Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways in an emphatic fashion by registering a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace at home earlier this afternoon.
The Lilywhites were the better side right from the beginning and took an early lead through Son Heung-Min. They doubled their lead within the first quarter of the game when Serge Aurier’s shot was deflected off Patrick van Aanholt. And minutes later, Spurs scored the third through Son again, who, in turn, netted his second of the afternoon.
It was complete domination in the first half, which was perfectly capped off by Erik Lamela’s 42nd-minute strike. The hosts continued to perform after the restart but failed to make full use of their opportunity, with most of the players often appearing a bit selfish.
Here is how Mauricio Pochettino’s men performed against the Eagles.
Hugo Lloris 7
Not the most eventful matches for Lloris, even though he made an early error. Did pull out a couple of saves to make amends, preserving a clean sheet at the end.
Serge Aurier 9
Showed Pochettino exactly what he is capable of by producing a stellar display in the first half. He offered extensive support going forward and his cross to feed Son for his second goal of the afternoon was exquisite. It won’t be surprising to see the Ivorian retain his place in the side in the coming matches.
Toby Alderweireld 8.5
Did exceptionally well to keep a check on Jordan Ayew, who barely had any space to work with. But most importantly, the Belgian played a key role in the build-up play, often operating as the auxiliary holding midfielder during an attacking phase.
Jan Vertonghen 8
Complemented the tactical positioning of Alderweireld by staying back and operating in a relatively deeper role. This performance should give him the much-needed confidence, especially following a nervy game against Arsenal in the last match.
Danny Rose 8
While not as influential as Aurier on the opposite flank, Rose’s mature passing on the left-flank helped Spurs in their build-up from the back. It also eased their overall transition play allowing them to implement the 4-2-2-2 as smoothly as possible.
Moussa Sissoko 8
Sissoko’s energy and willingness to win back possession for his team paid dividends as Spurs won a host of loose balls in midfield, which perhaps was the telling factor in this game.
Harry Winks 8.5
Controlled the midfield with his exquisite passing and excellent positional awareness. He was also composed in possession and didn’t give away possession easily. The young midfielder is undoubtedly a star in the making for Tottenham Hotspur.
Erik Lamela 8
Lamela’s intricate movements, coupled with his dynamism, helped Spurs assert more dominance early on in the game. The Argentine also bagged an excellent goal just before half-time, though he ruined a glorious opportunity in the second-half by giving too much weight to his pass for Sissoko.
Christian Eriksen 7.5
Christian Eriksen certainly wasn’t at his level best today. His attacking teammates outshined him, but the Dane definitely deserves credit for pulling the string in the final third.
Son Heung-Min 10
The star of the show, Son once again delivered an incredible attacking display this afternoon. The South Korean international was sharp as ever and always kept the Palace defenders on their toes using his swift movements and clever change of pace. Bagged two goals and was unlucky not to score a hat-trick.
Harry Kane 8.5
Although outshone by Son for the most of the game, Kane’s imposing presence in the final third forced Palace to keep an eye on him throughout the entirety of ninety minutes. It allowed Kane’s teammates to get more freedom in the final third.
SUBSTITUTES
Tanguy Ndombele 7
Returned from a short injury layoff by replacing Winks in the 67th minute. Offered urgency in midfield but the game was already put to bed by then.
Ben Davies N/A
Made his second appearance of the campaign when he came on for Rose in the 76th minute.
Lucas Moura N/A
The 85th-minute replacement for Kane.
