January signing Alberto Paloschi scored his first ever Swansea City goal on Sunday, but it wasn’t enough to get a point as Nacer Chadli and Danny Rose scored to complete the turnaround for Tottenham Hotspur.

There were some impressive individuals on the park, but most players scored rather average ratings on the day.

Formidable defence couldn't hold on

Lukasz Fabianski – 9

The Polish goalkeeper made five stunning saves in just the first half. Erik Lamela, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Heung-ming Son and Eric Dier’s efforts were all batted away by a Lukasz Fabianski who looked very much like his 2014/15 self. He then continued in the same vein in the second half, making exceptional stops from another Eriksen free kick and a long-range Kane strike. Quite possibly his best performance in a Swansea shirt to date. It’s unfortunate that he wasn’t able to keep a clean sheet but there wasn’t a lot he could have done to prevent either goal.

Angel Rangel – 7

Played very well in possession and did a good job generally marking Lamela. Francesco Guidolin will have been impressed by the Spaniard’s performance. Wasn’t able to get forward as much as usual due to how deep Swansea played, especially in the second half, but played a big part in the goal.

Federico Fernandez – 6

Could have done a better job but trying to defend the likes of Kane, Eriksen, Dele Alli, Lamela amongst others is a tough day’s work. Tottenham were allowed a lot of chances and on another day would have scored a lot more.

Ashley Williams – 6

Generally very smart defending. Knew when to cover Federico Fernandez, and when to push up himself to win the challenges. His booking put a damper on the performance because it was a poor decision.

Neil Taylor – 6

Had relatively little to do with Son having an off-day but made a good block in the first half to deny a Kyle Walker shot.

Midfield that had to sit very deep

Jack Cork – 6

Strangely once again playing as the furthest forward of the midfield trio, but playing fairly well in that role. Did struggle a little trying to contain Eriksen and Alli breaking forward, but that is to be expected when travelling to White Hart Lane this season.

Leon Britton – 6

Kept the ball ticking over in possession as per usual, could have performed better defensively though. At times it seemed like Tottenham’s midfield three were walking through Swansea.

Ki Sung-Yeung – 5

Should have had a penalty given against him for a challenge on Alli in the first half and didn’t look particularly great on his return to the starting XI. Wasn’t very good in possession and doesn’t look strong enough to be a central midfielder in the league anymore. A shell of himself a year ago.

A Swansea forward actually scored a goal!

Andre Ayew – 6

Spent the majority of the game chasing Rose. Like Gylfi Sigurdsson, it wasn’t the type of game where Ayew could get involved as much as he would have liked because Tottenham had the lion's share of possession.

Gylfi Sigurdsson – 5

Should have put Swansea ahead early but his chance from six yards was well saved by Hugo Lloris. Wasn’t able to play his game due to how deep Swansea resorted to going after taking the lead.

Sigurdsson failed to impress against his former club. | Photo: BPI
Sigurdsson failed to impress against his former club. | Photo: BPI

Alberto Paloschi – 8

The Italian striker surprised many in midweek when he made comments stating that he wants to be the new Fillippo Inzaghi, but showed he doesn’t just talk the talk when he scored what was a very Inzaghi-like goal. The ball bobbled around Tottenham’s area before finding its way to Paloschi who poked the ball past Lloris.

Substitutes couldn't make the impact Swansea needed

Leroy Fer – 6

Made his Swansea debut in place of Leon Britton with 20 minutes to go. Didn’t quite make the necessary impact but had a few good touches that can’t do him any harm.

Bafetimbi Gomis – 6

Came on for Ki Sung-Yeung when Swansea were in desperate need for a goal. Had few touches and wasn’t able to get the goal he urgently needs.

Modou Barrow – 6

Surprisingly came on in place for goalscorer Paloschi. For sure the most direct Swansea player and some would argue he should have been brought on earlier, perhaps when Swansea weren’t already losing. 

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About the author
Jack Mceachen
Sports Journalist in Staffordshire University.