Post by kzmoks on Aug 31, 2009 21:34:11 GMT 7
Players
Cudicini – 5 – Had a few saves to make although none that were overly testing but then made a complete mess of the Birmingham goal by missing a ball that no player touched.
Assou-Ekotto – 7 – Another solid display which has been the norm in the past six months. Calm as ever at the back with clever passing going forwards, he continues to impress.
Corluka – 6 – Passing and forward play has dipped and although he defended well in the first half, again look more shaky when shifted to centre-back.
Bassong – 7 – Won a large number of aerial duels throughout the game but was one of those who seemed to lose concentration because Spurs were too dominant at times.
King – 7 – Dependable as ever even though he seemed to be struggling from early on, his absence again proved how much we missed him as the defence did not have a player to give them directions.
Palacios – 7 – Birmingham’s five men in midfield meant he had plenty of work to do but was excellent in the tackle again and showed glimpses of skill going forwards. Went missing a tad towards the end but another immense display.
Huddlestone – 7 – Slid in Lennon with the best chance of the game, provided the free-kick for Crouch’s goal and harried to help with the winner. All big moments where he came to the fore.
Modric – 8 – Looked so confident and oozed quality right from the off, adding an increased ability to beat players to his expert passing. Will be a massive loss to Spurs for the next 2 months.
LENNON – 8 – Man of the Match. Needed to be fed more in the first half but still unlucky not to score with one shot. Linked well with Hutton after the break and yet again showed awesome composure to bury the winner.
Keane – 6 – Tried very hard throughout and always involved but it was one of those days where the passes went wrong and the shooting boots were left at home.
Defoe – 6 – Similar to Keane in his good work-rate and hustling but badly shanked his big chance and never looked likely to net thereafter.
Substitutes
Hutton – 7 – Replays suggest he was not at fault for the goal and, although defensively a bit suspect, he was very forceful going forwards and crossed well.
Crouch – 8 – Spurs needed to change the game and he took his chance to come to the party. Could have had three goals, was outstanding in the air and thoroughly deserved his goal.
Pavlyuchenko – 7 – Found it hard to get involved as Spurs dipped but had one moment to shine and took it with the vital assist for Lennon’s goal.
Manager
Redknapp – 7 – Team selection was easy but had a big decision to make when Modric went off. Crouch was the man though and Harry got his reward. Again the players always believed and their industry and chasing was rewarded when Carr slipped up. Old Spurs teams would not have done that and he has changed that ethic to our advantage.
