Spurs Players Break Hearts - Player Ratings & Match Report. (5-0 1st Leg EL Qual)

Van Der Vaart's laughing at Hearts

Before the game I was a bit apprehensive about our away form, the lack of match practice, the pressure and atmosphere that Redknapp and Jordan had been talking up and the injury crisis in our midfield. All of those worries, much like Hearts, were exposed as utter bollocks within the first 5 minutes.

Defoe & VDV working well for the first, with a defensive mix up allowing VDV to get the scoring underway. Further VDV lovliness combining well with Lennon who sent a tasty pass to Defoe via the static Hearts defence, who then collected and despatched it well. VDV again having a hand and setting up Livermore for his debut goal and Spurs' third of the night. Hearts were probably glad of the half time break if only to divide up the humiliation as the second half saw a brilliant pass from Huddlestone, allowing Bale to spring the offside trap, round the keeper and slot the ball home. The fifth was a classic pacey Tottenham counter attacking goal. Townsend collected the ball on the edge of the box, sent Defoe down the left and Lennon's pace got him into the middle to slot the ball in almost unchallenged. 5-0. Mission Accomplished. Europa League, you're having a laugh.

Player Ratings
Gomes 5.5- Didn't have to do much, and the clean sheet was more down to the attacking talent of Hearts rather than anything spectacular from Gomes. Seems to have picked up where he left off, flapping at crosses and looking shaky under pressure.     
Walker 7- Another good performance from Walker. He feels like a new signing even though he is a returning loanee. Probably number one choice ahead of Corluka and the beginning of the end for Hutton. Looking forward to seeing more of him against better opposition.    
Kaboul 7- Assured performance. Needless booking in the second half.    
Dawson 7- A few minor errors but more than made up for it with the blocks he was putting in to keep the clean sheet intact.    
BAE 8- Looking even better than last season.  
Lennon 7.5- Terrorised Hearts down the right and his pace got him in the right place at the right time to get the fifth goal.  
Livermore 8- Stepped up to the plate big time. Looking forward to seeing more of him. Well taken debut goal.  
Kranjcar 8.5- Ran the midfield all night. Don't leave Niko, it's nice here.    
Bale 8- Terrorised Hearts down the left and sprung the offside trap to collect Huddlestones pass, round the keeper and get his goal.    
VDV 8.5- Class. Linked the play well between midfield and Attack and had a hand in all the goals he was on the pitch for.    
Defoe 8- Looked sharp. He's obviously worked hard over the summer and it appears to have paid off but I'm reserving final judgement until we play better opposition. Still, it's good that his first goal has come in his first game, as opposed to 7 months into the season.  

Subs   
Huddlestone 7- Apparently not injured. Exquisite pass over the defence for Bale's goal.  
Pav 5- Not on for long.... is the excuse this time...  
Townsend 6- Another one who looks promising in a Spurs shirt.

We looked sharp, and not only was it a job well done by all, but a nice warm up game for Yanited on Monday as well. With such a commanding lead, Redknapp can afford to rest a few more players in the second leg next Thursday. I hope he doesn't of course, because it's the first home match of the season, I'll be there, and I want goals. At least 5 of them. COYS.  

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