Dele Alli scored two goals as Tottenham Hotspurs came from behind to beat Southampton 4-1 at St Mary’s Stadium. Mauricio Pochettino’s side recorded their first away victory since Semptember. It was a difficult game for the visitors, as they wanted to close the gap on their local rivals Arsenal, after the crucial victory they are only one point behind their biggest rivals.
Intense game
The hosts took the lead at the start of the game. In the second minute of the game, James Ward-Prowse delivered a beautiful ball from a free-kick perfectly to the head of Saints defender Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch centre-back made no mistake in front of the goal, and put the ball into the net.
Tottenham levelled the score in the middle of the first half thanks to England international Dele Alli. The youngster took advantage of a Virgil van Dijk mistake and finished Moussa Sissoko’s cross to beat Southampton’s goalkeeper. The visitors pushed for the lead, but their attempts to beat Fraser Forster were not enough in the first half.
Great second half for the Spurs
After the break, Harry Kane finally scored a goal and ended his run of consecutive games without a goal. In the 52nd minute, Christian Eriksen crossed the ball into the box from the corner and Kane knew what he need to do to beat the keeper. A few minutes later it should have been 3-1 for the Spurs, as Southampton’s Nathan Redmond fouled Dele Alli in the box. He received a red card and also conceded a penalty, but England international Harry Kane got the ball just over the bar.
10-man Southampton couldn’t do much against Tottenham, and the visitors took complete control of the game. Extra space allowed the Spurs to create more chances and score more goals thanks to Son and Alli, who gave no chances to Fraser Forster.
Tottenham sent a clear message to their rivals, that they are still a strong team and they will do all they can to qualify for the Champions League in the next season. Mauricio Pochettino’s side has all the qualities to beat opponents like Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City, but they need to prove it.