The mighty Lilywhites fought their way to a tight late victory at the Staffordshire Rugby Club to keep their hopes of Champions League football alive. Steven Nzonzi had put the hosts ahead after just 3 minutes with a near-post glancing header but a long range goal from Clint Dempsey before the break, coupled with an Adebayor tap-in in the last 10 minutes, gave Spurs the 3 points that they desperately needed.
Hugo Lloris – 6
Dealt with the physical prowess of Stoke well in general but should not be beaten at his near-post from an in-swinging free-kick. After that however, rarely troubled.
Kyle Walker – 6
Didn’t really do too much wrong but let Wilson have a free header in the last minute which could have proved fatal. Linked up averagely with Lennon on the right.
Michael Dawson – 6
A huge task was ahead of him at kick off with the rugby club’s style of play, competed well in the air without truly dominating the skies.
Steven Caulker – 6
Yet again, largely anonymous – I guess that is a good thing for a defender?
Jan Vertonghen – 7
Probably the most solid member of the defence (as usual), offered a decent amount going forward and got Adam sent off. Which was nice.
Scott Parker – 5
I love him but he is simply not up to the required pace anymore, which is a real shame as his passion and love for the club is evident.
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Tom Huddlestone – 6
Looked to get on the ball and get the ball moving, generally did OK.
Aaron Lennon – 6
More involved than on Wednesday night but failed to deliver any great chances for the Spurs attack.
Clint Dempsey – 7
Arguably the best player on the pitch in a Spurs shirt, which is really saying something about the game. Scored one, made another, and was unlucky to get another one when the ball hit his shin and flew over.
Gareth Bale – 7
He is the go-to man for Spurs unsurprisingly and whilst he did see plenty of the ball, he failed to have a huge impact on the game. He did always look a threat, for example with a long range first half shot tipped over by Begovic.
Emmanuel Adebayor – 7
The Togolese frontman is rejuvenated and is making the Spurs attack into a much more cohesive unit, linking up with the midfield and he capped it off with the late winner.
Substitutes:
Mousa Dembele – 6
Clearly half-fit at best but we needed a goal, and he was sent on to try and create it. A beautiful little pass through to Bale was unlucky not to be an assist, otherwise quiet.
Jermain Defoe – 5
Didn’t do anything.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 6
Only on for about 2 minutes, should have been given the ball by Bale in our late, late attack.
COYS and COYW!!!
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