Match Thread Vs Southampton

Tottenham Hotspur survived a Southampton fightback to go fourth in the Premier League.

In a one-sided first half, Spurs coasted to a 2-0 lead thanks to Gareth Bale's bouncing header and Clint Dempsey bundling over the line.

But Saints improved after half-time and got back in the game when Jay Rodriguez finished from a tight angle.

Rodriguez and the recalled Rickie Lambert had chances to equalise, but Spurs held on.

More to follow .

Steve Claridge, at St Mary's for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I've never seen two more contrasting performances from one team. Incredible. We went from Southampton not having a shot or even barely a touch, to all of a sudden playing some decent stuff, having a go, creating some chances and eventually running out of time. But Southampton will be kicking themselves, because they left them 30 minutes of a 90 minute game to get something. But there is something there to build on for Southampton, because towards the end that was up there with the best football I've seen from the Saints. The first half was one of the worst I have ever seen from a team in the Premier League."

I dont think AVB trusts the team or the backline as it is, to press higher up the pitch.

We have to remember both, Kaboul and Benny are out and when they're back hopefully we will see a different, more confident game over the full 90 minutes from us .

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins: "The second half was what we wanted to do in the first half. The sucker punch for us is the two goals we conceded. We had them on the rack in the second half but we ran out of time."


Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas: "We can benefit from the win here. We showed our technical ability in the first half and then showed our resilience in the second. After arriving back at two on Friday morning it was good to see the boys put in such an effort."

very good result today, hard fought at the end. couldnt wait for ref to blow whistle. but for 2 stupid draws at home earlier in season we would be right up there with em all .

vis wrote:Southampton boss Nigel Adkins: "The second half was what we wanted to do in the first half. The sucker punch for us is the two goals we conceded. We had them on the rack in the second half but we ran out of time."


Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas: "We can benefit from the win here. We showed our technical ability in the first half and then showed our resilience in the second. After arriving back at two on Friday morning it was good to see the boys put in such an effort."

Tbh he has a point, saints had a weeks rest and most of our players had played Thursday, remember spurs teams that used to crumble? Whilst most teams have been able to field their strongest eleven we are sitting 4th with influential players to come back. Would be nice to rest Sandro, so when Parker comes back that will help. We still need to get Lloris in and get Gallas out ASAP.

I agree, we have to give the manager and players credit for the points tally in the circumstances. If we can hang around up there in 4th untill the absentees get back, I can see us having a good season.

Next is Wigan at home and I'll be happy with another hard fought win.

Tottenham midfielder Moussa Dembele tweets: "Well done lads!"

adeybeyor tweets, "wheres me win bonus" lol