Players ratings from White Hart Lane.
Christian Eriksen and Toronto FC-bound Jermain Defoe scored second half goals to ensure Tim Sherwood’s impressive start as Spurs manager continued with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
It was hardly a vintage performance from Spurs, however, with Tony Pulis’ side out-playing their more illustrious hosts for much of the game.
Here are our ratings for the Tottenham players:
Hugo Lloris: 7/10
Despite Palace’s possession, the Frenchman was largely untroubled but looked sharp when called upon and was undeterred by the visitors aerial threat.
Kyle Walker: 6
The right-back has been one of Spurs most consistent players this season but Walker struggled against Yannick Bolasie and did not look himself. He was withdrawn on 47′ with a calf injury.
Danny Rose: 6
There were a few shaky moments for the left back who was guilty of a horrendous mistake against Arsenal last weekend but the speedy 23-year-old attacked with verve as ever.
Vlad Chiriches: 7
The Romanian has all the attributes to be a top centre back and it will be interesting to see if Tim Sherwood partners Chiriches with Jan Vertonghen when the Belgian returns to fitness.
Michael Dawson: 6
Dawson defended with determination and spirit as ever, but Marouane Chamakh won too many headers against the Spurs captain.
Aaron Lennon: 6
The fleet-footed winger bagged an assist after his pass set up Defoe for the second but Lennon’s final ball was again frustratingly poor.
Mousa Dembele: 6
The Belgian didn’t look his sliky-smooth best and was guilty of giving away a penalty after a clumsy challenge. But Dembele again showed he is capable of inflicting damage on opponents if deployed higher up the pitch.
Nabil Bentaleb: 8
The 19-year-old was making his full Premier League debut and was Spurs standout player in a terrible first half. Bentaleb was unlucky not to score after his fabulous curling effort hit the post.
Christian Eriksen: 8
A third goal in the league under Sherwood shows that Eriksen is not wasted playing as an inverted left winger and his finish was fabulous. More creative passing from the Dane is a must though.
Emmanuel Adebayor: 6
It was normal service resumed for the Togolese in his first half but Adebayor looked more interested after the break and set up Eriksen’s goal with a decent header.
Roberto Soldado: 4
A dreadful display from the Spaniard who looked disinterested and short on quality. Worrying signs.
Subs
Kyle Naughton (Walker 47′): 6
Booked for a rash challenge but his long ball set up the opener.
Jermain Defoe (Soldado 58′): 7
Almost immediately did more than the hapless Soldado and showed excellent feet and finishing for his goal. He will be missed when he leaves for Toronto.
Nacer Chadli (Eriksen 76′): N/A
Not enough time.
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