Despite a 1-0 defeat against Manchester United last weekend in a crucial Premier League fixture at Old Trafford, Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham scripted a sensational 3-1 win against Spanish supergiants Real Madrid in their Champions League encounter at Wembley Stadium and were high on confidence ahead of their outing against bottom-placed Crystal Palace who are now fighting for their Premier League existence under newly appointed Roy Hodgson. The former England boss desperately needed a favourable outcome at Wembley against the mighty Spurs but was unlucky as the wasted opportunities cost his side and the hosts eventually grabbed a 1-0 win to secure all three points.
Below are the Tottenham Hotspur players rated and slated in their 1-0 win against the Eagles.
Tottenham Hotspur Players Rated And Slated
Paulo Gazzaniga: 8
The former Southampton custodian had a sensational debut for his new employers as he pulled off a few stunning stops to deny the likes of Andros Townsend, Scott Dann, and Luka Milivojevic. The Argentine professional played a pivotal role to clinch a narrow win and thoroughly earned his clean-sheet.
Serge Aurier: 7
Aurier started in right wingback role and mostly spent his time in attack. Played a few smart one-twos with Moussa Sissoko to create space in Palace defence. But he looked little nervy while defending and made a howler by losing possession dangerously which Zaha could not finish in an empty net.
Davinson Sanchez: 7.5
The young Colombian centre-back delivered another solid performance as he was calm, composed and well-positioned throughout the game. Made some crucial blocks and interceptions as well to grab a clean-sheet.
Eric Dier: 8
Was excellent in the middle of Spurs ‘back three’ as he pulled off some massive tackles, blocks, and clearances to avoid goal-bound threats from Zaha and Townsend.
Jan Vertonghen: 7
The Belgian had another decent outing as he won most of the duels, made some crucial clearances and interceptions. Although looked a little off-paced at times against Zaha and vulnerable while defending set-pieces, Vertonghen, however, did exceptionally well to take the pressure off him and his backline using his vast Premier League experience.
Danny Rose: 7
Rose was handed a rare start and impressed with his pace and attacking movements down the left-hand flank. Whipped in crosses, most of which, unfortunately, was not met by his fellow teammates inside the box. Was replaced by Ben Davies in closing seconds.
Harry Winks: 6
Winks impressed with his passing, long ball accuracy, dribbling and composure in Spurs midfield but was taken off at half-time with a suspected knock. Mousa Dembele was introduced as his replacement.
Moussa Sissoko: 6.5
The Frenchman was handed a start in place of injured Dele Alli and looked promising while constituting attacks using the right-hand flank alongside Serge Aurier.
Christian Eriksen: 6.5
The Danish sensation was not at his best this afternoon as he lost most of the duels, lacked accuracy while shooting, could not threaten from set-pieces and also failed to dribble past the opponent’s defence like he usually does every other time. Placed a few impressive forward passes late in the game which Son failed to convert.
Heung-Min Son: 8
Proved to be Tottenham’s saviour this afternoon as the South Korean international scored the only goal of the game with a majestic curler from distance. He had his chances to score a few more goals but wasted those opportunities towards the end.
Harry Kane: 6
Kane had an unlikely quiet afternoon of football as the top scorer of the league could not find the back of the net. Was taken off in the second half and was replaced by veteran Spaniard Fernando Llorente.
Substitutes
Mousa Dembele: 7
Was excellent in a holding role as he did well to win possession and switch the game in the flanks using the width of the pitch.
Fernando Llorente: 5
Still in search for his first Spurs goal and could not find it today either after coming on as a replacement of Harry Kane.
Ben Davies: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
