PLAYER RATINGS: Spurs 1-0 Southampton

Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs returned to winning ways with a 1-0 home victory over his former side Southampton thanks to Christian Eriksen’s first half strike.

The Saints came into the game unbeaten since the opening day of the season, but Spurs took most of the early possession with Jan Vertonghen’s header cleared off the line from Eriksen’s corner.

Chadli and Lamela worked their respective fullbacks hard while Danny Rose sparked up an interesting battle with Dusan Tadic on the left hand side.

And it was Chadli who turned provider before half time as he laid Emmanuel Adebayor’s pass into the path of Eriksen who struck low into the bottom left to give Spurs a deserved lead. The Belgian went through himself soon after but could only find Fraser Forster’s post.

Sadio Mane ran hard at substitute Eric Dier throughout the second half but Spurs were resurgent in defence, forcing Hugo Lloris into impressive saves only once or twice.

In the end Pochettino’s men stuck at it and held onto the 3 points as set pieces came flying in from all over the pitch, putting Spurs 6th in the table ahead of Arsenal.

Player Ratings

Hugo Lloris - 7 – Saved brilliantly from Victor Wanyama’s goal-bound strike as we soaked up the relentless pressure and commanded his area well. We really do have a world class goalkeeper in Lloris and a clean sheet today is all we can ask for.

Kyle Naughton - n/a – Forced off in the first half with a suspect injury which came at the worst time for the defender. Naughton was having a top game at right-back before he clashed with Ryan Bertrand who was lucky to go unpunished. Hopefully not too bad a knock.

Younes Kaboul - 7 – Consistently won everything in the air in our own box, something that makes our inability to capitalise on our own set-pieces all the more frustrating. Had just the one suicidal moment when he picked out Wanyama on the edge of his own box with a comical mis-hit. Also found his way to the by-line a few times…

Jan Vertonghen - 7 – Jan’s ability to read the game makes him the perfect centre-half partner. He may not have the brawn of Kaboul or Fazio but his technique and ability to intercept means the danger is quelled before it begins. Was unlucky to see his header cleared on the goal-line too.

Danny Rose - 7 – Rose worked brilliantly up and down his left hand side and battled against Tadic and Clyne wonderfully. Chadli’s inward ventures allowed him space out wide to deliver and the England man did superbly to play on as he was kicked to pieces.

Ettiene Capoue - 7 – This guy makes Poch’s system work. Broke up the play brilliantly in front of the back four but his ability to distribute seems to go under the radar. He’s not slow either, getting the the byline with some ridiculous skill in the second half.

Ryan Mason - 6 – relatively quiet performance from Mason who didn’t put a foot wrong – but also didn’t try anything particularly out of the ordinary. Considering it’s only his 2nd Premier League that’s forgiveable.

Erik Lamela - 6 – Ran well as usual but isn’t showing the tenacity that will come with scoring goals. Didn’t take the chance to strike for goal when Adebayor’s run presented the chance – an opportunity that a confident player would have snatched. One goal, and the rest will follow.

Christian Eriksen - 7 - Man of the match. Sprayed the ball excellently across the midfield – just as he was bought to do. Much better playing from the middle of the park rather than out on the wing, and a superbly taken goal topped it all off. In his own words, it was “third time lucky” as his third shot found the net.

Nacer Chadli - 7 – Had a quiet first half but grew throughout the match, striking the post when 1-on-1 with Forster. A decent outlet to have out wide, and certainly adds physical presence to a nimble midfield 3.

Emmanuel Adebayor - 5 – Unfortunately, Ade was a passenger once more. Caught offside more times than anybody on the pitch put together through pure laziness, jogging back behind the defensive line. Harry Kane will be rubbing his hands as the Englishman sets his sights on a first team spot.

SUBS

Eric Dier - 6 – Efficient performance from Dier and was a handy player to have on the pitch when it came to set-pieces. Probably didn’t expect to get on the pitch but played more than an hour, helping us to a clean sheet.

Mousa Dembele - N/a

Harry Kane - N/a

That was a win that we needed SO badly. We simply could not afford to lose another game before the international break – something we have done on countless occasions – leaving us with two weeks to stir in disappointment.

Especially with the prospect of Manchester City away looming large, a defeat here could see us live in depression for nearly a month, but the side held on.

