Player Ratings: Lyon vs Spurs

Kings of Lyon! Not the first time that pun’s been used I’m sure but probably won’t get the chance again. A game of few opportunities, thanks mostly to the home team’s unambitious attitude and our familiar lack of incision. Indecisive at the back, we conceded a poor early goal, but were much better in the second half and in the end were good value for our draw even though it didn’t look like it was going to happen for a long time.

Brad – 6. Will be happy with his post match ‘you French are all mouthy twats gesture’, shouldn’t be over thrilled with much else. One of the many asleep for the goal. Very lucky with penalty appeal (it was a dive but many refs would’ve fallen for it) but despite all that not the worst keeper on the pitch, the Lyon keeper would punch away the salt if you passed it to him at the dinner table. Conceivably the American’s last Spurs game, why rest no-one but your keeper, it doesn’t make sense?

Kyle – 5. Gave the ball away in the first minute and spent the next twenty trying to muscle it back. Too much brawn and didn’t learn quickly enough how fussy the ref was. Yellow card calmed him down surprisingly, much better after that.

BAE – 7. Our full backs are chalk and cheese, as long as those are terms psychologist used for the badly parked. They’re both a pony short of a lasagne. Ropey early on he was a key figure in the second half when told to push forward in place of Bale; he’s no Phillip Lahm but did well in terms of stretching their defence.

Jan – 6. Once more played like a man with something bothering him but he can’t remember what. Seems to have lost a bit of vitality since the start of the season, perhaps he’s too restricted in the centre? Was criminally offside when Bale whipped in a free-kick in the first half, should be fined a week’s wages for it. Bizarrely seemed to be picking himself up off the floor when the goal went in.

Gallas – 6. One of the players who could’ve prevented their goal by being more positive when the free-kick came in. Didn’t always exude confidence, a typical display of just getting there in time. To be fair Gomis did little to catch the eye so he and Vertonghen mostly did their jobs and perhaps I’m being harsh.

Moussa – 7. I just love the sight of him brushing defenders aside as he carries the ball forward; I love it even more when he smashes it beyond a despairing keeper in the last minute. If we have a heartbeat, it’s him.

Parker – 6. I thought he did better than most people seem to think. Took a few chances with his passing, not all of which came off, but someone had to unless we hoped to mesmerise the French with our crab impressions. It’s a shame (and a bit of a mystery why) he’s not more of an attacking threat, he scored a goal every 10 games for the Hamsters after all.
Lennon – 5. Subdued performance with little opportunity to take on the superbly named Umtiti though like the rest of our attack he had trouble finding space due to the risk-free approach of the home side.

Holtby – 6. Played not so much in the hole as in a crowded lift. Took a while to get into the game – needed to drop deep to do so – but showed some nice touches and passing – it’s so nice to see someone attempt a first time pass occasionally, we need more of that. Unlucky with shot that hit the post. Disappeared after half time when moved out to the left.

Bale – 7. Rubbish defending for the goal when he turned his back on the ball but that aside a typical performance and easily our best chance of a goal before Dembélé’s pot shot. One terrific run in the first half that should be shown to anyone who accuses him of Louganis tendencies in the future. Should’ve scored from Adebayor’s cross.

Adebayor – 6. Not awful, not great, bit like his haircut. Leading the line was a tough gig given the lack of available space but needs to be more aggressive and get a better first touch from somewhere. No sign at the moment that he’s the answer to our penetration problems.

AVB – 7. Should’ve picked Lloris and probably Dawson. Set up the team well though and was proactive with his tactical changes and substitutions.

So over all, not an earth shattering set of marks despite the excellent result against a good side. A performance more than the sum of its parts, never a bad thing.

By MF