Tottenham Hotspur missed out on the chance to climb to third in the Premier League after being held to a goalless draw by Stoke City this afternoon.
Spurs were looking for their fifth win in six top-flight outings but were frustrated by a Potters side who were content to settle for their 10th draw of the season.
Below, Sports Mole analyses whether the result was reflective of the action at White Hart Lane.
Match statistics
Spurs:
Shots: 21
On target: 14
Possession: 57%
Corners: 11
Fouls: 8
Stoke:
Shots: 4
On target: 2
Possession: 43%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 11
Was the result fair?
As the statistics would suggest, no it was not. Excluding an opening 15 minutes during which Stoke were an attacking threat, Spurs dominated the action, particularly in the second half. Kenwyne Jones may have had the pick of the chances but Tottenham came close on several occasions and were only denied maximum points by an Asmir Begovic wondersave in stoppage time.
Tottenham's performance
Until the closing stages, Spurs lacked urgency and creativity going forward and thus found it very difficult to break down a Stoke side that packed nine men behind the ball. Joy may have been more likely down the flanks but Aaron Lennon was ineffective and Gareth Bale wasteful. They were tidy in midfield, and solid at the back, but Andre Villas-Boas's bench shows that they need more attacking options.
Stoke's performance
Excellent in defence once again, Tony Pulis set his men up to play for the draw, with Jones often the only man in the Spurs half. They were particularly compact in midfield and prevented Moussa Dembele from finding space in the centre of the park. They did not create many chances, but they would argue they had the clearest sights of goal and could have snatched the points had Jones converted during the early stages.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Jan Vertonghen: Excellent going in both directions. The Belgian is incredibly agile for a defender and often injected purpose into Tottenham's attack with surging runs forward. He also had the delivery to match but Spurs could not get enough men in the box to make use of his inviting crosses. His work at the other end was equally impressive
Biggest gaffe
Forty seconds into the match, Kyle Walker's ambitious pass across his own area was intercepted by Jones. Fortunately for the England full-back, the Stoke striker did not have his shooting boots on this afternoon.
Referee's performance
Lee Mason did not enjoy the best of days, Spurs fans will argue. He was inconsistent in his decision making, mostly to the benefit of Stoke. Steven N'Zonzi was especially fortunate not to be penalised for what looked like a deliberate elbow on Dembele.
What next?
Spurs: An away trip to improving Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Stoke: The Potters will attempt to continue their eight-game unbeaten league streak when they host Southampton and firstly Liverpool.
Joe Fish
