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Tottenham 2-1 Southampton: Three things we learnt
It was another home victory for Tottenham, but it was one that was difficult to earn as Southampton battled hard in the second half to make it difficult for the hosts. Two first half goals from the home side gave them the momentum and they would have hoped to have added more goals after the break. However, credit has to be given to Claude Puel’s men as they didn’t give in and came close to earning a point in the second half. The three points have taken Spurs up to second for the time being at least and they will now be confident of securing Champions League football next season. Here are three things that we learned.
Tottenham’s midfielders are stepping up
The injury to Harry Kane has caused a lot of worrying within the Tottenham support as there were doubts about whether they could score enough goals without their star striker. Son Heung-min was the player selected to lead the line against Southampton and he caused problems for the opposition defence, but he didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet. However, the change of formation to 3-4-2-1 has provided Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli with more license in attack, which has increased their goal threat. Both attacking midfielders managed to find the back of the net this afternoon helping their side to an important three points.
They have meshed together well in their roles just behind the striker and they now have an excellent relationship in the final third. Eriksen plays slightly deeper as he is the more creative of the two, but he has become very good at making late runs into the box to cause problems for opposing teams. The Dane is also dangerous from range and he showed that on Sunday as he fired in the opening goal from outside of the penalty area. Meanwhile, Alli’s movement is impressive to watch and he played a major part again on Sunday. He managed to win the spot kick with a quick burst of acceleration to beat Steven Davis to the ball, before picking himself up to slot home the penalty.