A midweek League Cup semi-final heartbreak against Chelsea left Tottenham Hotspur in agony despite a fierce fight until the tie-breaker. But they regrouped themselves again for the weekend encounter and clashed heads with Crytal Palace at Selhurst Park in a FA Cup fourth round fixture.
Mauricio Pochettino lined up a much-altered squad to deal with the injury casualties but failed to avoid successive defeats. The Eagles clinched a 2-0 win and knocked the North Londoners out from yet another Cup contest.
Below are the Spurs players rated in their dreadful defeat against Crystal Palace.
Paulo Gazzaniga: 5.5
The custodian made some smart saves but conceded twice in the first half which proved to be the difference between these two outfits. Could have done better to parry away Jeffrey Schlupp’s initial strike which fell favourable into the path of Connor Wickham who made no mistake in finding the net. The other goal came from the spot as Andros Townsend scored to double the lead for the Eagles.
Juan Foyth: 6.5
Was composed initially against Wilfried Zaha but kept on losing duels and kept getting dispossessed when the hosts increased the pressure. Took the ball out from the deep and carried it forward with his dribbling skills on a few occasions. Also won a spot-kick late in the first half which, however, was wasted by Kieran Trippier.
Davinson Sanchez: 5.5
Had a difficult time against the pace of Townsend and Wickham’s physical presence. Made some clumsy challenges and also lacked composure while tackling and clearing the ball out.
Jan Vertonghen: 5.5
The Belgian failed to lead the backline and got troubled by Townsend on the left. Was taken off at the break and was replaced by Erik Lamela which seemed to be a tactical switch.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Kept on whipping in crosses, created chances but wasted a spot-kick which could have brought Spurs back in the game seconds before the first half whistle.
Oliver Skipp: 6
The teenager looked lethargic and should have closed down the space in Palace’s early opener. Improved his game with time as he tried to take control of the midfield game with timely tackles and interceptions.
Eric Dier: 5.5
Won a few duels but contained his game in midfield as he should have been a bit more creative and adventurous when his side was trailing. Was replaced by Victor Wanyama minutes after the hour mark.
Kyle Walker-Peters: 6
The youngster conceded a spot-kick and allowed Townsend to double the lead. But he tried his best to explore the left flank with overlapping runs exhibiting his strong dribbling attributes.
Lucas Moura: 6
Had a couple of efforts off target and the Brazilian should have done a lot better considering his ability in the attacking third. Got dispossessed multiple times and was dealt well by the Eagles backline. Made way for the youngster Kazaiah Sterling late in the game.
Georges-Kévin N’Koudou: 5.5
Had a game-changing cameo versus Fulham but lacked composure this evening despite testing Julian Speroni in the Palace goal. Was not allowed enough space by Joel Ward as the right-back did exceptionally well to keep the youngster under control.
Fernando Llorente: 5
Was denied by Speroni but once again failed to make an impact despite displaying glimpses of quality. The Spaniard is having a run of games in the absence of Harry Kane but must stop wasting opportunities and grab his chances.
Substitute
Erik Lamela: 6.5
Was brought in place of Vertonghen at half time. Attempted a few shots, injected pace, liveliness and mobility high up the pitch. However, failed to alter the fate of the game.
Victor Wanyama: 6
Returned to action after a long injury layoff. Helped his side to hold possession in midfield during the final half hour.
Kazaiah Sterling: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
