Tottenham Back to Basics in Premier League Win over Southampton

A clean sheet, a Harry Kane goal and a top-four spot. Merry Christmas, Tottenham fans.

Mauricio Pochettino's reaction to last weekend's 2-1 home defeat against Newcastle was to persist with the system that had taken his team to the cusp of a top-four place. 

Southampton dominated the opening period. Ronald Koeman's tactic of building pressure by keeping the ball constantly in motion in central areas was having the desired effect, but Saints failed to capitalise on their chances. 

Gradually, the returning Mousa Dembele was able to help Spurs find a foothold. 

Pochettino moved him very deep, where his physical strength could be best brought to bear. This notably sacrificed his contribution going forward but did force Saints out wide. 

The tactical switch left Spurs a little disjointed in attack, but from there they were rarely threatened.

Tottenham's long unbeaten run, 120 days from the 2-2 draw with Stoke until the home reverse against Newcastle, was built on resolute defence. 

Keeping clean sheets has been crucial to their success. 

They have arguably the finest central defensive pairing in English football in Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld and, with Hugo Lloris behind them and Eric Dier in front, the Belgian duo are well supported.

Vertonghen and Alderweireld shone against Southampton, producing individual moments of brilliance to avoid conceding. 

As has been the case throughout this season, that solidity at the back allowed Spurs to press aggressively, win the ball in dangerous areas and create scoring chances. 

Kane's goal came as a result of smart pressing from Erik Lamela and a brave pass from Dele Alli. Kane then produced a sensational run, riding challenges from several opposition players before powering his shot past Paulo Gazzaniga. 

Everything that Spurs do well stems from their defensive strength. 

Against Newcastle, that system worked effectively enough in the first half. It fell away through individual carelessness and a failure to quickly adapt to Steve McClaren's substitutions. 

At St Mary's though, there was resolution.

Tottenham are now in the top four, and their goal for the remainder of the campaign must be to remain there.

Dembele, Dier, Vertonghen and Alderweireld bring power; Alli, Kyle Walker and Erik Lamela provide pace, and Kane is all about precision. The spine of this Tottenham team were made to play Pochettino football and when they do, it is irresistible. 

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Spurs sit level with Manchester United and Crystal Palace on 29 points, but their excellent goal difference (+14) sets them apart. 

Spurs round out 2015 with tricky but winnable fixtures against promoted sides Norwich and Watford. 

Victories there and kind results elsewhere could see them firmly ensconced in the top four and part of the inevitable breakaway. 

The fixtures come fast across Christmas in a period that can make or break a season. 

Not for the first time in this campaign, Tottenham have the foundation upon which to build something special. 

Regardless of the result when second-placed Arsenal and third-placed Manchester City face each other on Sunday, Spurs win. 

One or both of the clubs immediately above them will remain in reach. 

The over-reliance on Kane remains a concern, but Spurs have (almost) made it to January without this becoming a major issue. 

A word of caution should be sounded for the young Alli. Just 19, Alli has played 1,012 minutes in his first Premier League season. He has excelled. Routinely among Spurs' best players, Alli makes a huge impact on the team. 

He is not being included in Tottenham's team for experience but for the difference that he makes. 

Saying that, he has looked fatigued in recent weeks, and Pochettino should consider rotating him during this busy period. 

There is a danger of burnout with such a young player, particularly one who plays with such energy and dynamism.

Alli's temporary withdrawal from the team would also give Heung-Min Son another opportunity to show his ability.

Nacer Chadli, too, is waiting for his chance, so Pochettino has the luxury of bringing in seasoned internationals to replace his brilliant young star. 

In victory against Southampton, Tottenham embraced the aggressive, physical style that blew Arsenal and Manchester City away earlier in the season. 

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It was not nearly as brilliant a performance as those, but it was a return to the substance that produced those stylish results.