Tottenham Hotspur were looking to put EFL Cup and Colchester United disappointment behind them as we returned to Premier League action on Saturday, and welcomed Southampton to White Hart Lane.
A lively opening 45 minutes from manager Mauricio Pochettino’s side saw us take advantage in the 24th minute through summer signing Tanguy Ndombele, but having seen Serge Aurier sent from the pitch for two bookable offences on the half hour mark, the visitors capitalised on a Hugo Lloris error to tie the game up at 1-1.
Harry Kane saved some blushes minutes before the half time break, and with a goalless second half, we took the 2-1 victory and have the fans something to shout about again.
Speaking to the BBC following the full time whistle, in what most had considered to be a must win ‘make a statement’ game, manager Mauricio Pochettino said of our efforts.
“We needed to work a lot with 10 men. We showed our spirit, that is the way we need to work to work together. We have worked very hard for five years to put the club in the level that no-one expected. That is why now for some results that were not in the way people expected, we don’t give up, so we need to be strong to be stronger. I think it was completely unfair for Serge to be sent off, but I accept the decision of the referee.”
With Lloris’ clanger, that was always going to be a question.
“Football happens! When you play in the way we want to, sometimes you can be good or not so good. When you’re a professional player sometimes you take risks, if someone wants to blame Hugo for this, better to blame me because I demand him to play in this way.”
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