Firstly we had 5 out of 6 shots on target, 8 blocked shots and 66% of the possession.
However our passing was a staggering 89% and tackling an impressive 82%, not bad for a team still looking to find their feet.
As I have already published a piece about Lamela I will not go on about his dazzling runs and the fact that he was the difference last night.
We saw the return of Capoue and Kaboul, two big figures on the pitch, both of which will be needed in the coming games. Capoue did not put in a performance as good as his last (before injury), but he is building his fitness again. Kaboul was solid throughout and deserved his armband
Other than Lamela there was not much to talk about in the first half. We took full advantage of the holes on the right hand side and pumped most of the play through him.
Dembele was also not looking at his best, but considering he has not been starting you could forgive him the few rusty challenges and balls.
The surprise for me was Naughton, he did make some mistakes, however he looked the most confident I have seen in a Spurs shirt. Yes it was against lower opposition (but you need this sort of game to get your feet under the table).
Defoe struggled for most of the game as Sheriff defended well for parts, by simply loading their own box up. It was difficult for any striker to do much in that position.
I was glad to see Defoe get his 23 European goal, however I am sad to see Martin's legacy broken (I mean you could not get two strikers that are more different)
There were few chances created again (and yes this is not ideal), however I feel that this is all part of AVB's bigger plan. Defensively this season we have been outstanding and with a solid foundation you can then begin to build. With Lamela hopefully now finding his feet and Townsend playing exceptionally well I would hope that we have the wingers on both flanks that can truly stretch the play. In the centre of midfield we have Paulinho, Sandro and Dembele bossing the middle with power and grace.
Isa’s goal was a bad lapse in concentration by Walker, but he had worked well on that right hand side with Lamela. As we won I won’t go on about it too much.
A big well done to the lads, it wasn't great football to watch throughout, but I have never seen a Tottenham side so capable of grinding out results. Under Harry we were good, but under AVB there seems to be new found confidence and that missing edge.
More of it lads 4 in 4 for the Europa league and only 1 goal conceded, even better qualified for the knockout stages with two games left. As Punch and Judy always say.... "Thats the way to do it!".
COYS!!!
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