Spurs Away
Spurs lost their discipline as well as their outside chance of the title when playing Chelsea, with the outcome being that Dembele joined Alli on the FA’s naughty step, ruling him out of the Saints game. Tadić shot wide and Forster saved well in the opening exchanges, but the Southampton stopper was badly at fault for the opening goal, choosing not to dive at the feet of Son who comfortably beat the keeper at football in a moment reminiscent of a Boruc howler, and then scored himself although all sorts of other options had opened up. In form Tadić set up something of a surprise equaliser forced home by Davis but balls towards the corners were causing problems for Saints, and Forster just about ended the half in credit after Kane had caught out Fonte near the flag. Spurs looked strong as the second period got underway, but although Long should have done better with a header, it was enough to keep hopes of a second Saints goal alive – we got one too, with Davis running laterally across the edge of the box to try to get in a shot, and when he managed to get one away, it was enough to beat Lloris. As it turned out, this was a good time to play deflated Tottenham and imposing performances by Fonte and Van Dijk coupled with general industry throughout kept them at bay, while there always seemed to be a chance on the break as Long’s non-stop running prevented Alderweireld getting forward into midfield, as he had shown signs of wanting. In a spring when generally overcoats have been more use than T-shirts, it was nice for hot conditions to cause play to be stopped for a 90 second ‘rehydration’ break 25 minutes into the half, although there was confusion over when the five minutes added time would end as the game clock had been stopped for drinks – no matter, Saints saw it through with ease for a victory that has enabled Ronald Koeman to have recorded wins at one time or another against all of his 22 Premier League opponents.
LSSC Man of the Match: Steven Davis. You wait six months for a goal from the midfielder and then two come along in one game.
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