Tottenham vs. Southampton: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction
Tottenham recorded a vital 1-0 win over Southampton at White Hart Lane on Sunday, launching Spurs into the Top Six of the Premier League standings after a difficult start to the season.
Spurs nearly started the match off with a bang, as Jan Vertonghen met a cross with his head and directed it toward the far post. Fraser Forster was beaten, but Ryan Bertrand was able to clear the ball off the line.
Both teams came out with attacking intentions, as the opening minutes made for a highly entertaining fixture. Sadio Mane had a good look on goal from close range, but Kyle Naughton was able to put in a vital block.
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Saints kept up the pressing but were somewhat exposed to swift counter-attacks, and Erik Lamela forced Forster into a brilliant save just before the half-hour mark. Naughton was forced to leave the pitch with an injury just minutes later after a dangerous challenge from Bertrand, who inexplicably didn't see a booking for his studs-up tackle.
The hosts nearly broke the deadlock through Christian Eriksen, who unleashed a marvelous shot in the 37th minute. Forster was on point to deal with his effort, but the Dane beat him just minutes later after a well-worked attack through Nacer Chadli. As Squawka shared, it was his ninth of his Spurs career:
Chadli should have doubled Tottenham's advantage just before half-time, but his shot found the post in its path.
Southampton tried to push forward in the second half but couldn't force any real chances initially. Some dreadful defending from Younes Kaboul saw the ball end up with Victor Wanyama, but Hugo Lloris produced a fine save to keep his nets clean.
Mane should have tied things up in the 84th minute, Bertrand delivering the perfect cross to isolate him in front of goal. The 22-year-old Senegalese fluffed the sitter, however, a perfect example of how his afternoon played out.
NBC Sports' Joe Prince-Wright believes it might be an early contender for worst miss of the season:
Saints kept pressing but couldn't find an opening, as Spurs easily held on for the win.
Player Grades
Hugo Lloris: A
The France international recorded a clean sheet, in large part thanks to a vital stop on Wanyama that could have swung momentum toward the visitors. Always in the right position, he continues to cement himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
Nacer Chadli
The Belgian is in sensational form and continues to show it with every performance. Always lively and dangerous, his versatility in midfield and moving forward makes him a powerful weapon for Mauricio Pochettino.
ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney thinks he's a far cry from the player he saw last season:
Sadio Mane: C
Mane has tremendous potential, but Sunday's showing will count as a low point for the Senegal international. He missed several good chances, including an absolute sitter, and it ultimately cost his team.
Post-Match Reaction
Eriksen conceded it was a difficult match for the hosts, but he still felt like Spurs had a strong outing, via the club's Twitter feed:
Chadli kept his comments brief, saying he enjoyed Eriksen's expert finish for the only goal of the match:
Post-Match Outlook
With the three points, Spurs find themselves in the Top Six of the standings, closer to where their 2014-15 ambitions lie. Beating an in-form Southampton squad is a tremendous feat, and one which will lead to some momentum going into a very difficult fixture against Manchester City at the Etihad.
Saints could have had a favorable result with some better finishing on Sunday, and they'll have a chance to rebound when they host Sunderland after the international break.
