Tottenham earned their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane. But who impressed and who faltered?
Michel Vorm – 7
A comfortable afternoon for Hugo Lloris’ stand-in who was given little to do by Palace’s stuttering attackers. Vorm impressed with his feet; perhaps the one thing he has over Hugo.
Kyle Walker – 8
Built on his good display at Everton last weekend with an excellent performance both defensively and offensively. Walker is brimming with confidence at the moment, and he appears to have cut out those common mistakes.
Toby Alderweireld – 6
Barely troubled by lone striker Connor Wickham, Alderweireld was steady as usual at the back. Those trademark long-range passes were a little iffy for once, but nothing to be concerned about.
Jan Vertonghen – 7
Did really well on a number of occassions when bringing the ball out from the back. Palace’s pressing game improved after the break, but Vertonghen aptly dealt with the issue more than once.
Danny Rose – 6
Like Walker on the right, Rose is often one of the team’s key attacking threats, and he looks as confident as ever this season. One small quibble: he failed to deal with troublesome Townsend as well as Walker had been before the winger switched flanks.
Eric Dier – 6
A few misplaced passed shouldn’t detract from a dependable display from the midfielder. The side still looks a little unbalanced with both Dier and Victor Wanyama playing, though.
Victor Wanyama – 7
The summer signing is staking a claim to keep his place in the side even when Mousa Dembele returns. Not a perfect performance, but his defensive ability was there for all to see, and that winning goal should help him settle in more quickly.
Christian Eriksen – 5
Another tepid display from a player usually so influential. Spurs lack creativity when Eriksen isn’t on his game, so an improvement will be needed against Liverpool next weekend.
Erik Lamela – 6
Looked a little lost stuck out on the left wing for the majority of the game, but played a part in most Tottenham attacks. Had White Hart Lane purring with a delightful nutmeg on Townsend late on.
Harry Kane – 6
Played slightly deeper than usual to accommodate Vincent Janssen. Kane impressed in short bursts but wasn’t involved as much as he’d like to be. Linked up well with Janssen when given the opportunity.
Vincent Janssen – 7
Missed a great chance to make things easier for Spurs midway through the second half. Despite that, he kept his head up and provided plenty of willing running and effective link-up play. There’s huge potential here.
Substitutes
Dele Alli – 6
Made an instant impact with an incisive pass to send Janssen through. Provided little after that.
Josh Onomah – N/A
Tom Carroll – N/A
i hate to say this even though its early to predict but spurs look unbalanced not the flowing football of last seasondier is looking a little lost at times and ali we cannot keep saying its the euro games that have had an effect no excuses a few players need to get it together harry and deli ali not playing to there abilitys hope we get it together next game liverpool spurs forever
While the team is still building the understanding of each others play they had last year there are signs of enormous potential here. Just think the strength we have in reserve now, backup for all positions, one or two more acquisitions coming in (which will not play until they understand the system). I feel after Janson breaks his duck he will go on a massive scoring spree, and Kane will have so much less pressure he will score ‘when he wants’ too. I am looking forward to seeing how we are in our first season in the new lane….I am in a happy place already.
I am not concerned a bit about anyone except Christensen I am starting to think these contract negotiations are starting to get to him. Levy needs to fix it already or sell him if he thinks they are too far apart because he is to gifted to be this disengages and unlike the others he had a full preseason so I think he can be soft on the ball anyway but with this crap going on he’s losing his value because he doesn’t even create when he can hold onto the ball
I also think we need to remember this team has never played 2 forwards so that may take some time
The team doesn’t look quite right. Jansen looks like he could be a very good player but why take out HARRY , the clubs and englands top scorer to try to accommodate a young guy who has never played in the premier league?? Seems a bit odd to me. If we bought NEYMAR and as a consequence we had to change the shape and tactics of the team then maybe. Alli on the bench ? Harry dropping off in an unfamiliar role? Wanyama for Dembele that should be the only change. (until after the liverpool game). Eriksen performance was disgusting yesterday and i was shouting at the tv after 2minutes to get the prick off! He looked weak at everton and he looked lost yesterday. How many challenes did he bottle??? Unbelievable!! I think Alli should play in his position against liverpool and we need to buy a TOP quality ball player , keep eriksen in the squad. A very well known and respected football legend said to me very recently that Spurs will not win the title with eriksen as our main playmaker and we need to upgrade NOW. I think he’s right! COYS xxx
You guys are absolute tits. Total lack of loyalty for a man who’s been one of our best players for three seasons. Eriksens form has dipped sure, so poch should bench him for a game or two, fine. But to start talk about getting rid of him, it’s you who’s disgusting. Get it together and support the team you tits.
Eriksen has been poor in the first two games and really needs to step up.For our main playmaker he does not dominate games and often fades badly.Also he is not strong on the ball.I agree a more dominant schemer is required,however is the club prepared to spend what it would take?