Well, that wasn't supposed to happen. We should have scored 3 in the first half and then were thoroughly outplayed until the 80th minute in the second half. On the bright side, Arsenal have to face this squad also late in the season. Once again, we need a little help to achieve top 4 and the Chelsea game is more important than ever but there's still hope.
Hugo Lloris- 7
He did everything asked of him and had some nervy moments but stayed big when it mattered on Kone.
Kyle Walker- 5.5
Provided support going forward and should have been given the ball more often wide on the right. Caught out of position a few times but a decent performance.
Jan Vertonghen- 4
Lost Boyce on the first and was slow to help Naughton on the second but made some crucial challenges. He didn't venture forward as much as he could have and had been recently. Not the best showing from the Belgian.
Michael Dawson- 5
Nothing special, did his job and put in a shift for the team.
Kyle Naughton- 3
Should not start again, especially since we look stronger with BAE out there. Got turned on the 2nd and did not contribute much offensively aside from the one nice cross to Bale.
Scott Parker- 2
He's awful. Adds nothing to this team. He needs to be sold this summer. When employing a 4-3-3 with Huddlestone, there is no room for Parkers lack of mobility, passing and overall offensive ability.
Huddlestone- 8
In an ode to the NFL Draft going on, he is a top round quarterback (or as my Eagles just took in the 4th round, Matt Barkley). The offence went through him and he did a strong job distributing ahead of him. His lack of mobility is masked by how deep he plays and aside from the Chelsea game, should be along with Mousa, the first two written into the midfield.
Mousa Dembele- Incomplete
I hope it isn't too serious, he looked strong on the ball and looked to get forward while on and his presence was missed after he left the field. If he is out then Gylfi is a more similar replacement than Holtby is.
Gareth Bale- 6
Lucky on the first goal and disappeared until the 80th minute. At one point, the commentators said that he was instructed to play further out wide by AVB and the next second, hes dropping to midfield in the dead centre of the park?
Dempsey- 5
He runs his legs off for the team but just didn't have a good touch today and lacked that opportunity to influence the game. He is a poacher and the team didn't create many opportunities for him today.
Defoe- 5.5
He's getting back into form, touch was just a tad too strong but made some nice runs and got himself into good positions to threaten. Should have put one or two in.
Substitutes
Lewis Holtby- 6.5
I love this guy. He runs himself into the ground for the club, puts a foot into every challenge and is intelligent with the ball. Was hoping that he got a foot to that 2nd goal to break his duck with Spurs. He is a perfect long term replacement for Scott Parker and should be starting ahead of him now, especially with Huddlestone. Isn't a great fit as a Dembele replacement since their games are not similar but still was resourceful out there.
Benoit Assou Ekotto- 5.5
He added another crossing dimension although not many of them got through. He helped add width to the team and energy but did not have enough time to really put his mark on the game. He should be starting over Naughton and the back 4 looks much more comfortable and cohesive with him.
Aaron Lennon- 6
Combined with Walker well to provide a wide threat on the right side of the pitch. I am interested in seeing if we stick with a 4-3-3 with his return or a 4-4-2 as it looked like we moved to when he came on. Good to have him back, he is someone that you need to focus on and identify when hes on the pitch and we are a much more dangerous squad with him.
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Marc A. Ashed
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Fair assessment but BAE is weak defender
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