PLAYER RATINGS: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Partizan Belgrade

Benjamin Stambouli’s first Spurs goal ensured that the Lilywhites qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League and now must battle it out with Besiktas in Turkey for the prize of topping the group. Erik Lamela and Paulinho impressed in partnership with Roberto Soldado although Tottenham were susceptible on the counterattack.

Hugo Lloris – Had little to do all game before a brilliant save from a header late on in the game to keep the 3 points in North London. As usual, world-class when required.

Kyle Naughton – Standout defender, dealing with Partizan’s crosses extremely well.  Selling him in January would be a grave mistake – a far better option than Dier at right back.

Vlad Chiriches – Another solid display from the Romanian on his continued return to first-team action after being dropped.

Jan Vertonghen – Played well in partnership with Chiriches in the heart of our defence.

Ben Davies – Supported attacks well and defended as tactfully as ever; he is staking his claim for a starting XI place even when Rose returns from injury.

Benjamin Stambouli – Struggled embarrassingly against the Partizan break due to his extreme lack of pace, but played far better facing the opposition goal and contributed his first Spurs goal with a neat finish to win the game.

Mousa Dembele – Poor performance. Added little defensively and, despite getting into some good positions offensively, always palmed responsibility off to another player rather than backing himself to score or find the killer pass.

Paulinho – A far improved performance from the Brazilian tonight that seems to justify Pochettino giving him an extended rest. Hopefully he can kick on now.

Aaron Lennon – Very quiet display from the winger on his 400th career appearance.

Erik Lamela – The standout attacking player, using his unbelievably quick feet to good effect as he manufactured a series of opportunities for Spurs, and was unlucky not to score himself with an excellent curling effort late on.

Roberto Soldado – This display summarised his Spurs career: brilliant creativity, poor finishing. Linked up very well with the midfield but missed two or three gilt-edged chances.

Substitutes

Nabil Bentaleb – Brilliant news that the Algerian is back fit, as he put in a very composed shift, keeping Spurs ticking as the game drew to a close.

Harry Kane – Should have had an assist for a beautiful flick-on to Stambouli and arguably should have had a penalty too. Also had a goal disallowed for offside. He can’t help but impact the game at the moment.

Harry Winks – Sprinted around for the duration of his stay on the hallowed turf; at only 18, certainly one to watch for the future and it is great that Pochettino seems prepared to give him a chance.

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