Tottenham picked up their first league win of the season with a patchy 2-0 win at previously undefeated Wolves, thanks to new signings Adebyor and Parker.
This is a good result; Wolves picked up 10 points at home last season against the top 6, and is an improvement on the 3-3 result in last year’s fixture. While Spurs didn’t set the world on fire and had more than a few shaky moments at the back, new signings Adebayor and Parker caught the eye on their debuts.
Parker completed 90% of his 53 passes, more than any Spurs player but Modric. He created the opening goal with a simple through ball that found Adebayor and created two more chances. He was busy, making half his passes in defensive positions and half in the opposition half. He also won each of the four tackles he attempted.
It was a display that demonstrated why Redknapp was so keen to add the former Hammer. At one point, he was caught in possession but chased and won back the ball. He picked up a yellow card after being passed in a dangerous position; a classic ‘for the team’ booking; cynical but not dangerous. Parker brings qualities that Spurs lack without the injured Sandro. Parker’s performance was unsurprising but it was certainly an impressive debut.
Adebayor was a controversial signing but he began the job of winning over the Spurs faithful with a strong performance. Despite not having played a match since his loan spell at Real Madrid ended last season, Adebayor looked sharp. He continued his fine record against Wolves and in his debut matches. He has scored in his first matches for both City and Arsenal and continued with a calm finish from Parker’s pass in the 67th minute. The Togolese striker only had two shots in the match, though Spurs only had 11 that weren’t blocked by defenders, but he kept up an efficient record of scoring with half of his shots on target, stretching back to his Arsenal days. Jermain Defoe will also have been pleased with his new strike partner. He was the benefactor of two good chances.
Adebayor was replaced before full time. Visibly flagging after a busy day and, lacking a proper pre-season, was given an early mark by his new manager. Parker, on a booking and also fatigued after the international break, saw out the 90 minutes, will be rested for Thursday’s Europa League group stage opener.
Both players made a positive impression and filled in obvious gaps in Tottenham’s squad. Adebayor scored one and could have had more; if he keeps taking chances, he will prove an excellent signing. Parker brought bite, intelligence and leadership to the middle of the park. His impact was most obvious when things weren’t going to plan. His hard tackling and simple passing kept Spurs afloat when they were pressured.
