Five things we learned from the 2-1 loss to Southampton

Tottenham Hotspur made it one point from their last possible 12 today as they slumped to yet another Premier League defeat.

The loss to Southampton was Tottenham’s third in four games and has seen them shoot themselves in the foot in their push for a top four place.

Here are five things we learned from the loss:

Attacking flair-

Tottenham’s problem of late in the League has been carving shots on target and clear chances to go with the decent defensive displays. That wasn’t a problem today, as Tottenham created chances after chances in the first half against the Saints, with two attempts hitting the post plus Harry Kane having the opportunity for a hattrick. There was nothing wrong with the attacking game today, but…

Defensive errors-

Tottenham’s second half defensive was absolutely woeful. In a game that should have been put to bed in the first half, Tottenham allowed Southampton to find a route back into the match, eventually handing them the victory. Both Saints goals stemmed from poor defensive play from Spurs, and in truth, the hosts had a bunch of other chances to score. Vertonghen, Dier, Sanchez, Rose, and KWP were simply dreadful.

Dele is back-

It seems impossible to pull a positive note out of the situation Spurs find themselves in, but Dele Alli made his comeback today, and looked mightily impressive. After seven weeks out, he notched an assist within the first half, and looked to be a creative danger throughout the game. Good to see him back.

Kane didn’t have his shooting boots-

Harry Kane loves a hattrick against Southampton, and in truth, he should have had another today. The England man finished his one goal nicely, but fluffed a host of other golden chances for a man of his ability.

Leaders-

Spurs are in desperate need of their leaders to stand up and haul the team through this difficult period now. Tottenham are in a dogfight to secure a top four spot, scrapping to ensure this season wasn’t a complete waste. The likes of Hugo Lloris, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, and Harry Kane need to show their leadership qualities both in their performance and vocally on the pitch in these closing weeks.

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