Spurs moved into within one point of the top four with a thumping 4-1 win over Southampton at St. Mary’s with Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son getting on the scoresheet.
It was the worst possible start to the game for Tottenham after the conceded with just over a minute gone. The Saints whipped a dangerous free-kick into the box, and Virgil Van Dijk rose the highest to head into the bottom corner.
Spurs slowly grew into the game, and struck level after 19 minutes. Moussa Sissoko picked up the ball on the left-hand side, and delivered a deflected cross into the box, where Dele Alli was waiting to head into the back of the net off the post, leaving Fraser Forster with no chance.
The Lilywhites went ahead just after the break when Harry Kane headed in from a corner, and the Englishman had a chance to double Spurs’ lead soon after. Dele Alli went down in the box, and Mike Dean pointed to the spot although the original contact appeared to be outside the box. The referee also reached for his pocket and gave Nathan Redmond his marching orders for the foul. However, Harry Kane was unable to convert as his foot got caught in the turf and blazed the spot kick high over the bar.
Southampton threatened to get back into the game, but Heung-min Son gave Spurs a two goal cushion with five minutes to go. Christian Eriksen’s through ball was deflected and sent the South Korean through, and he had no problem in converting his chance to put Spurs 3-1 up.
The job was finished off just a couple of minutes later when Danny Rose made a surging run up the pitch before playing the ball to Dele Alli, who finished well into the bottom corner to secure the three points.
Although he was booed by the Southampton fans at times, it was a happy return to St. Mary’s for Victor Wanyama, who put in an excellent display during the 4-1 win. The midfielder looked solid in front of the defence, supplying the attckers well in the process, completing 92% of his passes, as well has having two shots and completing three take-ons. Here is how Spurs fans reacted to Wanyama’s display against Southampton.
You’ll still see people doubting Wanyama’s starting spot… The guy is absolutely brilliant
— Joe (@sayers_14) 28 December 2016
What an absolute wrecking ball of a man Victor Wanyama is #Beast ??
— Liam Dingle (@LiamDingle9) 28 December 2016
Wanyama is such a beast. One of the first names on the team sheet after Toby/Kane. #coys
— Graham (@grayhamp) 28 December 2016
Also a big mention for Wanyama too, superb display from him, again justifying his place in the side, what a bargain at £11million #COYS
— Ben Boorman (@benboorman21) 28 December 2016
Dembele and Wanyama are so strong, such a good midfield pairing #COYS
— Will Broughton (@WillBroughtonn) 29 December 2016
Wanyama is smooth as butter, love watching him move the ball around the pitch.
— e-Spurs USA (@e_spurs_usa) 28 December 2016
Wanyama and Dembele are class ??
— Reece Ford (@_ReeceFord) 28 December 2016
