Review: Tottenham Hotspur Vs Southampton

Tottenham hold on their half time lead as they beat Southampton 2-1 in their own home.

This was the important win from the Spurs perspective as they have been struggling this season. This win can be the boost ahead of Champions League game against Bayern Munich.

Harry Kane’s goal on 43rd minute of the game proved to be the match wining strike after Ndombele’s opener was cancelled by Ings pouncing on the blunder by Spurs captain goalkeeper Lloris.

Ndombele opened the scoring for Spurs as he firmly strike the ball past behind the Saints keeper Gunn thanks to the little deflection on the way.

Serge Aurier once again displayed his poor decision making capabilities on the field as he earned two yellow cards in the space of four minutes. Before the second yellow card the ball may have gone out of the play which was not given but the senior right back of the team once again proved that he is clumsy.

After the Aurier red card, in the 39th minute of the game Spurs captain goalkeeper Hugo Lloris displayed the horror show resulting to Southampton goal.

Alderweireld gave back pass to Lloris and instead of delivering the ball to other players or clearing it the Spurs keeper attempted a Cruyff turn on Ings which he missed and Ings poked to goal.

Four minutes later Spurs broke forward on counter as Son collects the ball from Kane and passes it to Eriksen, Eriksen and Son play each other before Eriksen lays the ball in the path of Kane.

Kane controls the ball and strikes it to the bottom corner of the net to restore the lead again.

Halftime: Spurs: 2 Southampton: 1

After the break Southampton tried very hard to break but were unable to get past Loris.

 After his blunder in the first half the Spurs keeper came back superbly in the second half as he produced two fine save to deny Ward-Prowse and Yoshida.

As the result of playing with 10 men Spurs were pegged back in their own and were unable to create chance.

No more goals in second half as 10 men Spurs displayed the composed performance to frustrate the Saints

Full Time: Spurs: 2 Southampton: 1

Despite Aurier red card and Loris blunder in first half the team displayed the great character. Two goals were superbly taken and Lloris was back to his best producing fine saves.

To grind out these type of results are always important and this win has come in the hard times for the club and this win may change the scenario of the club as the players and staffs are mentally relived.

Mauricio Pochettino:

To be honest I am not surprised about the character of the team. We have the character. Sometimes we need to realise that every time we compete we have to use this character in different circumstances. In some games we struggle to show that, but we have an amazing squad, and amazing players. A few months ago we played in the Champions League final, not because of luck, it was because we fully deserved to be there. We cannot have changed too much in a few months.

In this moment it was tough, with the sending off and then we conceded in those circumstances. You don’t need to blame Hugo, blame me because I demand him to play in that way. Of course this situation can happen, but I think the team showed unbelievable spirit after that.

Harry Kane:

 “This was a massive statement to the fans and the club to show how much the players want to fight for this club,” the England international captain said after Saturday’s win.

“Whenever you go through a tough spell that’s all you can do – dig deep and find ways to win. I know the crowd would have enjoyed that win.

“Of course, it wasn’t the prettiest we’ve ever had at home, but it shows how much we care about the club.”

The statement from the Manager and the club talisman shows that the win against Southampton was very important to raise up the character of the club.

Next match is against Bayern Munich on 2nd Oct 2019 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.