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Written by Lev
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Tuesday, 21 December 2010 21:07 |
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Apps: 22 Goals: 9 Highlight: Stunning volley late on against Bolton. Lowlight: Mad 10 minutes against Blackburn where he missed a penalty and a gilt-edged chance from a stray backpass. Average We Are Tottenham Match Rating: 5.76/10
From day one of the season, Pavlyuchenko's undoubted finishing ability has not been enough to warrant him first-choice status amongst his forward-thinking colleagues. Spurs begun the season with Defoe and Crouch the starting pair, and despite an injury to Defoe, the signing of van der Vaart resulted in Pavlyuchenko maintaining his bit-part status. The Russian has been forced to make the most of some limited opportunities this season but has still managed 5 league goals, the most recent a wonderful touch and finish in the box against the current Premier League Champions.
Although capable of the sublime, his volley away at Bolton another highlight, Pav can disappoint with his hold-up play and first touch, and it is tough to argue that he should be a regular starter due to his tendency to drift in and out of games. However, with five league goals to his name already, he remains an important weapon within Harry Redknapp's squad. A crucial late strike in Bern also helped Spurs qualify for what has already been a remarkable Champions League campaign, and despite his flaws, Pavlyuchenko remains a popular figure to the White Hart Lane crowd.
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