For the first 8 months of the season, Tottenham Hotspur’s Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor was hopeless. He hardly found the net, showed no work rate or desire, and to cap it all off, got sent off in the North London derby at the Emirates, which later finished Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham. But on Sunday’s game against Everton at White Hart Lane, which finished 2-2, few could disagree that Adebayor was the best player on the park.
He was the complete opposite of what he has been for the rest of the season. Where he previously blundered in front of goal, against Everton he was sharp and clinical. Where he previously barely broke into a jog, against Everton he was sprinting up and down the field, retrieving the ball in stoppages and making himself an option. Where he previously cut a lonely and isolated figure up front, against Everton he was linking up well with Spurs’ midfielders.
Spurs fans were understandably shocked at seeing such a good performance. He was brilliant for Tottenham last season, netting 17 goals; but this season he has been truly dire. Supporters were resigned to having to play with effectively 10.5 men, such were the horror shows that Adebayor was producing each week. He missed absolutely great chances against Sunderland and Swansea, at the Stadium of Light and at the Liberty respectively.
It is impossible to say what caused such a change, not only in performance, but also in his hunger and commitment. One thing is for sure, though; Spurs fans will be hoping it continues until the end of the season, and into the next. They may have just got their Adebayor back.
Source: DSG
