Tottenham Hotspur – Player Ratings v Chelsea

Tottenham’s pursuit of the final Champions League spot looks to be all but over following a 2-1 defeat at the hands of London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Frank Lampard and Salomon Kalou helped overturn Sandro’s stunning 19^th minute strike, although the game was full of incident, particularly in relation to assistant referee Mike Cairn’s decision late in the first half. Cairn’s adjudged Lampard’s long range effort to have crossed the line, although subsequent replays clearly contradict this.

The decision was a blow to Spurs who looked in control for large periods of the first half, with Gomes only forced into action on a couple of occasions. However, the part the goalkeeper played in Chelsea’s first goal will once again result in the Brazilian’s position as Spur’s number one being called into question, following the poor handling of Lampard’s shot which resulted in the equaliser.

Chelsea’s winner in the final minutes was also surrounded by controversy, with Kalou being ruled onside as he tapped home Didier Drogba’s wayward shot. This decision was less clear cut than the one in the first half however, and Chelsea will argue that they deserved all three points, having had several second half efforts on the Spur’s goal repelled. In contrast Tottenham supporters and manager Harry Redknapp will feel hard done-by, and disappointed that they did not salvage at least a point from the game, which has effectively ended their chances of qualifying for the Champions League for a second consecutive season.

Player Ratings

Heurelho Gomes – 5

Not the Brazilian’s finest game, as he was at fault for Lampard’s goal, and shaky from then onwards. One good save from Essien’s header in the first half.

Younes Kaboul – 6

Looked relatively comfortable throughout, although lacked invention and conviction going forward. Didn’t link up often enough with Lennon down the right.

William Gallas – 7

Solid in the centre of defence, marshalled Drogba and the fresh faced Fernando Torres well.

Michael Dawson – 7

The Spurs captain once again put in an assured performance, against a threatening looking strike force. Deserves to be considered for England’s upcoming games on this season’s performances.

Vedran Corluka – 6

Defended reasonably well, although tired in the second half and looked out of sorts before coming off injured.

Aaron Lennon – 6

Offered decent protection to Kaboul when Ashley Cole pushed on down the flanks. Never given the opportunity to attack down the right though, and was kept a peripheral figure throughout.

Sandro – 8 – Spurs Star Man

Spur’s best player on the day and capped a fine performance with a superb strike from distance. Worked tirelessly throughout and will go from strength to strength having broken into the side.

Luka Modrić – 7

Showed glimpses of what he can do and looked lively in the first half. Faded in the second period where he began to receive less of the ball.

Gareth Bale – 6

The PFA player of the year never really got going against Chelsea, with only a couple of driving runs that brought the away fans to their feet. Went to left back late on after Corluka went off injured.

Rafael Van Der Vaart – 6

The Dutchman struggled to assert himself on the game, although provided a deft touch that set up Sandro for his goal.

Roman Pavlyuchenko – 6

It was always going to be difficult for him to provide a great threat to Chelsea’s backline as he worked tirelessly up front alone.

Jermain Defoe (Sub) – 5

Started off lively with a jinking run and shot, but found it difficult to get hold of the ball later on.

Jermaine Jenas (Sub) – 5

Worked hard in defence but offered little going forward.

Steven Pienaar (Sub) – 5

Not enough time for the South African to make an impact on the game.