Hugo Lloris – A solid game from the Frenchman but he did not have much to deal with in the game. The two shots that beat him hit the woodwork. His distribution was average and was always quick off the mark.
Kyle Walker – A really good game as he was the best defender on the pitch. He kept Lens at bay in the second half and made some crucial interceptions in the first.
Ben Davies – A bad first half from the left back but he improved after the interval. His passing and positioning were subpar but his defending and tackling were decent enough.
Toby Alderweireld – He was the worst defender today as he looked totally vulnerable against Defoe’s pace and movement. The only positive for him was his play on the ball as he was not afraid to push forward and try the through ball.
Jan Vertonghen – He had a justified penalty shout in the first half that was not given. The Belgian was the better of the centre back pairing as he made a number of interceptions to keep Sunderland under pressure and his team on the front foot.
Eric Dier – A superb performance from the young Englishman as he looks more comfortable in the midfield with each game. He made some superb tackles and interceptions, and provided the much needed protection for the back four.
Ryan Mason – Man of the match for Tottenham as he pulled the strings in the midfield. His passing and movement were superb all game long. His effectiveness was not as much as he hoped in the first half but he created chances for his team in the second. His cross should have turned in by Kane who whiffed the ball. He took the matters into his own hands with a superbly built-up goal after which he was injured and subbed off.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Heung-Min Son – A forgettable debut for the South Korean as he played too centrally in my opinion. He could not get the space he wanted and the only chance he got from the cross of Kyle Walker was wasted.
Nacer Chadli – Another disappointment for Tottenham as he slowed the game down every time he touched the ball. His chipped passes were hit and miss and he only improved late on after the goal as he found more space in the attacking third.
Dele Alli – His first start for Spurs was not a bad one as he always kept moving and tried to create something. However, it was obvious that he was playing out of position and he could not open the tight Sunderland defence from the attacking midfielder position.
Harry Kane – He showed great work rate as he was all over the pitch but he missed another two glorious opportunities and looks like he is down on confidence at the moment. Hopefully, Christian Eriksen will return to the team and energise the Englishman.
Subs
Andros Townsend – A brilliant substitute performance from the winger as he kept running at Van Aarnholt and tried to create something for his team. He opened up the space for the central players and injected pace into the team.
Erik Lamela– This was a performance that every Spurs fan wanted to see from the Argentinean as he played superbly after coming on as a sub. He provided the assist to Mason after superb built-up play and he played some decent long balls to ease the pressure on his defenders as well.
Tom Carroll – A late cameo for the young midfielder but a decent one nonetheless as he shored up the midfield and played some good passes.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
