It looked like it was going to be one of those days didn’t it? But, you can never say ‘never’ when AVB is at the helm of your team, and as time looked to be running out, one José Paulo Bezerra Maciel Júnior came forward to break the deadlock in the dying minutes of the game. The 1-0 score-line at the Cardiff City stadium was nowhere near a fair reflection of our stylistic domination of the game, but was more a reflection of the performance put in by Cardiff keeper David Marshall. With a total of 29 shots, 12 of them on target, and 63% of possession, we thoroughly deserved the 3 points today, and were unlucky not to have scored more. Hugo Lloris –7 – In similar fashion to the Norwich game Hugo had very little to do, but still had a huge influence on the game. Did extremely well to disposes Fraizer Campbell, saving a certain goal. Very consistent yet again. Kyle Walker – 6 – Another stuttering display from Walker who seemed to drift in and out of the game. Supported Townsend efficiently early on, but gave the ball away numerous times and had to be cautious throughout the game after picking up a silly booking. Jan Vertonghen – 6 – Solid game from Vertonghen, but nothing special. Only made 50 touches in the match in comparison to Dawson’s 81. Was more cautious in his play and it was evident that his own performance suffered from playing next to Naughton. Michael Dawson – 8 – Brilliant and gritty from the captain. Headed, tackled and put his body on the line throughout the 90 minutes. Clear to see that he is a steadying influence on a team which is full of attacking players, but also showed his ability to get his foot on the ball. Made a ‘smart’ foul to prevent Cardiff from going through on goal. Kyle Naughton – 5 – Did very little to convince both management and fans that he can command a regular place in the team. Nearly got Lloris sent off and gifted Odemwingie with a golden chance to put the opposition ahead. Would rather see him clear the ball away for a throw in, instead of playing out at the risk of making a fatal error. Paulinho – 8 – Complete performance. Made 72 touches in the game, which was more than any other midfield player on both teams. Held the midfield well allowing Dembele and Eriksen to pull the strings further forward, but showed real determination and desire late on to have an influence on proceedings. Showed real class with his touch for the goal. Andros Townsend – 7 – Once again, the only critique of the boy would be that he shoots far too much when there are better options, BUT there are so many positives to his game. Troubled his full back all game and has the ability and confidence to get himself into threatening positions. Mousa Dembele – 8 – Another top display from the Mousa Dembele that WE knew existed and longed to see. Had a pass completion rate of 92% and had 5 successful dribbles. Showed real fearlessness to drive at the opposition when a forward pass wasn’t on. Was pivotal in our win. Gylfi Sigurdsson – 6 – Worked really hard for the team and was unlucky not to have scored with a beautiful curling shot that hit the bar. May not be an out-and-out winger, but showed that he could both cut inside and go down the line when attacking his fullback. Christian Eriksen – 7 – No surprise that he had a pass completion rate of 93%, which was the highest of any player out of the two teams. Effortlessly switched play and made a nuisance of himself all game by drifting across the Cardiff backline. Conductor of the Spurs attacking orchestra. Roberto Soldado – 7 – On another day Robbie would have bagged himself hat-trick, but due to the heroics of Marshall he didn’t get the goals he so deserved. His movement was nothing short of top-class and his technique to catch Naughton’s cross on the volley was sublime from the Spaniard. Subs Erik Lamela – 6 – Was quiet when he first came on, but when switched to the right you could see the change in attitude and belief. Showed good composure to assist Paulinho for the goal, something that will do wonders for his confidence. Harry Kane – N/A – I was really impressed with Kane today, who repaid the faith shown in him by AVB. Was keen to get on the ball and offered us a fresh option in attack. Lewis Holtby – N/A – His introduction really made a difference to the game. Never a bystander, Lewis grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and made it his own – albeit for 5 minutes. Threaded a beautiful ball into Lamela who then played it into Paulinho for the goal. Proud to have a player like him in a Spurs shirt. Regardless of the lack of goals, a win is a win and even at 1-0, it was an impressive one. Sooner or later our luck will come in, and we will give a team a real good thrashing. But until then, no complaints, another clean sheet and another valuable 3 points – and the Spurs go marching on…
Posted on: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 18:35:43 +0000
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