Pochettino has a lot to ponder over the next week, namely up front where Adebayor continues to play hide and seek with his teammates, but also with youngsters Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason battling for a centre midfield spot.

But for now, he and the rest of us can sit back and enjoy a week where Tottenham have won.

COYS

 

3 points is 3 points cant ask for more, again defence was a little suspect at times as it could have easily been 1 point or none. But good result never the less.
Id be very happy with a shut out job v city now and all things considered not a bad start not a great start but steady enough.

 

we are learning.. finally hung on to a 1-0 lead!!

no need to be harry hotspur just yet, just win.

slowly, i see it happening, in many little ways.. Poche is a very positive coach for our club!

COYS

 

3 points, clean sheet, even the pressing game was there so overall a good win for Poch and the lads. Another good game for Lloris, Kaboul and Jan. Capoue very good as usual, agree that a lot of what this guy does goes completely unnoticed by some but his work rate and his distribution are phenomenal. Mason too looked keen but I don't think he really imposed himself on the game as much as he wanted to, but good effort.
MOTM for me was Eriksen, has been playing very deep lately, working the ball forward to a top three of Lamela, Chadli and Ade who seem to run around and do whatever they want. CE has been copping some flak of late and he hasn't been as effective as he should be but I think he's been trying hard and doing his job from the middle as told to do by the manager. its the top three im worried about, Ade does put in a shift but he's never going to score from left wing and when he does come back inside he doesn't really bother the defence, too many offsides today. He and Chadli are switching a lot with Chadli coming inside playing second striker and then Lamela also wants to come inside and plays central so when we move forward we only play to the congestion, apart from the odd goal to Chadli I cant see this system of play breaking many teams down or scoring anywhere near enuf goals.

 

I think the 5 for Ade is harsh, this was probably his best performance of the season to date. He got involved more and his hold up play was first class but we still need to sort out our striking options. Soldado needs tto go and we could do with JRod as MPO loves him, he fits the formation and he scores. Good win COYS

 

Its a great win and just what we needed. OK the defense again was quite shaky and rode our look at the
end but we hit the woodwork and off the line also. The big plus for me was the attacking trio behind Ade although lacking quality and or form did look more fluid and managed to play further up the pitch in support of Ade.

 

Grateful for the 3 points but we're still not totally convincing as a team. Thankfully we got in front so our counter attacking threat came into play more. Individually i thought there were alot of positives, kabs is playing well and looking fitter, Verts looks like hes got his head straight. Eriksen got his goal and looks dangerous. Lamela looks to be finally settling in. Dier is growing into the prem lge and appears really solid. Just to name a few. Love watching Hugo in goal. Goals could be a problem but one good buy in january and that could change. Coys.

 

Better performance and much needed three points. Can't see why Adebayor keeps getting picked though. Lazy and inept at times.
Eriksen played well at last and Capoue was great. I wonder which Spurs will turn up for the city game?

 

Match of the Day pundits say that Ade had a good game. Manager picks him every week. From what I saw he defended every corner that the opposition took. Began the attack which led to the goal and you still treat him harshly. This bias attitude is very depressing.

 

Saints came in and found themselves playing themselves. We had a better finishers, hence 3 points. This is a turning point performance as for 90 minutes Spurs played MP football for the first time. Jan was fantastic. Kaboul was not that good. Adebayor had good game. Dier was solid again. It was interesting to see Wenger like 4-1-4-1 tactical from Poch.

 

Great to get the three points (against a good team) that will do wonders for the players confidence going forward.

Personally, I would give the MOTM award to either Vertonghen, who seems to have stepped his game up a notch this season, or Capoue, who has been consistently good in the opening 7 games of this campaign.

On the match itself, I thought Spurs played well in spells and showed some real flashes in quality only to be left slightly disappointed by the end product. No doubt confidence would have played it's part in this, but I also believe that an air of complacency/ not taking enough care with distribution another cause.

The amount of threat the team has shown on the counter in the last 2/3 games leads me to believe that if the lads can sort out their final ball/ decision making in the last 3rd, then there are a few teams that could be on the end of a REAL hiding from Tottenham Hotspur in the weeks and months ahead.

