How the Spurs stars rated at White Hart Lane.
After slumping to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Norwich City last weekend, Tottenham Hotspur were back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Cardiff City.
Roberto Soldado netted a rare effort to clinch all three points and leave Spurs with an outside chance of making the Champions League places.
Here’s how the Tottenham stars rated at White Hart Lane.
Hugo Lloris – 6
Had very little to deal with apart from being beaten by former team-mate Steven Caulker, but the centre-back’s header clattered off the bar.
Kyle Naughton – 7
Has become something of a disappointment in north London but this display goes to show that if the defender is played at right-back he can do a decent job.
Michael Dawson – 7
A strong performance from the captain who dominated at the back and even ventured forward a few times.
Jan Vertonghen – 8
Like the skipper the Belgian was in great form, winning all of his aerial duels and playing some nice, neat passes.
Zeki Fryers – 6
Another fine game for the left-back who is showing that when required can fill in for Danny Rose, although could come unstuck against better opposition.
Aaron Lennon – 7
Came into the side for the injured Christian Eriksen and was the focal point of Tottenham’s attack in many instances and the winger will be happy with this display.
Paulinho – 6
Came in for Sandro and was solid defensively although could perhaps have ventured forward a little more.
Moussa Dembele – 6
Likewise for the Belgium international, who always looks more comfortable in an advanced role compared to when he is asked to sit in front of the back four.
Andros Townsend – 7
This was better from the winger, who looked to play more key passes rather than endlessly taking on opponents and was instrumental in the buildup to the goal.
Roberto Soldado – 8
There was a big smile on the Spaniard’s face as he ended his scoring dry patch and also did it from open play with a neat touch and finish on the move.
Emmanuel Adebayor – 7
Although the Togo international didn’t score – something that has become common place in recent times – the 30-year-old’s linkup play was excellent and Adebayor provided the assist for Soldado’s goal.
Substitutions:
Nacer Chadli – 7
Came on for Townsend and looked like a man who had something to prove, as the Belgian stormed down the left wing and had a decent shot saved by David Marshall.
Sandro – 6
The man known as ‘The Beast’ had another opportunity to nurse himself back to full fitness, although the Brazilian picking up a yellow card will have been frustrating for manager Tim Sherwood.
Find out who are the most valuable players in world football.