It was a slow build up to the first goal and a bit of a shaky start. The pitch was a major issues as no one wanted to play a long ball or a fast ball as you never knew where it was going go! So we were never going to be our usual potent selves.
I had become frustrated as many players seemed not to have an interest in moving to the ball. A main culprit of this was Chadli, many times he seemed to watch a defender intercept a pass meant for him.
Lamela for me looked the most interested, moving for the ball looking for the channels and taking players on, however he didn't seem to score that highly on Squawka's ratings.
I was glad to see that Holtby got the assist for the first goal and he seemed to start the game as one of the livelier players. His decisive and quick ball into the box found Defoe in space and time to pin point and rifle his shot beyond the keeper. Given the speed and height of the ball I could not see anyone stopping that. For those that still question Holtby, he just hadn’t had his true chance yet (although has shown well for his recent games).
Holtby was again involved in the second goal as he spread the ball out to Walker who was given the time and space to pick out Chaldi in the box, who in turn directed the ball into the back of the net.
What did concern me was the lack of composure for numerous balls. For all our possession we seemed to be too relaxed in some plays. I would have liked to of seen the amount of balls that we gave away to Anzhi that led to a direct attack. We essentially awarded them 8 corners and won 0 ourselves!
As mentioned we could put the display down to the pitch, maybe the players were told to hold back, maybe they felt the need to hold back, but against another opposition those mistakes would have been far more costly.
A challenge from Kaboul in the last 20 minutes saw him come away in some discomfort, so he was replaced with Dawson.
Realising many people will say I should be happy with a win and a clean sheet, but again we would not have come off so easily against a better team. Anzhi haven't managed a win all season in their league so for all our "domination" we should have tucked away more chances.
After last night our winning streak in the Europa League has stretched to 4 (2 play off games included) and Defoe is now just one goal short of Chivers European all time top scorer for Tottenham.
Pleased is how I would describe my feelings, but there was certainly room for improvement.
Thoughts anyone? Did you think differently?
COYS!!!!!
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