Not even 72% of the ball possession, 14 shots and 12 corners could see Tottenham snatch a victory at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening, as a resolute Sunderland side stifled Spurs’ chances of catching up with Chelsea on top of the log.
Despite scoring 16 goals in the last 5 league games, Tottenham found it extremely hard against the Black Cats, with the returning duo of Kone and N’dong standing in their way. Only a shot on target could be mustered in the opening 45 minutes, with a long-range effort from Wanyama forcing Vitor Mannone to a save.
The Kenyan skipper once again was the closest that came to scoring when play resumed. After Walker and Alli’s efforts had been blocked, an unmarked Wanyama had the chance to put his side in front, but he could only head Son Heung-min’s perfect cross over the bar at close range.
Pochettino’s charges have now gone 10 fixtures without a defeat, but the draw against the relegation zone Sunderland has left them 9 points adrift Chelsea that could only manage a draw at Anfield against Liverpool, making it 2 draws for them in a roll in the Premier League.
Vorm
Spurs are one of the sides with enough depth in almost every position, and when Lloris took ill, the Dutch goalie was on hand as a perfect replacement.
He made some vital saves to keep the hosts from scoring.
Rating: 6/10
Walker
As usual, he was a great threat going forward, but he had some issues defensively against the Black Cats, with Borini proving to be too handful.
Rating: 6/10
Alderweireld
Covered up well for Dier and was always with Defoe, giving the former Spurs striker no inch of freedom to have a clear chance on goal.
Rating: 6/10
Dier
Looked out of depth on few occasions, with Defoe’s pace too much for him to deal with almost all the time Sunderland launched a counter.
Rating: 5/10
Rose
Looked set to have a brilliant game with his all-round commitment, but a nasty challenge from Jones ruled him out of action towards the end of first half.
Rating: 6/10
Dembele
He was always at the centre of things in the middle as Tottenham tried to open up spaces for the forwards, but N’dong hardly gave him a breather.
Suffered a kick from Rodwell for his troubles.
Rating: 7/10
Wanyama
Impressive work from the former Southampton man to help shield Spurs’ defence, but missing the clear header left the team ruing their best chance.
Rating: 5/10
Eriksen
Had a hard time breaking down a resolute Sunderland backline, and hardly got a chance to create any opening no matter how hard he tried.
Rating: 6/10
Alli
Was well subdued, failing to link up with Kane and hardly seeing the ball in a quiet game for the forwards.
Rating: 5/10
Son
Was the only one who managed to cause some trouble and threaten wreck little havoc to the Sunderland defence, with his pace and movement always keeping them on their toes.
Rating: 7/10
Kane
Didn’t get any sort of chance as he was completely starved of services upfront.
Rating: 5/10
SUBSTITUTES
Davies
Replaced Rose and was a great cover during his time on the pitch.
Rating: 6/10
Sissoko
Was brought in to replace Son in order to add power to Tottenham’s attack with 15 minutes to go, but even that wasn’t enough.
Rating: 6/10
Janssen
Late Sub.
Rating: Not Available