Moussa Dembele’s undoubted moment of genius was the only redeeming feature in an otherwise rather insipid, dull, and lethargic Spurs side that was hard pressed keeping away an industrious and well organized Norwich side.
The former Fulham midfielder scored a goal on debut showing his class in the 68th minute as he used some nifty footwork and a cool finish to frustrate an enterprising Norwich side who had plenty of chances of their own. Brad Friedel showed some excellent reflexes as out of position he managed to palm away Robert Snodgrass’s cleverly flicked header and then the crossbar came in the way after Russell Martin thumped Snodgrass’s free kick. Friedel is not going to go away quietly into that night even as Spurs sign Hugo Lloris.
Apart from Dembele’s bit of improvisation the Spurs attack seemed to lack imagination and even the basic craft of passing. Often their attacks would break down as Gareth Bale got forced inside into traffic and Aaron Lennon lacked the finishing cross. Sandro made a few eye opening runs but he and Jake Livermore were fairly invisible in midfield as a quick Norwich side with more fluent passing wrested control.
Not quite sure what it is but Andre Villas- Boas might be losing something in translation or maybe his micro-managing style stifles creative expression but Spurs who were so good at home last season have two consecutive draws. They started the season with a 1-2 loss at Newcastle. For the second time, they gave up a goal as Snodgrass inflicted some late minute pain with his equalizer. There was no sign of Clint Dempsey. But he could have been a difference maker.