Gylfi Sigurdsson Scores Two In Tottenham Win Over Norwich

Tottenham had a comfortable and deserved win over Norwich with Gylfi Sigurdsson scoring two goals, one in each half of a match which Spurs totally dominated and could have won by a much greater score. Tottenham with 9 points are second behind their near neighbours.

Christian Eriksen had an encouraging debut against Norwich? [Picture: @edgey654]Tottenham Hotspur 2 Norwich City 0
Scorer: Sigurdsson (2)
Team: Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Rose; Paulinho, Eriksen (Holtby) Dembele; Townsend (Lamela), Soldado, Sigurdsson (Sandro) Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Kaboul, Defoe

Tottenham started with Christain Eriksen and Gylfi Sigurdsson in midfield – two changes from the team which lost at Arsenal.

Tottenham took control from the kick-off and never relinquished that command throughout the ninety minutes. Spurs showed a much greater intent to get forward quickly and be creative in the final third of the pitch.

Spurs made a lively opening with Gylfi Sigurdsson firing over in the first minute. Andros Townsend was next to,try his luck from distance with a shot which went past the post. Spurs continued in a similar vein throughout the half with the Norwich goalkeeper, John Ruddy saving from Roberto Soldado.

Christian Eriksen started in a central midfield role, playing just behind Soldado but frequently was up in support of the striker. With Tottenham’s continuous possession and pressure, Norwich never threatened having to spend most of their time with all ten players behind the ball. Their occasional forays forward came when Tottenham gave the ball away from a misplaced pass and the back four dealt with these comfortably.

Spurs kept Norwich penned in their own half with Townsend a constant danger as were the overlapping full backs. Eriksen linked well with Soldado looking to create a scoring opportunity for him. The closest Spurs came to a goal was when Rose found Eriksen whose shot was blocked by Ruddy. Soldado with his back to goal, back-heeled the loose ball but a combination of post and defender of the line denied Spurs once again.

Sebastian Bassong put in a great block as Norwich held on but the break through came after 28 minutes when Soldado fed Eriksen on the edge of the area who played the ball to Sigurdsson coming in from the left to rifle a shot across the goalkeeper and into the net.

Spurs were deservedly ahead and Norwich’s only dangerous moment before the interval was cleared when Rose got across after Nathan Redmond put in a great cross from the left. His challenge in the area was vital to put off the advancing Norwich striker.

The second half continued with with Spurs dictating play and they added a second after 49 minutes which their supremacy deserved. Paulinho got forward on the right and played a cross into the area where Sigurdsson pounced to score his second.

Spurs continued to press forward and could have added to their goals but for some last-ditch clearances. Sigurdsson was denied a hat-trick by an outstanding save by Ruddy and Bassong again rescued Norwich with a vital clearance. Townsend was also denied as Spurs looked to increase their advantage.

Norwich provided little threat and Hugo Lloris was only required to clear a few crosses which he did competently although he was booked when adjudged to have come out of his area when punching clear.

Eriksen had a very bright debut being involved in much of what was good about Spurs. He was replaced by Lewis Holtby with twenty minutes left. Sandro came on for Sigurdsson and Erik Lamela made an appearance for the final ten minutes in place of Townsend.

An encouraging performance from Spurs who displayed a much more creative side to their game against a Norwich team bereft of ideas. It was a much different game to the past two seasons when Norwich outplayed Spurs for much of the games at White Hart Lane.