Norwich 0 – Tottenham 2: Player Ratings

My head was in the clouds for this game (literally) as I was in the midst of a three hour cross-country flight when Spurs took the pitch against Norwich City. Through the wonders of modern technology I was able to record the game on my DVR and watch it very late at night, so I offer my apologies of none of this makes any sense. Spurs seemed to be in a post Christmas hangover in the first half but sufficiently recovered in the second half to record a 2-0 win. I thought the effort defensively was brilliant as I have seen many teams this season have trouble controlling Norwich at times. Spurs had no such problems and once Bale knocked in the first goal at the 67 minute mark it was over for Norwich as they could not muster anything resembling an attack. Now on to the ratings!

Friedel 7: Big Brad recorded his 6th clean sheet of the season but wasn’t given much to do only having to make two saves. I though he had great command of the box and distributed the ball well.

Walker 6.5: Defensively the youthfully exuberant fullback was solid recording a team leading 6 tackles using his speed to get to his man in space. He was the main outlet for attacking moves down the right side getting forward often but his crossing was poor. Walker has a very bright future once he adds a few facets to his game.

Gallas 6.5: Looked a little unsure of himself and perhaps a step slow at times but recovered with a fine second half. Will probably be relegated to 4th or 5th choice when King and Dawson are both healthy. Even at his age a solid player to have in reserve.

Kaboul 7: Played well in his first game back after suspension and injury. Even had a few charges going forward with the ball.

BAE 6: Played better than he did versus Chelsea but wasn’t vintage Benny. Perhaps he is a little tired being the only outfield player to start in every league match. It may be wise to give Rose a start or two to keep him fresh.

Modric 7: Another outstanding match completing 95% of his passes. He was dispossessed a few times but that’s because he isn’t afraid to mix it up in the middle. Do you think he is happy he did not go to Chelsea now?

Sandro 7: Was not as beastly as he was versus Chelsea but did not need to be. The Brazilian is a top defensive mid who I think could be a nightmare for teams if given a box to box role.

Parker 7: Scotty wore the captains armband again and put in another solid shift locking down the middle of the park with his samba brother.

Bale 8.5 (MOTM): Gareth was lined up all over the place as Tottenham was fluid moving forward interchanging all the attacking players freely. Did his damage scoring two goals in the middle though and not from his customary left wing position.

Van der Vaart 7: Probably played about as well as he can from the right wing position. He drifted into the middle enough to see plenty of the ball and was very responsible tracking back defensively which was something we don’t often see.

Adebayor 6.5: Showed great ability to hold up the ball assisting in Bale’s first goal. I thought at times he did not work as hard as he could to get to some balls but to be honest he was very isolated at times. All in all a good effort for the Manchester City loanee.

Subs-

Rose 6: Came on in the 72nd minute, nothing much to talk about though. As mentioned above probably should get a start or two to keep BAE fresh he has the ability to play at a high level as we saw at the end of last season.

Kranjcar N.R. : Late sub. I feel really bad for Niko. I think he has the skill to be an impactful player for us but can never get on the pitch. He deserves a chance or two especcialy with Lennon being out.