- Jul 28, 2004
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Lloris had little to do but his presence is a constant assurance for any defenders in front of him.
Naughton tried and was neat in possession but he gave away too many fouls throughout. Our new young fourth choice centre back is most certainly ahead of him as back up right back on current evidence.
Kaboul was solid, won everything and looks to be getting fitter and more confident.
Chiriches did not look like a man returning from injury. Good on the ball, good off it. Not sure he's here much longer but I do like him.
Davies was very impressive in both directions. Looks a very able player. With Rose improving too, it looks like we have a decent battle on for the left back slot.
Sandro was generally good (one sloppy pass aside) and for a man recovering from injury he looked fairly sharp, but he seems to have lost a yard of pace which means that he's coming off second best in situations that he used to dominate. I hope this is to just rustiness but, if he stays, I think he'll have some trouble getting back in.
Dembele was composed and looked to drive forward more than we're used to, and seemed to take responsibility throughout. Pretty happy, think he's one who has loads to offer if Pochettino taps into his enormous talent.
Townsend tried very hard, showed constantly and always wanted to do something positive, but he made a few poor decisions and lack in end product. Talent is there, but needs work.
Paulinho was very impressive, and if he can carry this kind of performance into more difficult fixtures then he'll be a serious candidate for the there AMs. The freedom of playing in that position certainly suited him and his passing, dribbling and goal threat was intelligent, aware and productive throughout. My man of the match.
Lennon played very well in my opinion. Involved far more than usual, good off the ball, offered a genuine goal threat and was purposeful (which is something that's lacked for ages). Like Paulinho and Dembele, if he can transfer this to harder fixtures then he's genuine competition for the three AMs. Like Dembele, the ingredients are there, if Pochettino can tap into them then he's a very useful player to have. Unlucky not to score with the chip, and attempted some lovely passes even if they didn't all succeed.
Kane I just can't help but like. Penalty was predictable but he picked himself up, continued playing well and working hard and scored a lovely goal. His passing, hold up play and work rate are all top class, and for a guy who's not that quick he gets many chances which is testament to his intelligence and movement. Once his finishing sharpens up (which it will with experience) he'll be a huge threat. Superb pass for Paulinho too in the build up to the Lennon chip.
Very happy. This was a second string XI and it performed very well, not just as individuals but as a unit, against a side who might be low quality but aren't as bad as one might think (they certainly looked better than QPR). Nobody played poorly and off the ball all pressed and fought and moved as they should. Not sure who was in the shop window and who is being given a chance to show they are first team ready, but I enjoyed that match a lot.
Naughton tried and was neat in possession but he gave away too many fouls throughout. Our new young fourth choice centre back is most certainly ahead of him as back up right back on current evidence.
Kaboul was solid, won everything and looks to be getting fitter and more confident.
Chiriches did not look like a man returning from injury. Good on the ball, good off it. Not sure he's here much longer but I do like him.
Davies was very impressive in both directions. Looks a very able player. With Rose improving too, it looks like we have a decent battle on for the left back slot.
Sandro was generally good (one sloppy pass aside) and for a man recovering from injury he looked fairly sharp, but he seems to have lost a yard of pace which means that he's coming off second best in situations that he used to dominate. I hope this is to just rustiness but, if he stays, I think he'll have some trouble getting back in.
Dembele was composed and looked to drive forward more than we're used to, and seemed to take responsibility throughout. Pretty happy, think he's one who has loads to offer if Pochettino taps into his enormous talent.
Townsend tried very hard, showed constantly and always wanted to do something positive, but he made a few poor decisions and lack in end product. Talent is there, but needs work.
Paulinho was very impressive, and if he can carry this kind of performance into more difficult fixtures then he'll be a serious candidate for the there AMs. The freedom of playing in that position certainly suited him and his passing, dribbling and goal threat was intelligent, aware and productive throughout. My man of the match.
Lennon played very well in my opinion. Involved far more than usual, good off the ball, offered a genuine goal threat and was purposeful (which is something that's lacked for ages). Like Paulinho and Dembele, if he can transfer this to harder fixtures then he's genuine competition for the three AMs. Like Dembele, the ingredients are there, if Pochettino can tap into them then he's a very useful player to have. Unlucky not to score with the chip, and attempted some lovely passes even if they didn't all succeed.
Kane I just can't help but like. Penalty was predictable but he picked himself up, continued playing well and working hard and scored a lovely goal. His passing, hold up play and work rate are all top class, and for a guy who's not that quick he gets many chances which is testament to his intelligence and movement. Once his finishing sharpens up (which it will with experience) he'll be a huge threat. Superb pass for Paulinho too in the build up to the Lennon chip.
Very happy. This was a second string XI and it performed very well, not just as individuals but as a unit, against a side who might be low quality but aren't as bad as one might think (they certainly looked better than QPR). Nobody played poorly and off the ball all pressed and fought and moved as they should. Not sure who was in the shop window and who is being given a chance to show they are first team ready, but I enjoyed that match a lot.