PLAYER RATINGS: Spurs 4:0 Newcastle

Tottenham booked themselves a place in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup with an emphatic 4-0 win over Premier League opponents Newcastle United.

It was a Glory Glory night for Spurs as young breakthrough Nabil Bentaleb registered his first senior goal in a Spurs shirt to hand us a half time lead after Jak Alnwick had spilled Christian Eriksen’s corner.

And after the break Spurs showed no signs of slowing up, with Nacer Chadli repeating the trick that the Toon pulled on us in the League just a few weeks back by slotting home less than a minute after the restart.

That was a blow from which Alan Pardew’s side never recovered, and Harry Kane’s 19th goal of the season sealed the win after Mousa Dembele and Andros Townsend’s interchange on the edge of the box saw the Englishman through one on one.

There was just enough time for Roberto Soldado to tap home Christian Eriksen’s rebounded shot before the renditions of “Spurs Are On The Way To Wembley” dominated the remainder of the game.

Player Ratings

Michel Vorm - 7 – A wonderfully impressive finish to the game from Vorm who had little to do until the final 20 minutes. Tested by Armstrong and Perez late on, Vorm proved he is a vital second team keeper.

Vlad Chiriches - 7 – Began showing signs of a real right back tonight, especially when he tested Alnwick with his Walker-esque 25-yard drive. Stood the test of Gouffran well and Cabella didn’t phase him.

Federico Fazio - 7 – I think this was a really solid game from Fazio who seems to have struck up a partnership with Jan finally. Stays on his feet in the tackle and is invaluable defending set-pieces. Riviere had nothing.

Jan Vertonghen - 8 – Last time I claimed Jan was back to his best he then continued to embarrass himself against Loic Remy of Chelsea, so I wont say that again. But Jan’s reading of the game is as good as it gets and he was unlucky to have a goal-bound header cleared off the line by Haiadara.

Danny Rose - 7 – Was an excellent outlet on the left flank which was opened up after Nacer Chadli left the field. He and the Belgian had linked up well in the first half but in the second he was given grass to run at.

Benjamin Stambouli - 7 – Played an important role – more so in the second half – in covering Bentaleb’s forward ventures. Missed a few tackles but was overall impressive, doing what he does best.

Nabil Bentaleb - 8 – This kid is special, and tonight he was fantastic. Grabbed his first senior Tottenham goal and deserved it, too. Has run his socks off and got a great ovation for it.

Nacer Chadli - 7 – Scored a superb goal just 30 seconds into the second period, and reached the byline countless times. Not afraid to take the cross on on his weaker foot – take heed Lamela.

Andros Townsend - 6 - Tried to impress, sometimes tried that too hard. Was busy, but ineffective.

Christian Eriksen - 8 – Running the show again! Must have had double the touches of any other player, he was absolutely everywhere. Deserved a goal for sure and his set-pieces have improved wonderfully.

Harry Kane - 7 – 13 goals this season? That’s ridiculous! Nobody deserves his place in the semi-finals as much as Harry, who’s now scored every round this season. Took his goal wonderfully and stuck to his number 9 position better than recent occasions as a lone striker.

SUBS

Mousa Dembele - 7 – An important sub, came on and bulked out the midfield as well as adding some creativity. Involved in Kane’s goal.

Roberto Soldado - 7 – Came on and grabbed a goal – probably should have had 2 if he could stay onside.

Etienne Capoue - N/a

We’ve been drawn against Sheffield United in the Semi Final of the Capital One Cup. Avoiding Chelsea AND Liverpool to give us our best chance of a trophy in years.

We’re expected to get there. Whether that will play to our strengths or not remains to be seen, but a vastly inferior opposition now stands in our way.

Lets enjoy this while it lasts.

Quee Seraa Seraaaa…

 

Good article. Always better reading after a 4-0 win ! I think the teams beginning to come alive, led by a determined Harry Kane. Thought Stambouli played well. Enjoy watching Fazio play, know he has a mistake in him but he is fun to watch and hes big and strong in the heart of our defence. He can only get better too. Also Townsend played a bit more intelligently unless i'm just getting used to watching "coco" running around like a headless chicken ! Good night at the Lane and with Burnley and Leicester up next we have a good chance to keep the run going. Coys

 

A great win after the run Newcastle have had of late and some better performances

 

Great result, need to keep that level up for the next games to often off a result like that we revert to type.
Is there a 'team' emerging from this bunch at long last?

 

There does seem to be a steady team developing at last felon indeed. Although this was a very understrength toon side tbf. With Chelsea the likely finalists hopefully we can strengthen at centre half and get a goal scorer in and an experienced centre mid before then!

 

At last a game where every player for spurs worked their socks off. A job for me to pick a man of the match.
Just hope they realise they need to put in this amount of effort against the likes of Palace, Leicester etc.

 

Was a very good TEAM performance. Balls were being played wide as well as central. Townsend had one of his most effective games on the right. Ericksen, Kane and Bentlab were imperious. Vorm looking very good for a no 2nd. Stambouli is no Sandro but he's seems more consistant than Capoue. Even Soldado scored.

 

Are you having a laugh? Our central midfield is really weak. Benteleb partically poor.
However finally a great feel good game at the Lane mainly thanks to a superb Erikson performance

 

Yeah I agree we are as week in central mid as we are at central defence

 

Yes very good result, i would like to see another attacking centre mid if not a couple brought in Jan though. Cos if Eric the Viking gets injured we could struggle.

 

Have to agree about the CM, I think that recent high praise has been very generous indeed particularly Benteleb who has the odd decent game but overall has been mediocre. Mason has been good in some games and has brought some much needed urgency to the team and we are all happy with his progression but he's still very raw and tbh he's less effective than Lewis Holtby who should be in this team. Look if these two form a good CM then im happy to be wrong but I dont see this pairing as being strong enuf to carry us thru a season.