Tottenham vs. Swansea: Winners and Losers from Premier League
Tottenham once again came from behind to win in the Premier League, as they overturned a half-time deficit against Swansea City to clinch a 2-1 result at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Alberto Paloschi put the Swans in front in the 19th minute, the Italian making the most of a lucky deflection to tuck a loose ball beyond Hugo Lloris in the home goal.
But, knowing a victory would lift them back within two points of leaders Leicester City, Tottenham found a way to turn the situation around.
Substitute Nacer Chadli scored the equaliser in the 70th minute before Danny Rose proved the unlikely hero for the hosts, the full-back's 77th-minute strike putting Tottenham ahead.
The victory means manager Mauricio Pochettino's side has now picked up 17 points from losing positions this season, per OptaJoe on Twitter.
Bleacher Report has picked out the winners and losers from the game.
Winner: Danny Rose
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Rose may not be known for scoring goals, but the defender will forever be remembered for his winner against Swansea City if it turns out to be crucial in the Premier League title race.
The left-back seized on a clearance from a corner to put Tottenham ahead, his low drive finding a way to squeeze under the body of Lukasz Fabianski and into the net.
On a Sunday that saw Arsenal slip up at Manchester United, losing 3-2, Tottenham found a way to get a positive result in tricky circumstances.
As David Hytner wrote in his report in the Guardian: "It might have been one of those days, a hard-luck story, the sort with which White Hart Lane regulars are very familiar."
Instead, Rose's winner could prove to be one of those days Tottenham fans talk about when they reflect on their title-winning season.
Loser: Lukasz Fabianski
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Fabianski looked set to do Leicester City—and also former club Arsenal—a huge favour with his superb display in goal for Swansea City.
The Poland international was inspired, keeping out everything Tottenham fired his way for the first 69 minutes.
Christian Eriksen twice saw Fabianski keep out free-kicks, although the pick of the goalkeeper's saves came when he somehow denied Eric Dier from converting Rose's cross in first-half stoppage time.
However, football can be a cruel game. Despite playing a blinder, Fabianski ended up a loser.
He had no chance with Chadli's equaliser from close range, while Rose's winning goal came through a crowded penalty area, leaving him little time to react.
Winner: Nacer Chadli
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Substitute Chadli needed just seven minutes to make an impact on proceedings.
Replacing Erik Lamela after 63 minutes, the Belgium international popped up in the right place to steer home Kyle Walker's wayward shot and get Tottenham back on level terms.
Chadli is starting to have a real impact on his club's season.
He has now scored six goals in his last 10 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham, with two of those coming after being sent on from the bench by boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Loser: Erik Lamela
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Having scored in the 3-0 Europa League win over Fiorentina on Thursday, Lamela was handed a starting berth for the Premier League fixture against Swansea City.
The Argentine forward didn't have a particularly bad game, but he ended up being taken off by his manager after just 63 minutes. Per WhoScored.com, he had a pass success rate of just 57 per cent.
What will worry Lamela is that while he sat watching the action from the bench, his replacement—Chadli—made a quick impact by scoring Tottenham's equaliser.
It will be interesting to see who Pochettino picks to start when he takes his side to Upton Park to play West Ham United on Wednesday.
Winner: Alberto Paloschi
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For 69 minutes, Paloschi's first goal for the club seemed to have Swansea City on course for their first Premier League victory over Tottenham.
The Italian—a January signing from Serie A side Chievo—was in the right place to benefit from a lucky break, with Angel Rangel's deflected shot falling right into his path.
Paloschi didn't waste the opportunity, sweeping a shot beyond Lloris—who had already made a stunning save to deny Gylfi Sigurdsson in the opening minutes—to give the visitors a shock lead.
According to OptaJoe on Twitter, Paloschi became only the seventh different player to score in the Premier League for Swansea City this season, excluding own goals.
Head coach Francesco Guidolin will hope it is the first of many to help the Swans steer clear of the relegation zone.
Winner: Mauricio Pochettino
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Pochettino would perhaps like his team to do things a little easier, but he cannot fault the fighting spirit within his squad.
Once again, Tottenham found themselves in a hole in the Premier League. Once again, however, they dug themselves out of it, scoring two second-half goals.
The victory means they have now won six successive league games for the first time since December 2011, according to Sky Sports Statto.
Pochettino said after the game, per Mike Whalley of BBC Sport: "Sometimes football is difficult. You play well but find it hard to score. The good thing is that the team fight. It is a fantastic win."
Tottenham's title credentials will be given a stern test in their next two games—after travelling to West Ham United on Wednesday they then host Arsenal at White Hart Lane on March 5.
