Harry Kane, Nabil Benaleb and Jan Vertonghen excel as Spurs climb above Everton to seventh in the Premier League table.
SEE ALSO:
Mirallas goal video.
Eriksen goal video.
Soldado goal video.
Tottenham Hotspur ended Everton’s eight-game unbeaten run by defeating the Toffees 2-1 at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Everton took the lead through a stunning Kevin Mirallas strike from 25 yards on the quarter-hour, but Christian Eriksen levelled the scores six minutes later with a lobbed rebound after Harry Kane’s stinging shot had been spilled by Tim Howard.
Roberto Soldado then scored his first Premier League goal of the season in first-half stoppage time with a calm finish that proved to be the winner.
Here’s how Mauricio Pochettino’s men rated at White Hart Lane:
GK: Hugo Lloris – 7/10
The Frenchman made two superb stops to keep out Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman, either side of Mirallas’s wondergoal.
RB: Vlad Chiriches – 6/10
Very sharp and lively going forward. Still produced a few moments to worry his side defensively though, including a short back-pass, which forced Lloris to race out of his penalty area and pinch the ball off Lukaku’s toes. With a yellow card hanging over his head, Chiriches was replaced by Eric Dier on 69 minutes.
LB: Ben Davies – 7/10
Defended narrowly and positioned himself very well as Everton were kept frustrated in the final third.
CB: Federico Fazio – 6/10
The Argentina international, who is notoriously slow, really seemed to enjoy playing in a deep backline. However, he was lucky not to concede a late penalty for handball.
CB: Jan Vertonghen – 8/10
Thrived in the role of Tottenham’s defensive leader, with Younes Kaboul still out injured.
RM: Aaron Lennon – 6/10
Full of energy. Provided good cover for Chiriches when the Romanian ventured upfield. Lennon came off to make way for Erik Lamela on the hour.
LM: Christian Eriksen – 7/10
Playing on the left is clearly not where Eriksen wants to be, but he did a good job there. His chipped finish for Tottenham’s equaliser was top drawer.
CM: Ryan Mason – 7/10
Produced a few too many stray passes, but his combative spirit and workrate were very impressive. Went close with a first-time shot from distance.
Nabil Bentaleb – 8/10
Very classy display on his first start in four weeks. Bossed the midfield with power, precision and composure
AM: Harry Kane – 9/10
Playing in the number 10 role in a 4-4-1-1 formation, Kane excelled. He launched countless counter-attacks with his powerful and direct dribbles from deep. He played key roles in both of Tottenham’s goals – firing in the shot which created the rebound for Eriksen, and winning back possession with a determined slide tackle in the build-up to Soldado’s goal.
Roberto Soldado – 7/10
Ended his eight-game goal drought with a surprisingly confident finish when one-on-one with Tim Howard. His overall link-up play was not quite as hot as it has been in recent weeks, but he fully deserved the standing ovation he received on 81 minutes when he was subbed off for Paulinho.
Subs:
Erik Lamela – 5/10
Too weak. Looked intimidated by a few of Everton’s big boys.
Eric Dier – 7/10
Did not venture anywhere near Everton’s half, but he did a solid job at the back. Spurs looked much more secure after he replaced Chiriches.
Paulinho – 6/10
Gave Spurs a bit more muscle in the middle for the final 10 minutes.
