Another battling performance from the boys today. Here’s how they rated this afternoon at White Hart Lane:
Schwarzer: Didn’t really have as much to do as he might have expected today but he produced one world class save to turn a Lennon volley around the post. 7
Pantsil: Solid at right back again. Did well to keep David Bentley quiet and brought the ball forward with intent. Still loses the ball in dangerous positions and must work on his crossing. 6
Konchesky: Early on it looked like Aaron Lennon was going to enjoy his afternoon against Konchesky having skipped past him twice. But Konchesky stuck to his task manfully and produced a professional performance at left back. 7
Hughes: In the absence of Hangeland, it was vital that Hughes stepped up to the plate – and he did. Looked confident alongside his international colleague and produced one great block to deny Pavlyuchenko an immediate impact. 7
Baird: No doubt he was the stand out performer. He’s taken some fearful stick from some ‘fans’ since he joined from Southampton but he looks much more assured at centre back. So supreme in the air was the Northern Irish international that we didn’t really miss Hangeland and his determination to get out and block a late Modric shot typified his great display. 8
Bullard: Looked his usual lively self before he was forced off with a suspected hamstring strain. If it is a hamstring strain, he’ll be missing for Chelsea on Sunday now. 6
Murphy: Would have been desperate to put in a good performance on his return to White Hart Lane and he did. Comfortable enough in the restrained midfield role, Murphy took on Bullard’s mantle after his colleague went off injured and added a bit of impetus to our attack with some perceptive passes. 7
Dempsey: Typically aggressive performance from the American. Signalled his intentions with an early snapshot from the edge of the box and was unlucky not to open the scoring with an athletic bicycle kick. 7
Davies: Another off-colour performance from the Welshman. He swapped wings with Dempsey to try and get into the game more but isn’t showing the sort of form that took him to such great heights last season. It was a surprise that he lasted as long as he did. 5
Zamora: Huffed and puffed and tried his best but didn’t really offer more than a lot of hard work up front. Missed a decent chance on the stretch in the first half but, then, with his strike rate, is that really such a surprise? 6
A. Johnson: Was a willing runner all afternoon but will be very disappointed not to have tucked away that late chance and taken all three points back to west London. AJ firing on all cyclinders would have buried it, although – with some people still claiming he goes down at the slightest invitation – we should note that could have gone to ground after Ledley King’s challenge. 6
Subs:
Etuhu: Consumate performance from Etuhu. Was unlucky not to score with a rising drive that wrongfooted Gomes but his hunger to work to win the ball back and his positional sense were pleasing. 6
Nevland: Wasn’t really given enough time to make a real impact – but did produce one storming run and cross in injury time. 6
