Despite dominating the opening 20 minutes at Old Trafford, Spurs still found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreline come full time yesterday, thanks to Kyle Walker unfortunate own goal. However, it was far from a bad performance and there were still positives to take.
Michel Vorm (4/5)- Our Dutch stopper was virtually untroubled all match which goes to show how little Manchester United threatened with actual shots on target. Calm and efficient in dealing with whatever came his way, could do nothing about the goal.
Kyle Walker (3.5/5)- Would be easy to assume that because of his own goal Walker played poorly but the full back actually put in a thoroughly proffesional performances, winning his duel with Ashley Young comfortably on many an occasion. He showed incredible speed and commitment to get back to try and stop Wayne Rooney netting the opener and it was massively unlucky that he saw the ball roll in off of his own foot.
Toby Alderweireld (4.5/5)- An extremely encouraging debut. Consistent in his passing, including some superb long range cross field balls than found their target. Toby looked assured and confident and dealt brilliantly with whatever came his way. Hopefully a sign of things to come.
Jan Vertonghen (4/5)- Like Toby, did very little wrong over the course of the game. Was solid and reliable despite picking up a yellow card for a rash challenge. Spurs look to have a very promising centre back partnership on their hands.
Ben Davies (3-5)- A solid, if unremarkable performance from the full back. Did his defensive job well but seemed to take the safe option when going forward too many times, A solid option but Davies certainly lacks the attacking prowess that Rose does.
Nabil Bentaleb (2/5)- A day to forget for Nabil. Constantly misplaced passes in the middle of the park, including one that led to the only goal of the game. A performance unlike him and he was substituted soon into the second half.
Eric Dier (3.5/5)- The young player coped well enough in an unfamiliar modified role. Tidied up and played some nice passes, and although he failed to deal with the lively Depay at times it was still a solid performance. Solid enough to convince Poch we don’t need another midfielder? Time will tell.
Nacer Chadli (2/5)- Nacer struggled massively yesterday. Failed to create a meaningful impact on the game and on the one instance he did get in behind Smalling stopped him all to easy. Disappointing but hopefully another season to remember for the Belgian come May.
Christian Eriksen (3.5/5)- Was at the heart of all we did right in the opening twenty minutes. Missed a difficult chance after a glorious first time headed touch and played some lovely passes, one of which nearly led to a Kyle Walker goal in the right end. After the United goal he struggled for the majority of the game, but came alive again late on only to be denied twice by Romero.
Mousa Dembele (3/5)- Was willing to get stuck in and involved but never managed to get a firm grip on the game. Some nice touches didn’t contribute to a great end product. His whipped cross was unlucky not to find an unmarked Chadli midway through the second half.
Harry Kane (3.5/5)- Had some great moments in our best spell during the opening twenty minutes. Played a lovely scooped ball for Eriksen and also showed his workouts by refusing to give up on a ball he had lost which led to a corner. His decision making wasn’t always up to scratch and he was largely isolated after United scored.
Substitutes
Ryan Mason (3.5/5)- Came on for Bentaleb and was efficient with his passing and energetic in the middle of the park, without being able to create the breakthrough Spurs needed.
Erik Lamela (3/5) -Buzzed around with intent but didn’t have long enough to make a significant impact.
Dele Alli (3.5/5)- It was a great moment for the youngster to make his Premier League debut and he didn’t look overawed by the occasion, as he was tidy and accurate in his passing play.
