Tottenham Hotspur finally returned to winning ways after securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Southampton earlier this afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Lilywhites started the game on the backfoot, with Southampton getting a couple of early chances. But, they eventually took the lead through Tanguy Ndombele in the 24th minute. However, they were down to ten men within the half-hour mark when Serge Aurier received his second booking.
It turned out to be an important event of the game as Southampton pushed forward relentlessly. But, they found their equaliser in the unlikeliest way as Hugo Lloris made a hideous error that allowed Danny Ings to equalise.
Shortly afterwards, however, Harry Kane restored Spurs’ lead.
The North London giants deserve a lot of credit for staying strong in the second half. They somehow hung onto their slender one-goal lead.
Here is how Mauricio Pochettino’s men fared in their win over the Saints.
Hugo Lloris 6.5
Made an awful error just before the first-half, virtually gifting Southampton a way back into the game. But, he redeemed himself in the second half, making a couple of extraordinary saves – helping Spurs hold onto their one-goal lead.
Serge Aurier 4
Looked very careless and got his team in trouble by picking up two yellow cards, though the second one seemed kind of harsh.
Toby Alderweireld 8
Responded really well to Lloris’ mistake and kept his nerves. The Belgian was a solid presence at the back and was crucial in denying Southampton from scoring a second equaliser.
Jan Vertonghen 8
Much like Alderweireld, Vertonghen did an excellent job of keeping the Southampton attackers at bay. He made some crucial blocks and tackles while his imposing presence made it difficult for Ings and Co. to assert their authority in the attack.
Danny Rose 7
Rose looked a bit dull this afternoon. He lacked the sharpness for most of the game, though he did produce a couple of excellent crosses in the second half. Adjusted his game well after Aurier’s dismissal.
Harry Winks 7.5
Winks had to change his game following Aurier’s second yellow. And he adjusted brilliantly, making a host of important challenges. He fought for his team till the very end.
Moussa Sissoko 7.5
Sissoko’s inclusion in the team proved to be useful when Pochettino didn’t have to make any substitute following Aurier’s dismissal. The Frenchman slotted in well at right-back. He covered a lot of ground, as usual. His dogged nature helped Spurs seal a narrow victory.
Tanguy Ndombele 8.5
Despite not being fully fit, Ndombele stole the show in midfield often making driving runs into the opposition box. The new signing from Lyon was also involved in a couple of early chances before he found the opener in the 24th minute.
Ndombele’s influence gradually faded as the game went on, but his early flurry gave Spurs a massive headstart right at the beginning.
Christian Eriksen 7
Looked smooth as ever with the ball at his feet. But, one could argue that the Dane could have been much more direct and effective with his forward balls. The dismissal of Aurier had an impact over his performance this afternoon.
Son Heung-Min 7.5
Son’s contribution in the attack was pivotal for Spurs as he assisted the first goal. He also had a part to play in the second as well. Looked menacing whenever he received the ball and should have done a better job after the restart. With Spurs playing Bayern Munich in midweek, subbing him off around the hour mark was perhaps the more logical decision.
Harry Kane 8.5
Kane’s physically imposing presence in attack and his overall hold-up play was extremely useful as it helped Spurs create chances in the final third. Always looked to take on defenders and create something by himself, which is characteristic of his fearless style of play.
SUBSTITUTES
Erik Lamela 7
Created a few chances after replacing Son in the second half. Linked up well with the likes of Kane and Eriksen.
Eric Dier N/A
Offered protection for the backline after coming on for Dembele during the final phase of the game.
Victor Wanyama N/A
A late replacement for the tiring Winks.
