Player Ratings: Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham

The Lilywhites started their season in the best possible fashion as they secured an away win whilst keeping a clean sheet, in a tricky start away at Selhurst Park. It was Tottenham v Palace + Clattenburg on occasions, with the ref seeming to take a particular dislike to Gylfi Sigurdsson, but mustn’t moan! 3 points are in the bag and there were a lot of positives to take from the visit to Croydon.

Hugo Lloris – 8 – The Frenchman had an extremely solid afternoon, making a great save from Dikgacoi and rushing out of his goal to thwart Palace numerous times. A clean sheet was just desserts for a great performance.

Kyle Walker – 7 – Walker looked assured at the back and a threat going forward, linking up with Lennon well and contributing to the winning of the penalty.

Michael Dawson – 6 – As always, Daws showed immense leadership and passion as he led Tottenham to victory, 1 year after turning down a move to QPR to fight for his place, although at times his lack of pace showed him up and Lloris had to protect him.

Jan Vertonghen – 7 – Movement was limited by the injury he is evidently carrying but still proved a formidable wall to pass and was solid throughout.

Danny Rose – 7 – Effective offensively and was reasonably secure at the back, although I still think AVB should be looking to bring in a left-back before the window closes in a couple of weeks.

Paulinho – 8 – Was awarded man of the match by Niall Quinn – which says something, considering Quinn’s tangible hatred of Spurs for the whole game – for a tidy performance, looking to get on the ball and make things happen, as well as contributing defensively.

Mousa Dembele – 7 – A solid performance from the Belgian, shuffling the ball around in midfield and spreading the play to Lennon and Chadli regularly.

Aaron Lennon – 6 – The pace, the energy and the understanding is there, but his final ball was often awry. Covered well defensively and demonstrated a good partnership with Walker on the right flank.

Gylfi Sigurdsson – 6 – Toiled and toiled to create something but ultimately the Iceman struggled slightly in the role just off Soldado. Had a couple of decent opportunities but neither troubled Speroni as much as they should.

Nacer Chadli – 7 – The summer signing from FC Twente demonstrated willingness and skill, and when he cut in off the left flank he looked dangerous with a couple of probing long shots.

Roberto Soldado – 7 – Suffered from a lack of service which will only improve as he plays matches with the midfield and the understanding grows, but took his penalty excellently and that proved to be the difference on the day.

Substitutes

Etienne Capoue – 8 – The Frenchman, who only joined the club on Thursday, came off the bench and proved that he is not just here as a deputy to Sandro, completing 6 successful interceptions in 30 minutes and helping Tottenham counterattack when Palace overcommitted.

Jermain Defoe – 6 – Did well in holding the ball up and providing an outlet in the dying minutes, but should have scored when he put a 1-on-1 against Speroni agonisingly wide of the post.

Younes Kaboul – 6 – Great to see him back in action.

COYS!