Southampton came from behind to score twice in three minutes and stun Tottenham 3-2 in a rollercoaster Premier League classic in north London. Spurs were fortunate to go into the break level at 1-1 after Saints missed numerous chances following Jan Bednarek’s own goal and Armando Broja’s instinctive finish. Son Heung-min made it 2-1 with a smart finish before headers from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Che Adams produced a remarkable comeback in the closing stages as Steven Bergwijn’s injury-time goal was ruled out for offside. Here are five things were learned from a topsy-turvy match.
Broja has been a revelation for Southampton this season since signing on loan from Chelsea.
The Albanian international has thrived under Hasenhuttl’s guidance and is sure to be the subject of much transfer interest this summer.
Saints have made it clear they want to sign the 20-year-old striker permanently and he showed why against Spurs.
His instinctive finish from Romain Perraud’s low cross showed his natural goal scoring ability. If Chelsea are to sell, then their asking price is likely to be going up with every goal.
Broja’s youth and inexperience was obvious, however, with a gilt-edged one-on-one chance in either half missed.
All eyes were on incomings at Tottenham during the January transfer window, but another crucial piece of business was done last month too.
Lloris penned a two-year contract extension and, despite being 35 years old, he is still absolutely vital to Spurs.
The veteran Frenchman was his typical self in goal, helping to repel Saints’ barrage in the first half by keeping out decent efforts from Che Adams, James Ward-Prowse, Stuart Armstrong and Broja.
He might have been beaten by Perraud’s long-range effort, but thankfully his compatriot’s effort was just too high, cannoning into the bar.
Without Lloris, the game might have been over by half-time.
Tottenham were booed off at half-time by the home fans who were less than pleased with what they had seen from their team.
After 60 minutes, Conte had seen enough, bringing on January signing Rodrigo Bentancur for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Bentancur was a slightly understated deadline day arrival, coming from Fabio Paratici’s former club after several other targets slipped the net.
But judging by his first few appearances, he is already extremely popular in the white half of north London.
His arrival was greeted by a huge cheer and his quality was immediately clear, with a raking long ball out to Moura prompting an audible response from the crowd.
The good times didn’t last.
Recent Comments