Tottenham second unit gifted AVB a comfortable night at Villa

There was nothing but only complaints from AVB in pre-match conference. There will be nothing but only praises from AVB for the performance of his second strings. Tottenham won all three games in the past six days, scoring eight goals while conceding none. If it was Gareth Bale who had carried them all the way to fifth place last season, AVB is determined to prove Tottenham is more than just a one-man team. The second unit has duly delivered in Villa Park, proving to their manager they are all ready to play a part for Tottenham. The most disappointing person on the night might be Emmanuel Adebayor, who would wonder when will his opportunity come.  

Brad Friedel

Friedel is no longer the starting goalkeeper for Spurs, but still remains in good shape.  Without Christian Benteke in the lineup, Aston Villa could not manage to test the former Villa goalkeeper much in the game. However, it was the American who reacted incredibly to deny Marc Albrighton's shot when the score was still 0-0. Not every 42 years old keeper is capable with this acrobatic save.  

Ezekiel Fryers

With Jan Vertonghen more established in the centreback position, Ezekiel Fryers would be the third choice left-back for AVB. Nevertheless, the former Manchester United defender still looks too raw for senior football. While he might be prepared physically, careless passes and needless fouls had limited his contribution on a night he would yearn to impress.

Vlad Chiriches

Nerves had got the better of Chiriches in his Tottenham debut. He looked a bit short of confidence and was not convincing in dealing with Libor Kozak, often being caught with unnecessary fouls. His sloppy clearance even nearly gifted Aston Villa the lead. Luckily, with the support of Friedel and Vertonghen, Chiriches could still finish the night celebrating the debut clean sheet.   

Sandro

Sandro shows he is up for the challenge to regain his starting position. Excellent ball control, measured passing, composed and calm, the more matured Sandro forms an impeccable partnership with fellow Paulinho and is the perfect defensive midfielder in AVB's high defensive line formation. It will not be long to see the Brazilian return to the regular starting XI.

Lewis Holtby

This might be the best performance of the versatile midfielder since arriving in January. The fans might have been impressed by Holtby's energy, but the German also showed the ability to play behind the striker. The return pass to Lamela in the first half demonstrated his court vision. Shortly after, he supplied Defoe with a well-placed lob pass to score the opening goal. Holtby capped his night with two more assists in the second half, completing the hat-trick in assists. Not as strong as Eriksen in creating spaces between the defending lines, Holtby might still yet be able to break into first-team, until he finds his most suitable position in White Hart Lane.     

Erik Lamela

Another promising performance from the skilful attacking midfielder. He nearly scored before interval after combining with Holtby brilliantly. Building more muscles will help him survive in Premier League, but playing Lamela on the right gives insufficient width to Tottenham, especially with Harry Kane and Ezekiel Fryers on the left this night. It might not be the most effective lineup to crack down a packed and organised defence.

Harry Kane

Playing in a less natural position and with limited support provided by Fryers, Harry Kane played with some nerves and was not particularly threatening on the left, though still showed glimpse of talents with the ability to hold up balls up front. The pass to Jermain Defoe before the end of first half was the best highlight for the young striker.

Jermain Defoe

He continued his unstoppable goalscoring form, also provided an assist to Nacer Chadli's first goal for Tottenham.  If anything is preventing Defoe to be Tottenham's first choice striker, unfortunately it will be his size. Having showed improvement in linking up attacking plays, what Defoe needs might be some luck in order to steal Robert Soldado's place.