- Jul 28, 2004
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- A very adventurous, attacking line up which promised more flair and fluidity than it delivered.
- We've finally figured out what to do with our 6ft 5 centre forward.
- Great to see both Lamela and Wanyama get substantial game time.
- We started very well but lost our way a touch, the conditions contributed, but showed our mettle in pushing for that killer second goal right to the end.
- The Swansea fans really love booing an English player don't they?
Tripper put in a couple of nice passes and crosses, I don't remember Swansea particularly exposing him either despite seeming to have the beating of his the few occasions that they did attack him.
Sanchez had a nightmare, was lucky not to get sent off, gave the ball away dangerously a few times and generally struggled. About a minute before he was hauled off, I texted my dad saying 'Sanchez needs to come off for Wanyama'.
Vertonghen, when those around him had lost composure, kept his. Mopped everything up in his usual collected way, distributed well on the whole and continued instilling confidence. Lead by example yet again.
Davies seemed the most likely to be exposed without doing anything particularly wrong. He just didn't do too much to capture the imagination either bar one lovely run into their area. I do like how committed her is in his challenges on a night that definitely required some old fashioned grit.
Dier was fine first half as the one man anchor behind a very creative attack, second half could have done with some help once they changed formation. Used his pace very well on a few occasions and dropped back comfortable to centre back when Sanchez was withdrawn.
Lamela produced a mixed performance, some nice moments of composure and class, some moments where he seemed like he could be more resolute and also took the easy option a bit too often. Nice to see him dribbling a fair bit though and he'll only improve as he finds his rhythm.
Dele was our best player, he was positive and constantly tried to make things happen. Some quick feet on a few occasions and nice link up play with those around him, a well deserved goal too. Great to see him pick the ball outside his own area, play it to Kane and run 70 odd yards to score. Constantly mucked in with the midfield and showed for the ball. Kept his cool under yet another constant barrage of bad challenges (for which there would be outcry had he committed them).
Eriksen was also very good, his constant probing and passing, taking the ball in tight areas and knitting together of our play was integral to our control over the game. Also, it appears he has finally learnt how to take a set piece. Great assist for Llorente and many other good free kicks, including his one direct opportunity.
Son disappointed me, it was his worst in a while. He was his usual energetic self but his touch was off and he seemed to make poor choices throughout.
Llorente scored. Offside perhaps but it was a great header nonetheless under pressure from Fernandez. He will never be the most mobile or involved but it was pleasing to see him drop back and support the midfield several times, play some nice one touch football and look more purposeful generally in trying to get into scoring positions.
Wanyama looked like he'd never been out. Strong, manful and powerful when defending, and generally tidy passing with one very nice release down the right. My how I've missed the big galoot.
Kane barely touched the ball for about 20 minutes, then got into the game, offered a good outlet a few times and set free Dele for his goal with a Hoddlesque pass.
Sissoko came on, had one run down the right.
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