1. Spurs dodged a bullet on the road again
This game seemed to be a carbon copy of Tottenham’s last away game in the league when Mauricio Pochettino’s side won at Aston Villa. In both games, Spurs started poorly, initially trailed by a goal before their opponents gifted them a way back in the game though indiscipline.
Against Villa, the Lilywhites were similarly out-fought until Christian Benteke was sent-off. Pochettino’s side could have been buried in the first half of this game if Hatem Ben Arfa converted a clear chance inside the penalty box but the north Londoners rode their luck again and ended up overturning the game.
2. Steve Bruce can only blame Gaston Ramirez for the defeat
Ramirez’s sending off may have been harsh but pinning most of the blame on referee Craig Pawson like Bruce did in his post-match interview is also harsh on the match official.
The Uruguayan needlessly forced the referee into making a decision when he responded petulantly to Jan Vertonghen’s provocation.
3. Christian Eriksen reminded Pochettino that he is still one of Spurs’ most important players
Eriksen was poor in Tottenham’s home defeat by Stoke City when the midfielder was eventually substituted, but he was clearly the best player in this game. Hull City successfully contained most of Spurs’ attacks in the first-half but Eriksen still threatened.
The midfielder got even better as his side grew into the game. His assist, which came from a brilliant free-kick, and his goal both expressed his quality. But what enhanced his value is the hunger and drive to be the match-winner. Spurs have a couple of technically gifted players but most of them lack the hunger that Eriksen showed in this game.
4. Hull City’s response was the biggest positive for Bruce in a frustrating game
Bruce had his tactics right, his side started the game well until Ramirez’s sending off but there were a couple of fans who were clearly frustrated with City’s boss after the game as the Tigers edge closer to the relegation zone.
Disappointed fans, a soft sending off and home defeat all made this a disappointing game for the Tigers but Bruce should take heart at how his side performed. After witnessing a poor performance at Burnley, the City manager demanded a response from his side were clearly much better against Spurs.
If Hull can continuously reproduce the performance they showed in this game then they will soon start creeping up the table again.
5. Roberto Soldado badly needs a league goal
Soldado has now gone for more than 11 league games without scoring and his performance in this game showed why. He came to England with a reputation as a top class finisher who works primarily in the box but when he was presented with chances he used to easily tuck away, he either missed the target of reacted slowly.
His work rate is okay but the Spaniard is clearly lacking confidence and Spurs can only start to get more from him after he scores a couple of goals in succession.