At the moment though, we seem to have developed a frustrating knack of getting into some really good advanced positions on the field, only to over-play, misplace/overhit a pass, or simply choose the wrong option, with Erik Lamela usually a main culprit in this.

There is no questioning the Argentines ability or potential, but at the moment he seems intent on proving that he is a special talent, rather than simply proving he can be effective within the structure of the team.

Instead of beating one man, Lamela wants to beat two. Rather than passing simply to a colleague to maintain possession, and pick up a new position where he can pose a renewed threat, he wants to force play with a more difficult pass. When presented with an opportunity to put his foot through the ball and have a strike on goal, he feels the need to put a defender on the seat of their pants first with a dummy. etc, etc, etc

Now all these thing are fine, and almost admirable actions when your side is 2/3-0 up. But when your team is drawing a match or leading narrowly, then, for me, it is just plain irresponsible.

I feel Erik would be a FAR more effective player if he just keep his game simple. If he used his impressive acceleration to be more of a 'pass and move' player, basing his game more on playing one-twos, as opposed to an 'out and out dribbler' then I think he could be a genuine star in this league. But he has to learn to box clever!

He doesn't have the body strength to outrun people, who may NOT be as quick as him, once he makes physical contact with their body. The impact of the collisions usually knocks him off-balance first, so learning how to make the most of the burst of acceleration he has WITHOUT physically engaging with some of the stronger and equally athletic members of the EPL is a MUST if he is to avoid becoming an unfulfilled talent in English football.

I said this during the summer but I'll say it again, It's about knowing your opponents strengths and weaknesses BEFORE entering the field of play so that you are best placed to exploit them when the actual match begins.

I thought Eriksen improved his level of performance once he gained the confidence from scoring his goal. The Dane clearly has bundles of ability but has still yet to really stamp his authority on an entire match from start to finish. It is only when he can learn to do this, that he will become the kind of player who could play an integral part in any success Spurs will have in the future.

Looks like Poch doesn't really fancy the look of Andros Townsend which is a MASSIVE disappointment for me personally, as the kid has star written all over him.

He is one of the few Spurs players that can produce something out of nothing and given the right guidance could become an absolute world beater!

Hopefully, Spurs get an injury in one of those forward positions over the international break and Townsend gets the opportunity to stretch his legs on the big pitch at the Etihad.

Fingers crossed, eh!

I'm actually believe Spurs have a real chance of beating City providing the team is set up in the right way to gain some semblance of control in the midfield (i.e do not continually turn-over possession, and put bodies around Toure) and exploit the opportunities we WILL get on the counter to the absolute maximum.

Chadli has been very good so far this season but we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg in regards to this guys potential. When he is playing with the amount of confidence that he currently is at the moment then playing him as a no10, where he can receive more of the ball, makes all the sense in the world, for me. Especially, when you consider the general form of Eriksen this season.

My team vs City:


Lloris

Dier Kaboul Vertonghen Rose

Capoue Dembele

Lamela Chadli Townsend

Soldado

 

nearly thought we had lost you again Ramos! Good to have you back.
If we could just get that final pass right, we could take teams apart, we really could. I have said for a long time now that Soldado needs balls into the six yard box as he is a poacher like Clive Allen was etc. we have the players to deliver that, it's just a case of them doing so.
City aren't playing that well, so let's get at them and get this party started!!!!

 

Plenty of work to do in the final 3rd as has seemed to be the case for a while now, a lot more training going forward as an attacking unit is needed working on this cutting inward wingers, strikers diagonal runs & peeling off, full backs giving a wider option, and the supporting 3 timing runs into the box etc. The attacking quartet need to start reading each others game instinctively

 

Think the time has come to give Roberto a start. He grew into the game against Besiktas, and showed a turn of speed I had almost forget he had.

The guy is a quality player and, without a shadow of a doubt, the best finisher we have at the club. Providing the 4 forwards are all intelligent, dynamic and cohesive with their movements, I see absolutely no reason why Soldado cannot thrive as a lone striker in English football.

I also feel that a combination of Roberto Soldado with the more physically powerful Nacer Chadli rotating positions (between no9 and no10) could also prove very fruitful.

Both players are intelligent, move well, can see a pass and are capable finishers so I definitely think they have the potential to strike up a GREAT understanding given the chance.



