Tottenham’s title bid all but ended on Friday evening after a 1-0 defeat at West Ham opened the door for Chelsea to win the Premier League with two more victories. As a team, Spurs didn’t quite gel at the Olympic Stadium. But how did they perform individually?
Hugo Lloris, 7
Was out quickly to the feet of Manuel Lanzini to prevent a first half opener and made an excellent save to stop a second goal.
Kyle Walker, 5
Two exquisite slide rule passes didn’t redeem a generally ropey night. Was given a torrid time by Lanzini before being taken off on 80 minutes.
Toby Alderweireld, 5
Looked solid in bursts but his passing was sloppy and, on one occasion, he unforgivably gave the ball away in his own area, nearly resulting in a goal.
Jan Vertonghen, 6
Was replaced by Mousa Dembele with 23 minutes left. Played well for the most part but often looked isolated on the left when Ben Davies bombed forward.
Ben Davies, 7
Sometimes left gaps behind himself but the left-back’s attacking intent was admirable and he always looked keen to counter quickly, particularly in the first half.
Eric Dier, 6
Didn’t do much wrong per se, but West Ham’s solidity meant Dier couldn’t pick out others like he usually does. Doesn’t really work in a midfield two without Dembele.
Victor Wanyama, 6
Brought the ball forward from deep areas effectively in the first half. West Ham pressed him well after the break and he was a little more reserved.
Christian Eriksen, 6
Had Spurs’ best chance but his left-footed effort from close range was tame. Didn’t quite make use of the pockets of room he often found.
Dele Alli, 6
Created a couple of openings with some tricky footwork. Could have had a shot during a late attack but chose a pass, perhaps wrongly in hindsight.
Heung-Min Son, 6
Slowly grew into the game and was unlucky not to score with a powerful drive from distance. Struggled to make inroads despite being a threat on the counter.
Harry Kane, 5
Looked leggy and a little unbalanced when he tried to dribble towards the box. His shooting was wayward, too.
Substitutes
Mousa Dembele, 5
Didn’t have the expected impact. In fairness, he probably would have been more useful if introduced at 0-0 (which was the plan).
Vincent Janssen, N/A
Held the ball up and spun smoothly to set up Alli’s wasted opportunity. Spurs didn’t get the ball into him enough.
Kieran Trippier, N/A
Looked sharper than Walker when he came on, putting in one cross of note. West Ham did well to nullify his threat.
As I said, the week link is Lloris. He causes panic at the back over and over. The sporadic saves he makes is nothing miraculous. He should have been red carded. Kane talks too much before any match and the fizzles out. Consistency and fight for the badge is necessary. We have no leader who can take us forward. Look at the sad Man U! At least they will be in the finals of the Europa even they don’t win it The who team was dreadful assuming they have god given right to beat anyone? Rubbish. So slow in moving up that even a child can predict their next move – pass. How do they expect to score? Always panic in our D when opponents take corner or free kicks – whilst quite the opposite when we do – no one panics.
I am so angry I can go on but the fact remains we will never win anything in foreseeable future with this attitude. CL – I bet 1st round we will be out!
More will follow for those who react angrily to my honest verdict for a team I love but damn it always lets me and other honest long serving fans! CRAP.
We couldn’ t find a way past Collins, Fonte & Reid. Three fairly average centre halves. In matches like this we need players who are prepared to fight to grind out a result like some of the old Man. utd teams. We don’t have many. Where was Kane when we needed a goal? We ended up bringing on our game changer!!!!! Janssen, a man with the worst possible scoring record ever.
Spend some money and get some top class players otherwise Spurs will be back fighting for a Europe League place again.