Tottenham Hotspur were finally back to winning ways in the domestic league as they put more than three past Stoke City for the third consecutive home game. Ryan Shawcross was unlucky to concede an own goal in the first half but the Potters never looked like coming back, as the teams went into halftime at 1-0.
A second-half brace from Harry Kane, added to the goals from Christian Eriksen and Heung Min Son helped the White to a 5-1 victory, as Shawcross himself managed to score a solitary goal. This will be a huge boost for Pochettino, whose side will look to build on this result. Here are the player ratings for Spurs in this tie:
Hugo Lloris (5):
Had very little to do all day but his mistake gave Stoke their only goal as Lloris remains without a clean sheet for the 10th game running.
Kieran Trippier (6):
A few delightful crosses at the other end but Trippier was solid at the back, keeping the likes of Diouf in check all game.
Eric Dier (6):
Was under pressure against Chupo-Moting all game but did well to keep him away from the goal on a comfortable night for the English ace.
Jan Vertonghen (7):
Took up the role as the senior defender and won the ball back a number of times in dangerous areas, keeping Stoke Citys attack frustrate.
Ben Davies (7):
A sumptuous cross for Kane’s first goal and a solid effort at the other end to help his side to a 5-1 victory.
Mousa Dembele (7):
Was his usual self in the middle of the park, making a number of tackles and keeping the ball rolling, helping his side keep up the pressure in the midfield.
Harry Winks (7):
Never afraid to take on his man as the youngster was constantly troubling the Stoke City defence, breaking the lines and creating a number of half chances.
Christian Eriksen (7):
Played a role in Kane’s second before scoring one for himself on yet another productive night for the Dane.
Dele Alli (6):
Was not his usual self for most of the game but played the ball for Son’s goal and will be happy with his outing.
Heung Min-Son (9):
Created the first goal of the game, picked up an assist for Kane’s second after he scored one for himself. Constantly troubled the Stoke defenders in the final third and comes out of the game as the man of the match for Spurs.
Harry Kane (7):
Was off-colour in the first half, missing a couple of easy chances but managed to pick up a brace and had an eventful game.
Substitutes:
Eric Lamela (6):
Replaced Alli at the hour mark and almost got himself on the score sheet.
Mousa Sissoko (6):
Replaced Winks late in the game an had very little to do.
Fernando Llorente (N/A):
His first touch of the game almost set up a goal and showed decent energy late in the game.
