Stadium, but struggled to kill the game off in the second half against a resilient Middlesbrough side. So who impressed the most for the visitors? And who failed to make an impact?
Hugo Lloris, 7
Had very little do in the first half but was on hand to prevent substitute Jordan Rhodes scoring a powerful header after the break. The skipper was forced to rush off his line a couple of times and always beat the opponent to the ball.
Kyle Walker, 7
A relatively quiet day for one of the team’s best attacking players so far this season. Walker did everything he needed to at the back to stop a Middlesbrough comeback.
Toby Alderweireld, 7
Another composed defensive performance from the best centre back in the Premier League. Was part of a defence that allowed an improved Middlesbrough side onto them after half time, but shouldn’t be personally blamed.
Jan Vertonghen, 7
The same goes for Vertonghen. The Spurs defence had so few attacks to deal with in the first half, they were bound to be a little slack after the break. Worth noting the Belgian duo started many of Tottenham’s attacks with some accurate passing from the back.
Ben Davies, 7
It really is striking to watch Davies provide so little attacking threat compared to Danny Rose. But the Welshman once again proved to be a worthy defensive replacement with one key interception and some composed play under pressure.
Victor Wanyama, 7
Another 7/10 performance that defined Tottenham’s performance: good but not great. Broke up a number of Middlesbrough moves and impressed on the ball. The Spurs squad is looking very strong in terms of defensive midfielders.
Dele Alli, 6
It looked as if Alli would partner Wanyama in central midfield, but Dele played a more attacking role with Christian Eriksen dropping deep more often to collect the ball. Alli was keen to move Tottenham forward as usual, but was sloppy in possession and missed a big chance to make it 3-0.
Moussa Sissoko, 5
Worked hard but ultimately failed to offer much. Gave the ball away on countless occasions and was beaten in the air for the Middlesbrough goal. Should have been replaced by Erik Lamela earlier.
Christian Eriksen, 7
Was central to most of what Spurs did well in the first half, coming deep to collect the ball and distribute it effectively in the final third. Slacked off a bit after the break, but so did everyone else.
Heung-Min Son, 9
Even goalscorer Son went off the boil in the second half, but his influence in the early stages can’t be undersold. Two brilliant goals effectively won the game for the visitors after 25 minutes. Son is certainly making his case to start every game.
Vincent Janssen, 8
Spent most of the game with his back to goal, which was perfect when he held the ball up and sent Son through to score the opener. It could be argued Janssen didn’t offer enough of a goal threat, but his selflessness could prove crucial in providing goals from elsewhere while Harry Kane is out.
Substitutes
Erik Lamela, 7
Should have been introduced earlier; added some much needed composure when Spurs were under pressure in the final 20 minutes.
Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, N/A
Only came on for stoppage time but deserves a special mention: the boy is FAST.
Harry Winks, N/A
Deli Ali was better than a 6. He covers so much ground and makes himself available all over the pitch. It’s like Spurs are playing with 12 men, which is just as well because Sissoko was largely anonymous.
Pochettino obviously sees Del Ali’s merit, which is no doubt why he is paid £5m a year and you are not!
Dele was awful. He’s inching towards, whisper it, one season wonder territory. Hideously selfish player who is awful from the back.
lamela flatters only to deceive. Why is he so highly regarded, am I missing something?
Totally Agree –
in addition even with likes of Middlesbrough the team has no killer instinct – goals matter and goal difference will haunt Spurs (even in relegation!),,, Janssen > Another Soldado ? at this showing Soldado was much better! Sissoko is strong and in a few games likely to be what we expect . Anyone agrees? – the back passes and slow movement forward (means the opponents have enough time to cover) is killing chances. LLoris? Vorm is better – Lloris is poor in distribution and I am sure Vorm would have saved that goal!
Go GK go…n he is hungry…n positive.
give him more minutes.
c’mon Sissoko..go go go.
To compare Lloris with Vorm cant be seriously ment? Lloris is a world class keeper and Vorm is a ok backup, nothing more. Lamela has become a hard working player and should start before Sissoko, who has not found out the system we play yet.
Like Chris, I still fail to see what Lamela offers. Runs about a lot but rarely takes the defender on, never shoots and plays short, safe passes sideways or backwards. Worst £30M we ever spent.
To be fair to Sissoko, Wanyama & Janssen for that matter, they need time to settle in.
What strikes me is that all three are physically imposing players and, if you add CC-V to the mix, then I would surmise that Poch felt there was need to balance out the ‘lightweights’ in the squad.
I mean no disrespect to those ‘creative players’ who capture the headlines but there are a lot of games in the Premiership which require a more ‘hands-on approach’…..