Three Standout Saints: Tottenham Hotspur (H)
Southampton ended the week with a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Spurs on Sunday at St Mary’s.
The hosts scored first courtesy of a Davinson Sanchez own goal. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side quickly responded with a goal a few minutes later from none other than Harry Kane.
The first goal came for the Saints in the 15th minute as Dusan Tadic expertly picked out Ryan Bertrand’s fantastic run. The defender drilled the ball across the box which, fortunately for Southampton, deflected off Sanchez and rolled into the back of the net.
However, the visitors quickly replied as Harry Kane lost his marker and connected with Ben Davies’ corner, scoring his 99th Premier League goal and his fourth against Southampton this season.
The game intensified towards the end as Michael Obafemi became Southampton’s second youngest player in the Premier League at 17 years of age as he came on for Manolo Gabbiadini. Almost immediately, he could’ve scored on his senior debut, as Dusan Tadic played the ball across the box but Obafemi couldn’t get his positioning right and the ball flicked off his boot, flying wide of the goal.
This performance shows major improvements and so here are my ‘Three Standout Saints’.
Ryan Bertrand
Throughout the game, Ryan Bertrand made some fantastic overlapping runs, linked well with Dusan Tadic and caused trouble for the opposing defence. His low-drilled cross ultimately gave a much-valued point against a very dominant Tottenham Hotspur side. Alongside his attacking contributions, he put in a great defensive shift as well.
James Ward-Prowse
Statistically, James Ward-Prowse was the best player on the pitch. He put in some brilliant crosses, especially one which perfectly found Jack Stephens but he wasn’t able to keep his header on target. He also tirelessly worked hard to put in defensive and offensive efforts when needed. The 23-year-old is in excellent form at the moment and hopefully this can continue.
Dusan Tadic
Dusan Tadic put in a tremendous performance against Spurs on Sunday. He made some terrific passes and going forward, he looked determined and confident. The Serbian international linked exceptionally well with Bertrand on the left side. His well-weighted pass found Bertrand which resulted in Southampton’s only goal of the game.