Villa vs. Spurs Player Ratings

Tottenham

Friedel - 6 - The Premier league's oldest player was scarcely tested by an impotent Villa attack. Claimed what little crosses he had to and might have been expecting better from his former club.

Walker - 7.5 - Another stellar performance from the young right-back, justifying Capello's decision to include him in the England squad and underscoring the depth the three lions have at that position. You have to admire his skill set: a powerful shot, accurate crosses, comfortable going forward, and aerial prowess. Looks to be the total package.

King - 6 - Ledley mostly stayed out of the limelight, but he'll surely face sterner tests than this. Can he stay healthy? Is he first choice when everyone else is fit?

Kaboul - 6 - This was an uncalamitous night for the Algerian. He even showed flashes of composure on the ball. Still this defensive partnership has doubters to convince if Spurs are to stay in the coveted top 4.

Assou-Ekotto - 7.5 - His ridiculous afro couldn't distract from the fact that this is a hugely improved player from seasons of old. Maybe it takes a couple of years to adjust to the Premiership. BAE is a confident and accurate passer and does a nice job of supplying his weapons around him with the ball.

Lennon - 6 - He's capable of creating a goal at any moment, but his decision making can let him down at times. Laid a goal on Adebayor's doorstep which the Togolese promptly squandered.

Parker - 8.5 - He looks much more deserving of the PFA's player of the year award this year than he ever did at West Ham. He's been a revelation in his terrier role that Redknapp has bestowed upon him. I only hope that he doesn't lose his occasional impulse to get forward and give us goals like the above.

Modric - 8 - He almost suffers from the fact that players like Van der Vaart and Bale require so much of the ball. Too often he is sacrificed and not able to influence the game enough for me. As long as they are winning this is tolerable, but you can see why he might want out in January.

Bale - 9 - What a weapon. His speed, combined with his ability have to put him in the conversation as the most sought after players in the world after CR7, and Messi.

Adebayor - 7 - Sure he got his double, but he should have had at least 4 in truth. He was uncharacteristically active, especially tracking back in defense. He is undoubtedly talented, but I think both he and Spurs will need to sustain their play if they are to convince their skeptics.

Van der Vaart - 6.5 - Still looks a tad pudgy for me, i.e. huffing and puffing after 30 minutes. Although his vision and left foot are top class, he can be a defensive liability.

Aston Villa:
Given - 5.5 - He should have done better to collect Bale's cross on the second goal, although Collins didn't do him any favors.

Cuellar - 5.5 - What a way to return to the premiership after what feels like a three year absence. Go and mark Garreth Bale.

Dunne - 5 - Much to everyone's chagrin, he only just missed adding to what has to be the largest and most comical own goal collection of any capped player. Not his best evening.

Collins - 5.5 - Unsighted Given which probably led to the second goal, but won tons of headers on long balls.

Warnock - 6 - Came into the game for Villa's brief flurry of attack early in the second half with a couple of decent crosses.

Hutton - 5 - I do not like him at right back, and I certainly don't like him at right wing. Will have to fight Cuellar for his place.

Herd - 6 - Looks to be a decent young player, but Spurs passing simply wore him out, and he was out of gas halfway through the second period, not unlike most of his team.

Petrov - 4 - The Villa captain is usually a good barometer of their chances in a game, and boy did he sum up their play tonight. He stunk, and so did they, He didn't do the young Herd any favors, allowing Modric, Van Der Vaart, Parker, and whoever else drifted infield entirely too much space.

Agbonlahor - 7 - The only remotely dangerous looking play that Villa mounted came through him and his pace. Did not look like he was enjoying proceedings.

Bent - 6.5 - Had a handful of half chances, and tried to stay as active as he could. But he was horribly starved for service.

Heskey - 5.5 - Another chapter in the illustrious career of Sir Emile Heskey. Just when you thought you'd seen it all, he lines up at left wing. Is there anything this man can't do?

Spurs Verdict - They outclassed their opponents by a long way in this Anglo edition of MNF. Redknapp couldn't have lucked into a better class of midfielders, but they are still suspect up front and at the back for me.

Villa Verdict - Their new manager, (a man who led arch rivals Birmingham straight into the Championship) elected to use a holding striker and a right back as his wingers. Their lack of ambition was evident when they ran out of gas and ideas and essentially threw in the towel around the 70th minute. The end stages of this game were painful to watch as a neutral and felt more like an exhibition than a competitive match. All you need to know is that Mcleish only used two subs, and one was bringing on Fabian Delph, (a defensive midfielder) for Chris Herd in the 88th minute.