Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur share the points at St Mary’s Stadium
By Haran Naresh

St Mary's Stadium (credit User890899/Wikimedia Commons) — St Mary’s Stadium (credit User890899/Wikimedia Commons)

Tottenham Hotspur were held by 10-man Southampton in the Premier League.

The home team started well and took the lead with a great strike from James Ward-Prowse.

The game changed late in the first-half when Mohammed Salisu conceded a penalty after fouling Heung-min Son in the penalty area. The defender received his second yellow card and was sent off. Harry Kane scored the spot-kick but the visitors were then unable to find the winner.

With six minutes gone, Kyle Walker-Peters delivered a teasing cross which Shane Long headed wide. The offside flag went up but this was a sign of Southampton’s attacking intent.

Two minutes later, Walker-Peters stood up a ball for the unmarked Adam Armstrong but his header was weak and was easily collected by Hugo Lloris.

Southampton kept the visitors penned in their own half and this allowed Yan Valery to venture forward and have an effort which flew wide.

In the 14th minute Tottenham had a goal disallowed for offside. Heung-min Son delivered a free-kick into the box from which Ben Davies headed in but Southampton’s defence held their line and played him offside.

Southampton took the lead with 25 minutes on the clock. A long throw by Mohammed Salisu was cleared by Tottenham into the path of James Ward-Prowse who hit a fierce strike which flew into the net.

The home side merited a goal with their strong start to the game.

Harry Kane directed a free-kick on goal which was comfortably saved by Fraser Forster.

Kane released Son in behind and he sent a left-footed shot on goal which was saved.

Spurs equalised through a penalty in the 39th minute and Southampton were reduced to 10 men. Son was played in behind and Salisu mis-timed his tackle, bringing him down in the penalty area. The defender was given his second yellow card and was dismissed.

Kane made no mistake from the spot, whipping the ball into the top corner.

On the stroke of half-time Dele Alli found Kane in the box and he turned before blazing his shot well off target.

Spurs had another goal disallowed with 53 minutes on the clock. Harry Winks played an exquisite ball over the top for Kane and he took an immaculate first touch before delivering a cool finish.

The goal was initially given before being overturned by VAR which showed that Kane was marginally offside.

Kane then picked out Son in space on the left flank and the forward drove into the box before having his effort blocked.

Tottenham had the ball in the net once again but this was disallowed once more. A cross was put into the box and Fraser Forster spilled the ball amid pressure from Matt Doherty and it went in off the goalkeeper’s foot.

Doherty was adjudged to have fouled Forster when he backed into him and a free-kick was given to the home side.

Tottenham had an excellent chance in the 70th minute when Son played in Doherty on the overlap but Forster quickly came off his line to thwart the defender.

The away team were piling on the pressure but Southampton were defending resolutely in spite of their man disadvantage.

With 79 minutes gone, substitute Bryan Gil found Son with a flighted ball and he headed straight at Forster.

Southampton cleared a cross towards Davies whose drilled shot was blocked by Walker-Peters.

In the 87th minute Lucas Moura turned and hit a shot which was punched clear by Forster.

Spurs almost conceded late on when Eric Dier was caught in possession just outside his own box by Armando Broja but Davinson Sanchez got back to make a crucial block.

In the 93rd minute Winks picked out Kane at the back post but he could only guide his header wide amid pressure from Walker-Peters.

Gil then cut inside and his effort was pushed over the bar by Forster.

Tottenham recovered after having a poor start to the game but will be disappointed that they could not capitalise on having a man advantage for over 50 minutes.

Spurs visit Watford on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte speaking in his post-match press conference: “They defended very well. To find space it wasn’t easy. At the same time we can do much better. To move the ball more quickly and find the one we want.”

“I think to play after 48 hours is not easy for every team. I think I have seen a bit of fatigue in my players. For this reason we did not make the good decision in the last pass and the finish.”

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