Spurs opened their 22/23 campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Southampton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Saints took the lead on 12 minutes through a neat volley from captain Ward-Prowse, following some neat play from Djenepo that bamboozled Royal just inside the area.
Saints barely had a chance to compose themselves before Sessegnon snuck in at the back post to head in Kulusevski’s lovely cross 10 minutes later. From there, Son forced a decent save from Bazunu before setting Dier up to head home a minute later. Son blazed over from 6 yards out while Kane forced another save from Bazunu on the turn, 2-1 at half-time.
Spurs started the second half in the ascendency, with Sessegnon having an effort chalked off for offside within a minute of the restart. Spurs did not have long to wait to increase their lead, as Salisu bizarrely stuck the ball into his own net on 61 minutes following a misplaced effort from Royal, with Kulusevski curling in a trademark left-footer a minute later for 4-1 to Spurs. Shortly after, Sessegnon departed to a standing ovation to be replaced by Perisic, making his debut.
Securing a fourth did little to deter Spurs from seeking five, and Son’s goalbound effort hit the arm of Stephens, but nothing was given, and Bazunu collected Son’s effort after Kane placed the Golden Boot winner through on goal.
The game eventually fizzled out, and debuts were given to substitutes Lenglet and Bissouma, with the latter picking up a booking as Spurs saw out a resounding victory.