How the Spurs players rated at Tynecastle
Moira Gordon
HEURELHO GOMES
By far the quieter of the two goalkeepers, he was an onfield observer throughout the first half and was only really called into action when a revitalised Hearts side emerged from the dressing room for the second half. A series of early second-half corners meant he had to be more alert and was forced into a couple of decent saves before the end. 7
KYLE WALKER
Was one of the Spurs defenders who looked most unnerved as Hearts upped their game in the second half but was not prone to panic as he proved in the 58th minute. Having lost the ball to David Templeton, he showed pace and determination to get back into the box and pick the ball off the winger's toe as he was poised to strike. 7
MICHAEL DAWSON
The captain was untroubled until the second half when he and his defensive comrades suddenly faced a barrage of Hearts pressure as they sought some degree of respectability from the match. But stayed strong and was able to keep Hearts to a few long range efforts. 7
YOUNES KABOUL
A dominant figure in the air he was also strong in the tackle as Ian Black discovered when the centre-back was booked for a wild and reckless challenge on him midway through the second half as they tried to stem waves of Hearts attacks. 7
BENOIT ASSOU-EKOTTO
Up against Andy Driver, he enjoyed a pretty comfortable game. Blessed with the option of Gareth Bale ahead of him he had the freedom and the space to pick out the major playmakers in front. The second half was trickier. 7
AARON LENNON
Getting on the scoresheet for the fifth goal was just reward for his efforts. Given little opportunity to test the keeper until late on thanks to Grainger's efforts, he did impress with a lovely first touch and that deftness paid off as he easily took Kello out of the equation to slot home. 7
JAKE LIVERMORE
In among an illustrious bunch of midfield stars he did not shine as brightly as some of his team-mates, despite netting the third goal. But his link-up play and his pace and power were in keeping with the men around him. Another who made life difficult for the Hearts defence and midfield. 7
NIKO KRANJCAR
A supremely-gifted individual and an industrious team player, the midfielder spent the evening pulling the strings and spraying passes all over the park. It was his shadow that the Hearts midfield spent most of the match chasing, as he gave them a masterclass in high-calibre midfield play. Was more subdued in the second half but by then the game was won. 8
GARETH BALE
Showed exactly why he is so highly regarded without ever breaking sweat. Hardly gasping, he galloped up and down the flank and made the most of the space afforded him by Hamill and Driver. His technique, pace, power and movement was just too much for Hearts. Top class. 8
RAFAEL VAN DER VAART
His opener in the fourth minute killed the tie stone dead and, while there were calls for handball, he showed great technique in a very tight situation, as well as tremendous tenacity to finally slot the ball into the net. Eased through the game and looked to have plenty in reserve. 8
JERMAIN DEFOE
The scorer of the second, he came close to adding more to the scoresheet. His running and mobility gave his midfield a ready option at all times and, whenever he was granted a few inches, he was happy to take a touch and fire in a shot at Kello's goal. A swarming, skilful pest as far as the Hearts centre-backs were concerned. 7
SUBS
TOM HUDDLESTONE
On for Van Der Vaart in the 59th minute and set up Bale for the fourth goal. 6
ANDROS TOWNSEND
On for Bale in the 70th minute and supplied the cross for Lennon at the fifth goal. 6
ROMAN PAVLYUCHENKO
On for Defoe with 11 minutes remaining. Little time to make an impact. 5
Taken from the Scotsman
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