Full Time: Swansea City 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur left it very late to clinch three points at the Liberty Stadium, as they defeated hosts Swansea City 3-1, thanks to three very late goals.
Spurs had the pressure turned on early in the game, but the home team broke the deadlock in the eleventh minute against the run of play, after Jordan Ayew did very well to set up Wayne Routledge, who buried the ball into the net. Tottenham continued to create opportunities, but lacked the cutting edge and went into the break trailing 1-0.
Frustrations grew for Tottenham after the restart as they struggled to break open the Swansea defence. However, they kept going at the home side and were finally rewarded for their efforts late in the game, when Dele Alli stabbed the ball home from close range to restore parity in the 89th minute. The turnaround was complete two minutes later when Son Heung-Min put Tottenham ahead in the stoppage time before Christian Eriksen put the game to bed two minutes later, when he made it 3-1.
The win meant Tottenham kept the pressure on Chelsea, who came out on top against Manchester City, with the gap between the two sides staying at 7 points. In what was a thrilling encounter with a grandstand finish, here is how Tottenham players fared.
Tottenham Player Ratings
Michel Vorm – 6/10
There wasn’t a lot he could have done to keep Routledge out. But he had almost nothing to do from then on against his former club.
Kyle Walker – 6/10
Found much joy on the right flank and went on with his famous runs on the wings. But his crossing was unusually poor on the night.
Toby Alderweireld – 6/10
A quiet night for the Belgian with Swansea threatening sporadically. Coped well with the pace of Jordan Ayew.
Jan Vertonghen – 6/10
Much like his compatriot alongside him, it was a quiet night for Vertonghen as well. Was alert on the very few occasions when he was called upon.
Ben Davies – 5/10
Should have done better in the lead-up to the first goal, as he let Ayew get past him with great ease. Got forward well on occasions, but his crossing was off.
Eric Dier – 6/10
The Englishman returned to his preferred central midfield role in this game and made good use of the ball when in possession.
Mousa Dembele – 6/10
An assertive display in the middle from the Belgian international. Distributed the ball well and was always on the lookout to make things happen.
Moussa Sissoko – 4/10
Surprise inclusion into the line-up. Failed miserably to make use of his opportunity once again. Was wasteful in possession and was largely anonymous.
Dele Alli – 7/10
Not at his fluent best with Swansea doing well to stifle the 20-year old. But delivered when his team needed the most, scoring the equalizer late in the game. Set Eriksen through for the third.
Christian Eriksen – 8/10
Was the main creative outlet for Tottenham. Saw a shot blocked by Federico Fernandez, before forcing a save from Lukasz Fabianski. Set up the equalizer for Alli before killing the game off with the third goal.
Heung-Min Son – 6/10
Had a big chance early on to put Spurs into the lead but his effort was blocked. Showed promising movement and scored the all-important second goal for Spurs that gave them the lead.
Substitutes
Vincent Janssen – 7/10
Came on for Sissoko in the 61st minute. Held the ball well and nearly scored a goal if not for Fabianski stopping the shot. Set up Son for the second goal. Made an impact after coming on.
Georges-Kevin N’Koudou – NA
Replaced Ben Davies in the 79th minute.
Kieran Trippier – NA
Replaced Son soon after the second goal with Tottenham looking to guard their lead.
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