Before Tottenham - Crystal Palace game I was not to big optimist and said it would not surprise me if Palace get something from that game. That was because I didn't know that D. Sanchez picked up injury and will be unavailable for play. That forced Poch to put real right back Aurier on his natural position. That also forced him to pick up Alderweireld and Vertonghen as central defenders. Big hole in defense was finally closed. Reward came in terms of clean sheet and very good and easy 4:0 victory.
Son and Aurier dominated that game, Spurs unlocked Palace early in the game and force them to open and then fill their net with 4 balls in net until half time. It was very good first half. There were no goals in second half. It was not game without errors, one player I think Sissoko lost one ball on 20-25m causing dangerous attack by visitors, but doctor Alderweireld stopped Benteke and covered space very good. We can argue that Benteke is out of form, but I am not sure if Sanchez could do that.
Victoria Beckham's husband David was at new Spurs stadium. He obviously watched someone and I am afraid that was Tobby Alderweireld. I think he smelled soon free agent of great quality and will try to take him to USA for MLS. He already tried to influence him to move to Roma, but that move failed because Italians did not want to pay his release clause. I have every reason to believe it was not just visit for joy of football.
Poch said after international transfer deadline we'll see real Tottenham. I must agree that this performance against Palace was very good, but would like to see "real Tottenham" next week against much stronger Leicester side. If Spurs manage to win them away that would be sign of serious improvement since Aston Villa and Newcastle games.
It is nice to be fast player, but if you don't know how to position and can not control your header clearings and if you are not comfortable in passing speed will not help you. I really think that Alderwerield-Vertonghen should be first choice for central defenders when they are fit and ready. Sanchez has a lot to learn before he can be standard central back in Spurs. No Sanchez and first clean sheet of the season is here! Aurier proved he can handle right back position at least against not top notch clubs. I hope he'll be in first squad against Leicester too so we can evaluate him against stronger side.
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