Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to go temporarily top of the Premier League after a frustrating lunchtime draw with Bournemouth.
Hugo Lloris was perhaps the hero again after saving at point blank range from Charlie Daniels early on as Spurs struggled to make a real impact on the game going forward. The tetchy affair got to some of the players, and Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko were perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch.
So how did Spurs rate in their third consecutive draw?
Hugo Lloris – 8
Bournemouth rarely troubled the French goalkeeper, but if it wasn’t for his contribution, Spurs would have lost this game. His save was not quite on the same level as his staggering stop in Leverkusen in the Champions League, but he had no right to keep out Charlie Daniels’ early effort. He was good with the ball at his feet as well.
Kyle Walker – 5
Dealt well with his defensive duties, but came inside into the crowded midfield area far too often when Tottenham were trying to get attacking momentum going. Had he stayed out wide, Spurs may have had more joy at breaking down their stingy opponents.
Eric Dier – 7
Almost ruined what was an excellent performance by giving the ball away to Max Gradel on the half way line under no pressure late on, but for the most part was completely comfortable in the centre back position, where he came in for Toby Alderweireld. The fact the Belgian was not missed showed how good Dier was.
Jan Vertonghen – 7
Pretty good display from Vertonghen, who dealt well with the constant harrying of Callum Wilson. He was needlessly booked for a needless half way line foul on the young striker, but other than that he looked completely at ease with Bournemouth’s attack. Showed just how important he is to the side.
Danny Rose – 5
Bit of a strange performance from Rose. He had a good chance to put Spurs ahead in the second half with a scuffed effort, as well as another chance in the first half, but he suffered several incidences of lapses in concentration. Wasn’t really troubled by King but almost got himself into trouble a couple of times.
Victor Wanyama – 6
Typically solid, but looked a little flustered by the energy of Arter. Took a couple of bad tackles from the Irishman that disrupted his rhythm, but he stuck to Jack Wilshere very well and didn’t let the loanee influence the game. Another sound display.
Mousa Dembele – 7
Was heavily involved in the bitty midfield battle that defined the game, which limited his impact on the match, but several clever touches and driving runs often took Tottenham from one end of the pitch to the other. A good return to the team, if unspectacular.
Christian Eriksen – 7
A few lovely touches that threatened to create the opening for Spurs. A gorgeous flick on the halfway line should have been an assist for Lamela in the second half, and came the closest to putting Spurs into the lead in the first half. He did, however, get marked out of the game at times by some tenacious Bournemouth defending.
Dele Alli – 6
A wonderful double nutmeg to set up Erik Lamela was probably the highlight of the game in terms of skill, but for all of Alli’s nice touches and industry, he failed to really make an impact on the match. Bournemouth’s closing down had a big impact on this, though.
Erik Lamela – 6
Strange game from the Argentine. He hit the corner of post and bar with an excellent driving run and shot in the first half, and wasted a number of other Tottenham chances, but was lucky to be on the pitch after a needless lunge when already booked in the first half. Looked dangerous but very little came off.
Son Heung Min – 5
Worked hard as always, but was limited to trying to chase long balls, which is far removed from his very extensive repertoire. Got in behind the Cherries defence on a couple of occasions but had very little impact on the game.
Substitutions:
Vincent Janssen (for Son 62′) – 4
Still with only one Spurs goal since his summer move (a penalty against Gillingham) this was another afternoon to forget for Janssen. He just did nothing after coming on.
Moussa Sissoko (for Alli 72′) – 5
Wasn’t bad on the ball, but should have been sent off for an elbow on Harry Arter. Will probably get a retrospective ban.