PLAYER RATINGS: Huddersfield 0-4 Tottenham

Spurs won comfortably away from home yet again: 4 – 0 this time.

Three goals from Kane (2) and Davies in the first quarter of the match put Spurs in the clear. Sissoko scored a fourth at the death. Prior to this game, Huddersfield had let in only three all season! Early goals had been a luxury Spurs had not afforded themselves in recent Premiership games and what a difference it makes to their ambition and authority on the ball.

Bless Huddersfield! I hope they scramble a place and stay up. Of course, you could say they were naïve – actually playing like they were the home team! But the openness and high press they played with invited Spurs in.

But that’s because we’re familiar with those gnarled old British managers who play with cynical pragmatism. You know who you are. Your greatest compliment to a player is: he knew his job. You fine any player who ventures over the halfway line. And when someone says ‘the game’s about glory’, you ask for a translation!

Second half, Huddersfield did shut the game down and Spurs, so comfortable, did the same. Nevertheless, the Huddersfield crowd were magnificent throughout.

This is the first time this season Spurs have looked like the best team in the Prem over the past two seasons and worthy challengers this time out to the likes of Man City. All ships benefit from a rising tide and these scores reflect a brilliant team performance to which all contributed.

Lloris – 8

Started the game positively and, if anything, went safety first. When he plays like this, the whole team seems to gain confidence.

Trippier – 8

Both wide players looked back to their best, effective at the back, athletic and dangerous going forward. For his assist this time, Trips added a headed cross – just for variety’s sake.

Davies – 9

No, not just because he scored though his goal illustrated the benefits of playing three at the back – to get into that position on a breakaway. Even took some good corners which the genius Eriksen can’t seem to manage! Another strong performance. (I won’t say nasty things about Rosey!)

Alderweireld – 8

Faultless.

Sanchez – 7

He is going to be an absolute monster of a defender for us. Still early days because he’s young. Could have given away a pen, tackled a ball straight into the danger area. Not yet the finished article.

Vertonghen – 8

Faultless (and charming attempts to add his own brand gung-ho attacking to our forward line options).

Dier – 8

For me, a much improved performance. He seemed to relish taking responsibility as the senior midfielder. Like him best when he’s hunting in packs … on his own! Good awareness, our main threat on corners. I think Poch has asked him to play higher?

Winks – 7

Really looked the part. Always tidy. At his best when he runs or seeks out an incisive ball.

Dele – 7

A game littered with mistakes and lost possession but I was pleased with him. He showed ambition throughout and wasn’t driven out of the game. I love it when he dances and tries the outrageous. There’s a brilliant analysis of his season on Spursweb which shows the biggest difference this year is the number of times he’s fouled. Certainly he’s brought down constantly by defenders, foul or no foul. He will divide fans yet again: yellow card for simulation, brilliant work in the box, resulting in a shot off the post.

Eriksen – 7

Looked brilliant. Didn’t impact particularly on the game. Given a post viral rest on the hour.

Kane – 10

I’m giving him ten again and anyone who says ‘maybe perhaps a strong 8’ can just eff off! His opening twenty minutes must have been terrifying for any watching defenders, whether they play professional football or not! Yes, of course, he went off the boil second half, no service or urgency, and, of course, he was guilty of being selfish once or twice – he’ll never get criticised for that by me. Greatness.

Subs

Sissoko, Son and Walker-Peters (nice to see him) all came on and did well. Sissoko actually scored! But he managed to do even that in the clumsiest way possible. But, hey, good luck to him. It’ll do him the power of good.