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Tottenham player ratings v Fulham: Harry Kane breaks his August hex

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: Harry Kane of Tottenham celebrates scoring their 3rd goal with Christian Eriksen of Tottenham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Wembley Stadium on August 18, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: Harry Kane of Tottenham celebrates scoring their 3rd goal with Christian Eriksen of Tottenham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Wembley Stadium on August 18, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images) /
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Fulham’s English midfielder Tom Cairney (R) vies with Tottenham Hotspur’s Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen (L) and Tottenham Hotspur’s English defender Eric Dier (C) during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London, on August 18, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP)
Fulham’s English midfielder Tom Cairney (R) vies with Tottenham Hotspur’s Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen (L) and Tottenham Hotspur’s English defender Eric Dier (C) during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London, on August 18, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) /

Eric Dier-7.5

Dier is at his best when he’s able to play a simple game of football. Pochettino put him in a good position to do just that against the Whites. The England midfielder has enjoyed more influential matches, but he was really solid in this one.

In the first half he helped Spurs control the midfield. He needed a little more help to do that in the second 45 minutes, but he didn’t make any glaring errors. Pochettino would like to see him impose himself a little more on the match, but he put in a solid shift.

Dier also deserves credit for creating an excellent chance for Kane in the second half. His cross from deep led to Kane volleying the ball off the bar. A little different finish from Kane and we’d be celebrating a class assist from Dier. This was definitely a performance for him to build on.

Mousa Dembele-7.5

Dembele didn’t start this match, but he had a ton of impact in the second half. Pochettino’s decision to put him on the pitch in place of Davinson Sanchez swung the match back in Spurs’ favour. He wasn’t just an extra body in the midfield, he was a dominant presence for Tottenham.

It was a vintage performance by the classy Belgian. He settled all of his teammates down with his ability to win, and control, the ball in the middle of the pitch. Dembele may not start many matches this season, but if he plays like this off the bench he’ll be a huge asset for Pochettino.

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