Erik steals the points
For all of Swansea's effort Spurs had the one trait they lacked when it mattered most. Killer composure. Here we are once more basking in yet another glorious away day three-point steal from Mauricio Pochettino's team. We never gave up even if our players gave away so much when it came to defending aptitude. It was far from comfortable and there were moments when I wondered if perdition rather than perfection would be the games concluding outcome yet Tottenham displayed character, accepted good fortune and kept on digging deep until a chance presented itself.
No surprise that our great Dane continued his form as our new game-changer, bailing us out much like Gareth did on so many occasions. Christian Eriksen with another textbook finish. No red-card bonus needed this time. We grafted for it with the eternally industrious Harry Kane setting us on our way with a headed goal early in the game before Wilfried Bony equalised minutes into the second half. Ben Davies also impressive through-out. Kyle Walker slowly found his rhythm and controlled the threat from Jefferson Montero. Just some of the key positives from our showing.
The negatives?
Jan Vertonghen and Federico Fazio had a combined wobble leaving a fair few gaps at the back that set a rather ominous tone to the tempo of the game. We had most of the ball and pushed forward with intent but when Gary Monk's side countered they had ample opportunities to punish us. The gaps at the back big enough to park a fair few buses. Offering space to the likes of Bony over and over again is akin to slapping a rattlesnack. You're gonna get bitten. Hugo Lloris saved with his feet in one heart-stopping moment but thankfully it was deemed offside. Erik Lamela had a bit of a Lamela. Plenty of huff and puff but so untidy with the challenges, at times borderline dirty. Also gave the ball away far too cheaply. Kane dived, or was clipped depending on your perspective and Roberto Soldado was anonymous. Still, the game remained competitive and physical.
Second half, Swansea scored thanks to soft defending with Bony finally accepting his gift and then cue a storm...that was thankfully weathered. We rode our luck but we retained our shape and kept ourselves anchored to the possibility of all three points.
Swansea kept on coming, but kept on missing. The home side persisted, the away side perspired. Kane with a superbly executed header, almost tucking itself in. Swansea with their own collection of near misses. After a fair amount of Spurs defensive lapses, Swansea failed to clear and Davies took advantage assisting Eriksen who sent the away support into delirium once more. Oh the irony!
There is still so much that isn't working about Tottenham but the basic elements are evident. Spirit, character and quality. That quality might have remained under the radar for most of the game but when it mattered most, Eriksen delivered. We do have game-changers in this team. We are resilient but we need to take responsibility and blend with far more authority, starting with our defensive positioning.
Onwards.