Match Report: Late Mason Strike Earns Spurs' First League Win
Tottenham have earned their first win of the season after Ryan Mason’s late strike was enough to see of a spirited Sunderland performance 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Mason’s strike eight minutes from time came at a cost however, with the midfielder requiring a stretcher after injuring his knee in a collision with Costel Pantilimon as he lifted the ball over the onrushing Sunderland keeper.
As for Sunderland, they remain in the bottom three and are still waiting for their first win of the season, but Dick Advocaat can take encouragement from a performance that was a huge improvement from their first four league games.
The Black Cats will count themselves unfortunate not to have taken anything from the match, having seen former Spurs striker Jermaine Defoe squander the best chance of the afternoon midway through the first half.
Defoe, who was moved to his preferred central berth following the arrival of Fabio Borini, was a constant menace throughout the opening 45 minutes, and should have given his side the lead but could only hit the post with just Hugo Lloris to beat.
Advocaat’s decision to utilise Defoe mainly as a left-winger hasn’t sat well with the striker at times and it was during the first half were the England international best illustrated his best qualities.
His movement and ability to find space in between the Tottenham defenders caused particular problems for Toby Alderweireld. Defoe had only managed five shots in Sunderland’s first four games this season having been used out wide, and he doubled that tally in just 45 minutes through the middle (10).
Sunderland’s threat waned after the interval and they struggled to surpass the imposing figure of Eric Dier in midfield, who not only made at least three tackles than any other player on the pitch (8), but also won at least two more aerial duels than any of his teammates (3). The versatile midfielder's performances were enough to gain him the man of the match award (8.43).
Summer signing Heung-min Son was given his Spurs debut from the start, but the South Korea international failed to produce anything meaningful during his hour outing. It was also another frustrating afternoon for Harry Kane, who failed to take the confidence gained from his two goals in the international break back to his club.
Kane has now gone 17 shots on goal without scoring in the Premier League this season, which is a feat only Alexis Sanchez can claim to better (28). The England international had a huge chance to end his league drought, but failed to make any contact with Mason’s cross at the back post with just over 20 minutes remaining.
However, just as the game looked to be heading to a goalless stalemate, lovely interplay between Kane and substitute Eric Lamela carved open glaring space in the middle of Sunderland’s defence, which Mason acceptingly charged in to. Lamela’s pass was weighted perfectly and Mason did just enough to lift the ball over an advancing Pantilimon to steer the ball into the far corner.
Sunderland rallied and were almost back on level terms just two minutes later but Jack Rodwell’s sweeping effort from inside the box was denied by the crossbar, as their wait for a league win will now extend to the sixth game.
Can Sunderland recover from their poor start and escape relegation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
