Opinion: Five things we learned from Tottenham’s awful 3-2 loss to Southampton

Tottenham Hotspur fell to a frustrating 3-2 defeat against Southampton last night in the Premier League, despite leading the game twice at home. 

Let’s take a look at five things we learned from the match:

Defensive errors – Conceding three goals on the night actually flattered Tottenham. Southampton had at least three more golden chances to score, as well as an array of good opportunities. It is no exaggeration to say it could have been six, seven or eight goals if the Saints had been clinical. The three they did score were all gifted to them on a plate too, coming from a miskicked Ben Davies clearance, and failures to head clear at the back post from Davinson Sanchez and Emerson Royal. It was a defeat by Spurs’ own hands.

Passive Spurs – I don’t mind sitting back and hitting on the break at times, but you have to be aggressive and press at a certain point. Last night, Spurs didn’t press in Southampton’s half. They didn’t press at the halfway line. They didn’t press in their own third. They just gave Southampton the ball and allowed them to dictate the match. Every single team in the Premier League is good enough to score and win if you let them do that.

Top four race – Tottenham had the upper hand in the top four race and back-to-back wins at home against Southampton and Wolves would have put them firmly in the driving seat. However, they missed the chance to go above Arsenal and capitalise on Man United’s dropped points, leaving them level on games and points with the Gunners. If Spurs are to pull off a Champions League spot, they are going to need to find consistency.

Frustrated Conte – I think this is the most animated I have seen Conte on the touchline when things are going badly for Spurs. Getting into touchline arguments with people from Southampton, kicking water bottles, screaming his face off in the rain. The Italian clearly wants and expects more than he is getting from this Tottenham side. Ultimately, some of these players need a Conte kick from behind to either get them going or get them gone.

Changes are needed – When the same old mistakes are coming from the same old players, something has to change. Although he has struggled at times, I would give Doherty a chance at RWB or, failing that, Lucas Moura. Oliver Skipp needs to come straight back in once he is fit and Bentancur is knocking on the door of a start. Eric Dier also needs to slot into the middle of defence when he is back, with Romero on the right.

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