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It took some time, but Tottenham eventually broke Aston Villa’s resolve to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. So how did they perform individually?

Michel Vorm, 7

Only had a couple of routine saves to make. Brilliant with the ball at his feet as usual.

Kieran Trippier, 8

Displayed his crossing ability again and played a part in the second goal. Proving to be perfect back-up for Kyle Walker at a crucial phase of the season.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, 7

A couple of silly fouls couldn’t take the gloss of another promising performance. Read the game well, won plenty of important headers and made a vital interception when a Villa goal looked certain.

Toby Alderweireld, 7

Straight after Carter-Vickers’ key challenge, Alderweireld put his own stamp on the match with another decisive block. Only let down by a couple of stray diagonals early on.

Kevin Wimmer, 7

The least active of the defenders, but composed and competent nonetheless.

Ben Davies, 7

His final ball was hit and miss, and Villa’s wide players got at him too easily on occasion. But it was his header that broke the deadlock — his first goal for the club.

Eric Dier, 6

Many were pleased to see Dier return to midfield, but he looked sloppy at times and misplaced a few passes when the tempo needed upping. Improved when Spurs went ahead.

Harry Winks, 8

Controlled the game for 90 minutes. Got himself out of tricky situations with his excellent footwork and was always accurate with his passing, which was direct and purposeful.

Moussa Sissoko, 7

Got Tottenham up the pitch whenever he could despite overrunning the ball a few times. Smoothly played in Son for the second goal.

Heung-Min Son, 7

Fluffed his lines when he really should have scored midway through the second half. Upped his game after that and sealed the win with Spurs’ second.

Vincent Janssen, 5

Did his best but tried too hard to be involved, meaning he was rarely in the box when needed. Doesn’t seem to fit Mauricio Pochettino’s system, despite his best efforts.

Substitutes

Dele Alli, 7

Spurs were immediately better when Alli replaced Janssen. The midfielder broke forward in the build-up to the opener and retained possession effectively in advanced positions.

Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, 8

Changed the game. His excellent cross set up Davies to break the deadlock and his direct play put Spurs on the front foot. Was unlucky not to provide one or two more assists.

Josh Onomah, N/A

Played just six minutes plus stoppage time.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. I’d pretty much go along with all that. I do feel for Jannsen, but I don’t know if he’ll ever fit Poch’s system.
    It’s almost like we have another Soldado on our hands. Extremely likeable and hard working, but falling short of what we require. As the main striker for Holland, you might not expect a Van Basten, Van Nistelroy or Ruud Gullitt …but you should expect quality in the box. It’s a bit like getting Rebrov instead of Shevchenko, or Postiga instead of Ronaldo (players who were on a par, but whose star sunk when they came to us, while their colleagues went on to light up the football world).
    Great substitution by Poch, which changed the game ..but we mustn’t read too much into the first 60 minutes. Most of these guys aren’t really meant to all play together in the same team …they’re meant to provide cover for the genuine first-teamers. And when they do, they do a good job.

  2. Nkoudou really is an impact player vs tiring defences. Not certain how he would go as a starter vs a top 6 RB but I guess Poc’ will have to find out eventually.
    Carter-Vickers was so careful Not to make a major possession mistake that 95% of his passes were backwards and he had me screaming every time he did it. however in the last ten minutes a third of his passes went to winks or Dier. I was shocked : )

  3. If you are going to have a full back playing as a winger then surely you need to practice in training how to get the ball to him. Ben was clear in to the area on many occasions when he saw passes to him too far ahead, over his head or otherwise impossible. I do not blame him just the variety of players who could not get the ball to him. Young Carter V played well within himself but looks good. If he morphs into Kyle Walker so much the better. Top marks NK. Sub Bale next season? Siss slowly growing for me. He is going to get a stunner soon, hopefully.

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