Preview:
If we don’t beat Southampton at home I don’t care about Europe, he has to go ffs.
Fixture:
Sunday 6th April, 14:00
Tottenham Hotspur Vs Southampton
Premier League
Available On:
Hub Premier 4
Optus Sport
Sky Sport 5 NZ
Result: 3-1
B. Johnson (13′, 42′)
Mateus Fernandes (90′)
M. Tel (90’+6 pen)
Match Report:
The day started most importantly with renewed protests outside the stadium, organised by Change for Tottenham and this perhaps set the mood for the day.
But it was an even more momentous day for the Southampton fans as Spurs sealed their fate to the Championship following this comfortable 3-1 win. Comfortable! Not often we say that in the same sentence as Spurs but even for a struggling Spurs side that is low on confidence this was really as easy as it gets.
Johnson tapped in early from a Spence cross in the 13th minute and despite a disallowed goal Spurs still went in at the break 2 goals up. Of course the Spurs tempo fell off in typical fashion in the second half as they seemed quite content to hold onto there lead. Not even a 90th minute goal from Southampton though could cause a wobble this time round and instead Spurs replied well with a late penalty and rare goal for Tel.
Whilst the performance was nothing spectacular and the opposition far from competitive it was an important win nonetheless. Not only does this victory stop the rot but it prepares them well for the biggest game of the season so far.
With that European fixture just 4 days away Ange chose to make only the 2 changes from the defeat at Chelsea and that was probably a wise move as this team searches not only points but also some vital momentum in these final stages of the season.
Porro came in at the back and Spence moved over to the left, in place of Udogie who has struggled for form since his return from injury. It didn’t bother Spence which side he played as he provided that early cross for his third assist of the season.
In the front line Odobert was replaced by Johnson who scored a brace so that worked out pretty well too. Like many fans I’m still not convinced by Johnson as a winger but he’s certainly showing Solanke where the net is. Johnson has now netted 16 goals this season and is the clubs top scorer!
If you look at the stats you wouldn’t think there was much in it but Spurs were the more clinical side on the day with Southampton lacking in quality. The stats show a 50/50 possession, 13 to 12 shots and 25 to 24 touches inside the box. But then if you looked at the Chelsea v Spurs stats you may be fooled there too.
On a final note, Ange sets another record today, sending a team down to the Championship as the earliest relegation in Premier League history. Well done Ange, at least it wasn’t us!
Entertainment Value: 7 / 10
Probably being generous there, 2nd half was boring but at least we got a few goals in the match!
Standout Players: I will give it to Johnson as he was involved in all 3 goals so credit where credits due.