Premier League player ratings: Tottenham Hotspur 1 – 1 Chelsea FC (Part 1)
Tottenham Hotspurs
Heurelho Gomes – 7
It was a strange game for the Brazilian goalkeeper who saved brilliantly to keep Palacios from the blushes of an own goal early on before he spilled a routine shot from Drogba for the Chelsea equaliser. However, Gomes turned hero once
again with the injury time penalty save on Drogba.
Alan Hutton – 7
Hutton did extremely well in containing the threat of Flourent Malouda with a series of crunching tackles. Even though Hutton forayed forward on regular basis, his final deliveries were far from perfect.
Michael Dawson – 8
The skipper on the night put in an inspired shift with some classy challenges and dealt with Chelsea forwards in what was an assured display. However, Dawson did lose Drogba for Chelsea equaliser in unfortunate circumstances.
Sebastien Bassong – 7
Tottenham defence was excellent last night and same foes for Bassong who put in a mature display alongside Dawson.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto – 6.5
The Cameroonian International had a decent outing against the Blues. While his attacking contribution was lacking, his was assured in defence until Drogba came on. However, Assou-Ekotto made one goal saving clearance on Sturridge in the
closing stages of the game.
Aaron Lennon – 7.5
Lennon’s pace and trickery was too much for Ashley Cole as he constantly got the better of Chelsea full back. But as it happens so frequently, Lennon’s final ball often left a lot to be desired. Should he manage to improve his crosses,
the diminutive forward will turn in to a world beater.
Wilson Palacios – 7
A real fighter in the middle of the park was Palacios. The Honduran’s astounding work-rate enables the likes of Modric and Bale the time on the ball they crave.
Luka Modric – 7
Palacios-Modric partnership is blossoming in to one of the finest midfield pairings in the Premier League as the two were on song last night. Modric adds silk to Palacios’ steel and kept things ticking for the Spurs in what was yet another
classy display.
Gareth Bale – 6
A lot was expected of the Welsh winger prior to the match but he could not make the same impact that is wildly expected of him as he struggled to go past his man.
Jermaine Defoe – 5.5
With Tottenham midfield dominating the proceedings, Defoe was expected to shine but that was not the case. The Three Lions’ forward had a quiet afternoon and came close to scoring only once when he dragged his shot wide early in the second
half. He was replaced with Crouch late in the game as Redknapp went for broke.
Roman Pavlychenko – 7
Brilliant turn and shot for the opener and continued to ask questions of Chelsea backline until he was substituted to a standing Ovation with 15 minutes to go.
Substitutes:
Peter Crouch – 6
The lanky England International replaced the ineffective Defoe and added a different dimension to Spurs attack with his aerial presence. However, he failed to create any opening for his team as Chelsea dominated the proceedings later in
the second half.
Robbie Keane – 5
Keane was brought on for Pavlychenko but he hardly touched the ball.
Sandro
The Brazilian was introduced for the injured Palacios in dying stages of the game and had no real time to make an impact.
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