Southampton Stun Spurs

Free Kick Masterclass! James Ward-Prowse celbrates with his teammates as he fires home the winner with a spectacular free kick against Tottenham.

Image Credit: The Independent

By Lee Clow 9 March 2019 | Premier League

Two quick-fire goals in the second half from Southampton has stunned Spurs and increased the pressure on them in the battle for the top 4.

James Ward-Prowse scored the winning goal for Southampton against Tottenham to keep the Saints two points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham started the game brightly at St Mary’s and it didn’t take them long to break the deadlock as Harry Kane slotted in his 200th career goal in the 26th minute. Dele Alli who returned from injury instantly made an impact back in the Tottenham XI, as he played in Kane for his goal with a superb through ball. Spurs looked like they were going to stroll to victory and were unlucky not to get more goals after they hit the woodwork twice.

The turn around for Southampton came in the second half as they made a clinical substitution by introducing Sims, making his first appearance of the season. With 13 minutes remaining, Danny Rose made a costly mistake which led to an equaliser by Yan Valery who slotted home from close range.

Spurs who looked arrogant and sloppy in the second half made another mistake when Kyle Walker-Peters brought down Armstrong on the edge of the area. Ward-Prowse stepped and curled a fabulous free kick into the top left corner past Hugo Lloris to give Southampton a deserved 3 points.

The result for Spurs keeps them in third but just 4 points above fourth placed Arsenal, having only claimed 1 point out of a possible 12 in their last 4 matches. For Southampton, the victory keeps them two points clear of the drop zone in 16th.

Mauricio Pochettino, who was serving hist first of a two match ban, spoke after the game about his disappointment in his sides attitude in the second half. "We didn't respect too much the opponent, and in football first of all you must first respect, then fight, then play football and show your better quality than the opponent. I am a little bit worried about this change from the first half to the second half - it's only one thing, it's mental. It's about complacency, it's about arrogance in a bad way.” Pochettino continued "You can use the first half as an example of [positive] arrogance, playing with intention, focus, concentration, we matched them in everything and we were much better. And in the second half it's the arrogance in a bad way. We need to blame all of us, the club."

Southampton boss Ralf Hasenhuttl was in full praise for Ward-Prowse’s free kick. "The second goal was unbelievable. I think maybe closer than last week, maybe more difficult, but his technique is gorgeous. It's not so nice for the 'keeper to stand there while Prowsey steps up to take a free-kick, but he made a fantastic game, he was everywhere fighting for every ball. To decide this game is fantastic for him."

What’s next?

The Premier League takes a break next week as the FA Cup quarter finals. Southampton’s next league game is against south coast rivals Brighton on March 30 whilst Tottenham don’t play until the following day, where they have a tough task against title chasers Liverpool.