Bless Ade, I love the guy, but his confidence is evidently low at the moment, so perhaps giving the big man a bit of time on the sidelines will do him, and the team some good right now.

I mean with 1 goal in 7 games Adebayor could hardly complain, could he? Perhaps the threat of losing his place in the team will help sharpen him up a bit and as their is always an opportunity to become slightly complacent if you feel your place within the team is all but guaranteed.

Personally, I DON'T believe Ade has been playing particularly badly, but I can't honestly say he has been playing particularly well either. And with an International striker the calbre of a Soldado warming the bench, maybe Pochettino should consider shaking things up a bit.

 

Agree to some degree Felon, but I think the BIGGER issue is that apart from Chadli the other 3 attackers aren't playing with any type of real consistency/form.

At the moment, Ade, Lamela and Eriksen are all just as likely to produce the ridiculous as they are to produce the sublime. Hence the reason that I would be VERY tempted to shake things up a little bit by introducing players who must be chomping at the bit to prove their worth.i.e. Soldado and Townsend.



I am NOT suggesting that any of our current attackers aren't trying, but in terms of the influence they are having on the team from an attacking standpoint, I don't believe it is enough, at the moment, to REALLY justify their inclusion in the side bearing the talent we have in reserve.

Saying that, I do believe that out of Ade, Eriksen and Lamela, that the Argentine has looked most likely to make something happen, although he still needs relax a little, for me, and just focus on doing the simple things well.

 

Good points being made, and agree that our forwards are putting in a shift out there but we still seem to be lacking something and just not creating enough real goal scoring opportunities, the idea of a fluid, interchanging top three of Chadli, Eriksen and Lamela looks and sounds good but are we playing three no 10's here ? to me they all look like they want to play behind the striker especially when we push forward, at times it seems like Eriksen and Lamela are tripping over each other, a system with inverted wingers and a lone striker needs good cohesion and discipline, they all have looked keen in the last few games and the signs are good but up to now they all look a though they've been playing with something of a free role and playing as individuals. Lamela , as pointed out by Ramos looks like he wants to impress and produce something sublime with the ball at his feet, and yes he has come up with a few good assists so far this year but id like to see him being more incisive on the ball and as pointed out, doing the simple things well. This is not my favoured system but the signs are there that these three are finding their roles and forming some understanding, the real issue at the moment is goals.... not enough and where is the striker ? Ade had a decent game and usually works hard for the team but how many shots did he have ? he's not scoring many goals from the left wing and when he does get back in position he looks to be completely off his game, his timing is all wrong and his efforts look so weak and ineffective, maybe he hasn't had sufficient time to recover from his bout of malaria ? Time for a spell for the big man. Im not completely against Soldado, clever player who can bring others in and link up, but again we need goals and im not sure he can produce without the ball on a plate in the box, that's just not going to happen. Id like to see Harry get his chance , he's done everything right, he doesn't need the ball on a plate, he can put them away anywhere inside and outside the box, along with Chadli the best finisher at the club.

 

I agree with much of what's been said in the last few posts. Lamela needs to simplify his game similar to how a certain Rinaldo did at utd in the early days until the cup final v Millwall I think. He was a bit of a show pony where he looked unplayable one day and unproductive the next. Back to basics then build your game up. And physically he needs to build himself up as did Gareth bale. Townsend again another undoubted talent but doesn't warrant a start for me until he produces more and also looks after the ball more and plays for the
team and not himself and his england spot. I like what Tim Sherwood said about how he has an edge and ego about himself that he isn't happy when not playing and will knock on the managers door. That's great for fans to hear and y should a player be happy not playing. Townsend himself stated he can't even think about an EPL place until he produces form in the Europa which I feel is a fantastic attitude. Players cannot be given premier league game time to find form to the detriment of results.
I go lloris dier kaboul vert rose. Capoue dembele. Lamela eriksen chadli soldado

 

Excellent analysis on Lamela, Ramos. Thank you.
It is well known that the higher the level of opposition, the more simple one should play against. Yet I would like to give Lamela a chance to gain some confidence. That is why he should start against lesser opposition in all Europa and cup ties, in my opinion. Townsend on the other hand is a good example of what could go wrong with "oversimplification" of the game. He is much stronger on his feet than Lamela, not easy to knock off the ball on the run, but he looks intimidated, like any player who choose to simplify.

