It’s genuinely quite hard to keep objective after such an unbelievable game and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who woke up this morning still wondering how we didn’t get a point out of it. If Wigan balanced out an agonising loss against Everton we’ll need a dozen more to restore the equilibrium that Spurs disrupted.
Schwarzer – 6, really wasn’t tested at all, I can’t remember a proper save or problem to deal with apart from for Spurs’ first goal, which would be harsh to attribute to Schwarzer.
Baird – 6, was part of a centre back pairing which kept Spurs forward players quiet all game but was done all ends up for Lennon’s goal which killed us a bit, in terms of the task ahead of us anyway.
Hangeland – 7.5, dominated at the back, both in physical battles and defending along the ground, and caused trouble at set pieces including for our goal. Very impressive display. Overally actually we defended well, Spurs had just three dangerous attacks (from which they converted) and none of them came from sustained pressure,rather pacey counters.
Grygera – 6, again like Baird had a solid game, Bale didn’t really trouble him but was done totally by the one-two for that Lennon goal. As soon as he got tight to Lennon there would be trouble. Hopefully his injury is not too bad but it looks it.
Riise – 5.5, was a really poor decision to dive into the tackle against Walker and that could have been avoided. Asides from that didn’t look particuarly steady all game. His position must really be under threat from Briggs now.
Murphy – 7, usually when you come up against Parker and Modric in midfield you wouldn’t expect to dominate it but that’s exactly what both Murphy and Sidwell did. Murphy sprayed the ball about with typical aplomb and made a number of clever interceptions. Not sure why he was taken off.
Sidwell – 7, dominated alongside Murphy although he took a little longer to get into the game. Doesn’t have the ability that Murphy has but offers mobility and energy which is all important in a style like this from midfield. I commented at the beginning of Jol’s reign how Carrick and Jenas were a midfield pairing used quite often under him at Spurs and how Sidwell and Murphy could be similarly successful and work in the same way. Looks like it’s turning out like that.
Dempsey – 7, like Sidwell took a while to become a major influence in the game, that chance in the first half aside which he really should have scored, but in the second half played very very well, with some dangerous runs and good technical play, although I would have liked to have seen him attack the ball in the air a bit more. Really unfortunate not to score but for that Ledley King block.
Duff – 6.5, busy as always, and always hinted at a threat although didn’t particuarly deliver one.
Dembele – 7.5, had a marvellous game defensively first and foremost, he started many attacks just by tracking back and using his strength, balance and quick feet to win the ball off players, and now he’s starting to put some decent performances together which is good to see. If he finds that consistency he could be a really fantastic player.
Zamora – 7, there had been some concern among Fulham fans that Zamora hadn’t been quite there with regards to his touch this season but I think this performance alleviated it. Almost every ball up to him stuck and that marvellous chest control, which had almost become the signature characteristic of his play, was put to good use. Worked incredibely hard too, although didn’t particuarly have any great goal scoring chances. Still, threatened a few times and forced Friedel into a save when he burst into the area.
~Subs~
Kelly – 6.5, came on at half time and had a good game, no defensive troubles and a few enthusiastic runs forward, although I would have liked to have seen him go to the byline to stretch play a bit more especially when we were deep in the Spurs area.
Ruiz – 6.5, slowly but surely his class is coming to the fore after a difficult few opening games. The subtelty of the touch is enough to tell you he is really good but he has vision and ability to pull off some outstanding passes, like the one for Dempsey soon after he came on. Might be worth a start soon.
Etuhu – 6, can only presume he was brought on to give us more of a threat with high balls in the box but did nothing really apart from cause a bit of confusion in the box in that late goalmouth scramble, in fact I think it was a ball up to him which initated it.
Dembele? 7.5? WHAT?! He played pretty football all game but was ultimately ineffective as usual, his contribution was pathetic. I would have much rather seen him come off for Ruiz, at least Duff has a powerful shot.
Spurs fan here. Just want to say you played brilliantly, and I am amazed you got nothing out of the game. One thing for sure, you carry on playing like that you will definately be top half of table .
martin jol will come good(from a spurs fan)