Garth Crooks reacts to Eric Dier’s display in Spurs’ weekend draw

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Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that something very strange is happening at Tottenham Hotspur as he named Eric Dier as their standout performer for a second week running.

Jose Mourinho’s side went back to the top of the Premier League table on Sunday. They secured a goalless draw at Chelsea. And in many respects, it was a superb tactical display from the visitors at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham seemed to come under a fair amount of pressure during the second-half. However, Hugo Lloris was actually given very little to do.

And Crooks has suggested that Dier has to take a lot of credit for the clean sheet. However, he seemed to note how odd it is to analyse what is happening with Mourinho’s side right now.

“It’s the second consecutive week Eric Dier has made my TOTW,” he told BBC Sport. “It wasn’t easy for Dier, as he had Joe Rodon making his full debut beside him, and on a different day two mistakes by Rodon might have been exploited.

“What is most interesting is the point won at Stamford Bridge, as dull as it was, takes Spurs back to the top of the table. Something very strange is going on at Spurs when Dier is their star performer two weeks in a row, Spurs keep another clean sheet, and are top of the league again.”

TBR View: Transformation under Mourinho has been remarkable

Presumably, Crooks is highlighting how quick the transformation at Tottenham has been under Mourinho. The Portuguese has turned the club back into title contenders in around a year.

And Dier has been crucial to their turnaround. It was not that long ago that the 26-year-old was coming in for plenty of criticism. And it appeared that his versatility may prevent him realising the potential that he showed early on in his Spurs career.

However, he has been a revelation at the heart of the defence. And Spurs have now kept six clean sheets in their last eight games in all competitions.