Tottenham Dazzles at White Hart Lane by Jeff Graceffo

After three games, Tottenham finally displayed an exceptional brand of soccer in Christian Eriksen's debut. In the first three games, Tottenham was unable to score during open play. They only managed to score when taking a penalty kick, but that came to an end in glorious fashion in front of a sold out White Hart Lane. With Christian Eriksen and Gylfi Sigurdsson inserted into the starting line-up, Spurs played with much more fluidity and attacking spirit than they did in their previous matches.


Repeatedly, Eriksen threatened the Norwich defense and played a simple, yet spectacular through ball to Sigurdsson, which he buried into the corner of the net for the game's opening goal. In the second half, another one of Eriksen's passes hit Paulinho who crossed it to the oncoming Sigurdsson to seal the game 2-0.  Spurs showed a tremendous amount of depth as they brought in the dangerous Lewis Holtby and new 30 million Euro acquisition Erik Lamela in the second half as they nearly broke it open.

Spurs play at Cardiff this weekend before returning to the Lane in London Derby against Chelsea. That one is marked on my calendar.  Andre Villas Boas, Spurs manager, has another two weeks to get this new group of players to gel together.  Eriksen is solidified at attacking mid. Andros Townsend is giving his all to claim the left mid position. However, he appears to have Gareth Bale syndrome as he consistently cuts across the middle and launches shots toward the goal. However, he doesn't have the Welshman's accuracy, and often strikes it into the stands. Paulinho appears to have sealed one of the holding midfield spots. Sigurdsson is not going quietly into the night after his weekend brace. Lamela and Holtby put on good performances as well.  I think they have to find a spot for Holtby. He's always moving away from the ball to create space for his teammates. AVB has difficult decisions ahead of him.

By Jeff Graceffo