I know that I have been away for a considerable time and I have note been posting anything. This is due to several factors which are now behind me. So here I am and at a most convenient time. I greet you all with A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. Indeed yesterday’s game was A HAPPY event. An improved Spurs team over the last few games managed to make the impossible possible. I lost my voice last night from cheering the lads who were magnificent. My player ratings are :

Hugo Lloris

Didn’t have a chance with any of the goals and produced a fantastic save from Azpilicueta to keep the score at 4-2 – marshalled his defence well and was confident with the high ball. 8/10

Kyle Walker

Had a really rough afternoon. Terrible in possession, giving the ball away on numerous occasions, and struggled with the potent threat of Eden Hazard. 4

Federico Fazio

A costly error to give the ball away in the build-up to the second goal but stood up well to the physical challenge Costa posed. 6

Jan Vertonghen

Classy in possession and never out of control, Vertonghen produced one of his best displays of the season – the partnership with Fazio has become a real strength for Pochettino. 8

Danny Rose

Showed fantastic desire to score the second goal, bursting forward to bury the rebound. Was beaten all ends up for the Chelsea opener but grew in confidence. 7

Ryan Mason

Picked up an injury early on and lasted just 10 minutes. N/A

Nabil Bentaleb

Hassled and harried the Chelsea midfielders all evening, and showed class on the ball. An excellent, understated performance. 8

Andros Townsend

Did his defensive work well but didn’t offer much threat going forward, though his penalty was superb. 7

Christian Eriksen

Drifts in and out of games but has genuine class when given the time and space to show it off; might be a luxury player but Spurs can afford it because of Harry Kane’s work rate. 8

Nacer Chadli

A goal and an assist for the winger who worked hard and made the right decisions when presented with the opportunity. 8

Harry Kane

An absolutely brilliant performance from a player who now has a legitimate claim to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League. Terry and Cahill will not have a harder game this season. 9

Mousa Dembele

An excellent performance even if it took him three minutes to get his boots on. Like Bentaleb, he never gave the Chelsea midfield time to play. 8

 

COYS

Spurs4everever