In the battle between the Premier Leagues “best of the rest”, Tottenham and Southampton shared the points in a 2-2 draw that allowed both teams to leapfrog Liverpool into 5th and 6th respectively. Goals from Graziano Pelle, Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli lighted up a game where chances came at a premium, as well as typical “Spursy” defending of show a couple of times, but both teams will see this is as 2 points lost rather than 1 point gained.
Hugo Lloris: 7
After returning from a knee injury, Lloris donned the captain’s armband once again, but unfortunately couldn’t keep a clean sheet. After rumors started circulating in the media of Hugo looking to get out of White Hart Lane, you cant help but feel sad knowing that this could be his last season at the club. It’s like the end of Breaking Bad, because you know what is going to happen to Walt, but there’s nothing you can do to stop it happening. A key save mid way through the first half saved Spurs’ skin, but Lloris cant be blamed for the build up to the first Southampton goal.
Eric Dier: 6
Putting in a shift at Right Back in place of the absent Kyle Walker (still not sure why), Dier played well enough and dealt with the danger when called upon. However, it was a shame to not see him partnering Vertonghen in the middle of defense, as many feel that his future at the club belongs in the heart of defense. Attacked well enough too, supplying some good crosses in including the delivery that set up Lamela’s first goal.
Federico Fazio: 6
For once, Fazio didn’t play that badly today! Yes, he could’ve gotten closer to Pelle on his second goal, but that would be too disrespectful on Pelle’s part. Tough tackling and strong headers proved to be the kryptonite to Southampton’s attack. Saido Mane, who got on the nerves on the majority of Spurs fans for diving more than a kid in a paddling pool on a lovely summers day.
Jan Vertonghen: 7
Partnering Fazio in the heart of the back four, the man they call SuperJan played fairly well, bringing the best out of a makeshift defense. Booked early on, Vertonghen controlled his tackles to perfection and felt calm when bringing the ball and trying to start attacks.
Ben Davies: 5
In my notes, I described Davies’ defending for the opener as “Clear your lines lad, state of your defending mate”. In hindsight, that may be a bit harsh, but after having performances from Danny Rose as of late, it’s hard to imagine a Left Back that isn’t him. An unfortunate injury late on ended his game prematurely, but can sometimes see potential in the Welsh international.
Ryan Mason: 6
Prior to the game, Paul Scholes said that there is more to Mason in terms of goals. When the greatest Midfielder that England has ever had says that there is potential, there is huge potential. The problem is, I feel Mason has too much, too soon. Maybe in a year’s time, he will consistently be the player we want to see, but as he showed today, he has a lot to learn. Except for his horrendous play for the opener, he didn’t do anything wrong, but a lot is to be learned by the young man.
Nabil Bentaleb: 6
In another controlled performance, he played well and showed his class in short bursts, but there is a lot more to Nabil, similar to Ryan Mason. I saw someone say that if Bentaleb scored Worldy’s he would be rated as highly as Paul Pogba. If he adds Worldy’s to his game, and changes games when it counts and becomes the focal point of the whole team, he will be rated very, very highly. Just not as high as Pogba.
Erik Lamela: 7
An Argentinian scoring with his hands and not being caught. Sound familiar? Unfortunately for Spurs, it was Diego Maradona scoring, but Erik Lamela and if it wasn’t for that game, it would have been another game where Lamela was invisible and didn’t effect the game as much as everyone would like. He ran, and passed the ball sideways on the edge of the box and I cant help but think why he didn’t pull the trigger a lot more. I think it’s time for Spurs to cut their losses and find a new club for Lamela, as he just isn’t cut for the pace and power of the Premier League.
Christian Eriksen: 6
Another attacker who was rather quiet today when the stage was set for Eriksen to be the playmaker he should be. He had some good ideas with his passes and movement but they came to nothing for whatever reason, but the class is still there. He needs to affect the games a lot more for the whole 90 minutes a lot more to be able to be considered a top midfielder in England.
Nacer Chadli: 7
Sporting his lovely Samurai man bun, Chadli got onto the score sheet again. A superb finish adding a bit of gloss to otherwise a average game. Maybe it’s the hair that’s giving him this rich vain of form. Well, quite frankly, if he scores next week against Manchester City, it will be more than the hair that he Spurs fans will be loving.
Harry Kane: 5
Very quiet, yet again, but I think his 30 goals this season will allow him to have some goalless games. Of course it would be nice if Kane was to finish top scorer, but lets not forget he has been playing more or less every game, for club and country, so I for one am not worried about his performances as of late.
Substitutes:
Vlad Chiriches: 5
Nothing of note, replaced injured Davies and was solid for his time on the pitch.
Mousa Dembele: 5
Replaced Chadli, and makes me wonder how he doesn’t start more often. Showed his passing skill and dribbling towards the latter stages of the game.
Roberto Soldado: 5
Didn’t do much, but would have liked to see him link up with Harry Kane up top one of these games. Has potential to be a class partnership.
