Carling Cup Final - Player Ratings

By: Richard | February 25th, 2008

Player Ratings for the Carling Cup Final

Paul Robinson - Looked horrible on the free kick. Hesitates when it’s time to come to the ball. Did make a few nice saves though. 6

Pascal Chimbonda - Didn’t look half bad. Had to come off so we could commit to getting the equalizer then acted like a bitch. 6.5

Alan Hutton - Almost made a bad tackle on the edge of the area late but looks every bit the 9 mill we spent. Already starting to grow on me as a favorite. 7.5

Ledley King - If he could play every week alongside Woody it would be a really special pairing. Something wonderful about a guy who, as we all know, is going through a difficult time physically but can still play his ass off for 120 minutes. A Spurs legend. Gotta love him! 9

Jonathan Woodgate - Not much I could say here…. just amazing. He left his heart and soul on the pitch. He’s been worth every penny we spent just going on yesterday’s performance alone. 9

Aaron Lennon - Caused problems with his speed, as always. Defended well too. Crosses didn’t have much effect though. 7

Jermaine Jenas - Wasn’t able to push the ball up much. Did, however, play smart. Defended well and showed desire and courage that, to be honest, I would never have thought he had in him just a few months ago. Wasn’t too bad on a few set pieces. 7.5

Didier Zokora - I was pulling for him to score. Would have been nice to see him score his first in such a massive game. He doesn’t always make the most intelligent choices but you can never question his effort. Alongside Jenas they neutralized Chelsea’s super talented midfield. 7.5

Steed Malbranque - Quality hustle each and every time out. Much of the same yesterday. Quite an underrated part of the squad. 7

Dimitar Berbatov - He’s not going anywhere. Stuck the penalty kick and almost won it for us late. Chelsea tried to smother him to no avail. His touch is something to behold. 8.5

Robbie Keane - He needed this so bad. Along with Leders, one of the guys you just wanted to see raise a cup to cement their legacy with the club. Class act, we’re lucky he wears the shirt. 8

Tom Huddlestone - Came in for Chimbonda to provide a bit more going forward. Sure has been fun to watch him grow under Juande. Another one of my favorites. 6

Teemu Tainio - Does what’s asked of him. Provided a bit more cover at the back once we drew even. 6

Younes Kaboul - Not bad. Made a pass late that was on the sloppy side. Not that it mattered in the end. Would have been Dawson out there if not for his injury. 5.5

Juande Ramos - The battle of Juande v. Avram Grant proved to be one sided in the end. I’ve heard something along these lines before, and mind you, I’m paraphrasing: ‘If Ramos has seen you play just once, that’s it. He has the strategic advantage.’ I think we’ve seen that hold true here. Bravo Mr. Ramos and thank you! 10

COYS!!