The Lilywhites missed out on Champions League football next year despite a late victory at home to Sunderland in a game which Spurs dominated from the outset. Eventually, the win was sealed by another Gareth Bale wonder-strike, not too dissimilar from his winner at home to Southampton. It has been a tremendous season – 72 points despite the natural changes of a new manager – and whilst there is evident disappointment right now, it is clear that Spurs are on the up.
Hugo Lloris – 8
Didn’t put a foot wrong, made a couple of smart saves from Graham and Wickham and was comfortable at set pieces.
Kyle Walker – 6
Played well although he ultimately didn’t produce too much going forward. Not much defending to do.
Michael Dawson – 7
Strong against Graham and altogether led the team well, although he shouldn’t have let Graham past in one of the 1-on-1s.
Jan Vertonghen – 8
Brilliant as ever.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto – 5
Needs to be sold. Too much of a risk-taker and doesn’t offer as much as he used to offensively.
Scott Parker – 6
Not really a bad performance within his capabilities, but going forward, lacking as usual.
Tom Huddlestone – 7
Barely misplaced a pass and spread play well.
Aaron Lennon – 6
Saw plenty of the ball without ever creating too much with it, unlucky not to score in the period of the game where nothing was going in for us.
Gareth Bale – 8
Capped off a truly outstanding season with a truly outstanding goal, worthy of being the last goal of the season.
Clint Dempsey – 6
Worked hard without having that much of an impact.
Emmanuel Adebayor – 6
Led the line reasonably well, got involved and linked up with the midfield.
Substitutes:
Mousa Dembele – 6
Didn’t have that much of an impact on the game.
Jermain Defoe – 5
Anonymous
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 5
Again, did nothing.
Whilst at this precise moment it might not feel like it, it has been a tremendous season for Spurs, with our record Premier League points tally. If we strengthen next year with a striker, a creative midfielder and a full-back, then I see no reason why we can’t challenge for greater honours than merely top 4.
COYS!