Tottenham Hotspur bounced back from the late loss at Goodison Park last week with a solid win over Swansea at White Hart Lane.
What are the main points to take from the victory?
Gylfi Sigurdsson & Andros Townsend
Andre Villas-Boas has faced scrutiny over his substitutions as Spurs have conceded plenty of late goals this season, but the changes made on Sunday aided his side in keeping their lead intact. Sigurdsson looked confident and nearly laid on a goal for Defoe, and Townsend was impressive in possession. The young winger hit the mark with 100% of his passes (a record he has maintained all season in his limited appearances), and posed a threat with his direct running. Based on their cameos here, both Sigurdsson and Townsend should see more playing time.
Jermain Defoe
This was not one of Defoe’s better days, with the striker spurning several good chances as well as shooting wastefully in situations when he should have found a pass. However, given his form this season, Villas-Boas has to keep faith with the striker. Too often in his career at Spurs has Defoe been ditched after one poor performances, and a little faith may be repaid quickly if he keeps his starting place over the festive schedule.
Kyle Naughton
There will have been plenty of fans feeling worried when Naghton’s name was seen on the teamsheet at left back, with the youngster looking shaky in that position this season. However he was tireless in running his line, joining the attack to provide width when Dempsey cut inside, and tracking back to cover his flank single-handedly. To cap off his performance Naughton also made one wonderful challenge to block off a counter that could have had two Swansea men running clear on goal. This has to go down as Naughton’s best performance of the season, and he is unfortunate for him that it has come with Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s return imminent.
Hugo Lloris and the defence
Naughton’s inclusion allowed Jan Vertonghen to move into the centre of defence, with Gallas chosen over Caulker to partner the Belgian. Swansea sat deep for most of the game, but the Spurs defence coped well with the attacking play they did attempt. Lloris was largely untroubled, before commandeering his side to three points with some vital clearances when they were under pressure in the closing minutes. Dembele has taken many of the plaudits this season, but Lloris and Vertonghen look like two of the best signings Spurs have made in years, and could shore up two vital areas for plenty of seasons to come.
Closing out the match
The statistics on Spurs’ failures to close out games are well known, with late goals scuppering their performances many times this season. Yesterday they were better in this regard. Although there was a couple of shaky moments in the final couple of minutes, they looked more determined to keep playing rather than sitting back when they had taken the lead. As a result, they kept much of the play away from their area, and looked the likelier side to score even in the final ten minutes. This should be something they continue, as controlling the ball and territory is the best way to see out leads in matches.
image: © hollidaypics
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