 

I know I'm probably not suppose to have any favourites around here but Spurporter, I must say, you are making it increasingly difficult for me to stick to that rule, my friend!

I have no doubt that Lamela has the required tools to be a real success in England providing he, Poch, or both identify the necessary adjustments he must make to his game.

In saying that though, it is probably only right to point out that this is his 1st (real) season in English football, so it is likely that he is still very much learning about the league, and all that it entails, on a game by game basis.

Hey, Lamela and I have been known to have enjoy the odd exchange via social media (in Spanish of course ) so perhaps I might decide to have a quiet word when an appropriate opportunity presents itself. After all, I am here to serve my club in anyway that I can, right!

I really hope that Townsend DOES get his chance to shut a few traps/ open a few eyes, soon, as it would be a crime if the biggest talent to emerge from the youth academy since the long departed King had to leave the club in order to further his career.

This is NOT an excuse for Andros, but his talents are better suited to playing on a pitch less confined than the one at WHL. Hence the reason why I thought the game against Arsenal would have been the PERFECT moment to reintroduce him to '1st team' duties. Especially given the Gunners susceptibility to quick, incisive counter-attacks.

The same logic/point can also be applied to the surface, and deficiencies, of our next opponents in the league, Man City, so I for one would be absolutely delighted to see the explosive winger line-up against the champions in a fortnight's time.

Listen, I don't say these things on the basis that I am a HUGE admirer of the youngsters talents, but more because it makes tactical, and managerial, sense. I won't go into all the reasons why just yet, but I am convinced, just as I was at the time Spurs played Arsenal, that Andros' inclusion in the team would be extremely beneficial against the bigger teams that will look to take the initiative in games against us and push bodies forward from the get go.

Anyone who has followed my posts will know that I am a big fan of Pochettino, and his methods, but the way he manages the squad over the course of the next few months will go a LONG way to determining how well Spurs do this season.

You see, there is a fine line between showing faith in players that aren't playing particularly well, and appearing to have favourites which could ultimately undermine the morale/spirit within the squad.

It's all well and good persisting with the likes of Eriksen and Ade due to a belief that they will come good eventually, but the knock-on affect that will have on players who aren't playing regularly, yet feel they can contribute more, given the chance, MUST be considered.

The problems failing to do this will double IF, as in the last couple of weeks, substitutes go unused despite the clear need, in my opinion, to freshen things up on the pitch.

Mauricio for all his experience of managing in two of the biggest/best leagues in the world is still relatively inexperienced when it comes to handling a squad of Tottenham's size and depth, and learning quickly on how to manage this situation will prove critical for our fortunes this season.

At Southampton, Pochettino could get away with more or less picking the same team every week, as the side more or less picked itself, but at Spurs he has twice as many options.

I get that when you are trying to instil a new philosophy/identity within a new group of players, it might be wise to initially use a set team, to establish you ideas, before formulating a core that will allow you to alter personnel (around that core) more freely.

But it is imperative that Argentinian tries to steer as far away as possible from a 'EPL team' and a 'Cup team' as possible, in order to maintain motivational levels throughout the squad and make all the players, that you wish to keep long-term feel important.

Players are NOT stupid. Do you not think that Soldado is watching Ade struggle to find goals and wondering ' why am I not getting more opportunities in the league, be it, from the start OR coming off the bench'? Same applies to Townsend with Lamela and Eriksen.

To be fair to MP, he HAS not been shy in introducing the likes of Vertonghen, Naughton and Mason into the fold when he has seen fit, which would have no doubt given the rest of the squad a boost (by showing that people will be picked on form/training and tactical adjustments) but it is vital he remains consistent with that policy moving forward.

DAMN THESE INTERNATIONAL BREAKS!!!!!!

 

Agree with many of your thoughts my dear Ramos. Concur about Andros and his wing play benefitting from wider pitches, like Man city. I think Poch has made a determined decision about how to cope with the Europa lge, something that didnt concern hid fluent Saints side, that he alternates the team in a really drastic profound way. This may change as we progress in the long competition. I wonder wonder what your thoughts are on the young and talented Harry Kane my dear Ramos as, and i may be wrong, you seem strangely quiet on Harrys qualities. Be good to read your thoughts. Coys.