After an early scare, Tottenham eased to victory against CSKA Moscow at Wembley to secure Europa League football in the new year. So how did they perform individually?
Hugo Lloris, 7
Can’t be blamed for the goal. A second successive game in which the skipper had very little to do — at least CSKA tested him.
Kyle Walker, 8
Covered so much ground and played his part at both ends of the pitch. Seems to be increasing in confidence all the time, exemplified by a clever back-heel pass in the build up to the equaliser.
Eric Dier, 6
Failed to track goalscorer Dzagoev for CSKA’s opener and looked a bit uncomfortable at centre back until Spurs settled. Eventually found his feet, and should return to midfield now Toby Alderweireld is back.
Jan Vertonghen, 7
Arguably too easily beaten in the build up to the CSKA goal but that was merely a blip in another assured performance from the latest Tottenham player to commit his future to the club.
Danny Rose, 7
His perfectly weighted low cross set up Harry Kane for the second goal. Similar to the Swansea game, Rose was outshone by Walker on the other side but still did his job convincingly.
Victor Wanyama, 7
Could have protected the back four more effectively during CSKA’s sporadic dangerous spells, but didn’t do much wrong per se. His passing was on point and he helped Harry Winks in midfield with his strength and positioning.
Harry Winks, 7
Grew into the game after a bit of an anonymous start, eventually becoming one of Spurs’ strongest performers. Appears to be earning Pochettino’s trust with each and every impressive outing.
Christian Eriksen, 8
A brilliant Eriksen performance that only lacked goals. The Dane made the first goal, contributed to the second and was generally involved in everything Tottenham did well.
Dele Alli, 7
Curled in the equaliser beautifully and forced the third goal by being in the right place at the right time. Alli’s final product is still hit and miss, but he’s doing the right things to become more consistent.
Heung-Min Son, 6
Threatened with his customary direct running and tricky footwork, but his efforts didn’t result in much. Was substituted on the hour.
Harry Kane, 7
Was in the perfect place to tap in the crucial second goal. Held the ball up effectively and set up Alli for the third with a pinpoint cross. Spurs will be delighted to have a fully fit Kane back in form.
Substitutes
Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, 6
Was introduced on the hour. Looked confident but his finishing was wayward.
Toby Alderweireld, 7
His much anticipated return begun with a beautiful cross-field pass that provoked cheers around the stadium. No sign of rust here.
Josh Onomah, N/A
Played just seven minutes plus stoppage time.
Please don’t tell me that now that Toby’s back in defense that Dier is going to replace Victor in midfield!!! Wanyama has been one of our most consistent players. Dembele and Wanyama has to our strongest pairing!
I think Wanyama will keep his place. But now Toby is back, we’ll probably see Dier in midfield more often than defence for the remainder of the season.