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Bottom club Southampton were booed off and Russell Martin was subsequently sacked after suffering a 5-0 defeat to Tottenham.

Martin had overseen 13 defeats in their 16 games since promotion back to the top flight in the summer. They are stuck in 20th, already nine points from safety and are now looking for a new boss.

Southampton sack Martin after Spurs hammering

In his programme notes, Martin had called on Saints fans to "keep believing" in his players despite the predicament they currently find themselves in. Any effect those words might have had on supporters was rapidly eradicated.

With just 36 seconds on the clock, James Maddison swept the opener after Djed Spence easily brought the ball forward through the middle of the park. It was the earliest Saints had conceded in the Premier League since November 2013.

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It was 2-0 after 12 minutes when Heung-Min Son slotted home after Jan Bednarek's poor header, and 3-0 two minutes later, with Son turning provider for Dejan Kulusevski to turn the ball home from close range.

That was enough for the home fans to direct their frustrations towards Martin, but the fourth from Pape Sarr - following abysmal defending in the 25th minute - sparked a mass exodus from St Mary's. It was the earliest Tottenham had led by four goals in a Premier League game.

Martin trudged down the tunnel before the half-time whistle and not only missed the intense boos from the home fans that greeted it, but Maddison's second of the evening, from the tightest of angles.

There was no such intensity in the second half. In fact, Spurs only attempted a single shot in the second half, with Son, Maddison and Dominic Solanke withdrawn with one eye on Thursday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United, which is live on Sky Sports.

Southampton did try to reduce the deficit, with Tyler Dibling arguably their biggest threat. Mateus Fernandes headed in late on, but knew he had strayed offside immediately. Ultimately, they could do nothing to take the gloss off; the job was already done.

Martin before sacking: Boos hurt me as a manager but I will fight on

Under-pressure Southampton manager Russell Martin speaking to TNT Sports straight after the game:

"I'm hurt at the first half. We just don't respond very well to setbacks as a group.

"Ultimately, it's hurt us a lot this season. We concede so early and we have a chance to foul Djed Spence in the middle of the pitch, and we don't. Then we're 1-0 down, and then the response after that is incredibly poor. So very disappointing.

"Probably the most disappointing thing is we have a plan that I love the week's training. The players have been a part of that process, but we don't carry out with anywhere near enough intensive aggression, because we concede literally the first action they have the ball. So then that's down to mentality and still wanting to stick to it.

"So I didn't recognise our team in the first half. I'm pleased they stuck at it in the second. But it's a tough night."

On whether boos from home crowd affect him: "As a person, no. Because I understand it's not personal. I don't know them and they don't know me.

"As a manager, yeah, of course, it hurts me. It hurts the team, but I also understand it."

Asked where he goes from here: "I think we have no choice but to work and fight. It's all I've done since I've been in this job, and it's all I'll continue to do until I'm told otherwise."

Ramsdale: I feel very sorry for Martin

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale speaking to TNT Sports:

"A difficult one. The early goal sucker-punched us and we just never recovered.

"Give the credit to Tottenham - James Maddison player of the match.

"Tonight's a real difficult one for us to take."

On Russell Martin: "I feel very sorry for him. I think the lads are still trying for him. I don't think there's any question of anything on Russell Martin.

"The fans do deserve better and they're sticking with us, and it's one we have to move on very quickly ahead of Wednesday."

Ange praises senior players Son and Maddison: They were catalysts in win

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou speaking at his post-match press conference about his senior players Son and Maddison standing up:

"Yeah, they were brilliant. I think they sensed that they needed to tonight. We're just spread so thin that we're asking young players and players who haven't played a lot and others who are playing all the time to go out there and still try and play to our identity, still try and play the football we want to and I thought they were both a catalyst for that tonight with both their football but also their mindset of just going out there.

"We had to start strong today. We kind of knew we'd probably run out of gas at the end of the game considering the line-up we had out there and coming off Europe on Thursday night, so I think the players sensed that and credit to them that they started the game that way."

On the win: "Really proud of the players. Obviously we had a tough away European fixture on Thursday night [at Rangers]. We had 10 first-team players unavailable for a number of reasons today, so out of a squad of 25 you do the sums.

"We asked a lot of them to again go out there and dig into their wells of energy and a couple we put out there haven't played for ages so the fact that boys can play with such energy and quality is just outstanding and really pleased that they get the rewards for it because they deserve it."

Story of the match in stats...

What's coming up in the Premier League?

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou says he has "no choice" but to play Timo Werner against Southampton because he is "pulling kids out of school".

Werner was replaced at half-time of Spurs' 1-1 draw at Rangers in the Europa League and Postecoglou described his display as "unacceptable" and not "anywhere near the level" required.

Tottenham were forced into starting 18-year-old Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-back before bringing on another teenager in Lucas Bergvall with an hour played.

Ange Postecoglou slams 'unacceptable' Timo Werner display

Rangers 1-1 Tottenham: Report and analysis

Teams | Match stats | Live Europa League table

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Postecoglou was furious that Werner didn't step up as a senior player but will have to give him another chance on Sunday.

The Spurs boss said: "We've got no choice, I'm pulling kids out of school. I literally am. I'm getting notes from their teachers saying young Lucas (Bergvall) has missed another day of school.

"That was the reasoning for pointing it out, we need Timo, we need all of them.

"He's going to play, of course he's going to play."

When asked on Friday how Werner had or might respond to the comments, Postecoglou said: "I've got no time for that sort of stuff anymore. We're in a fight here, collectively we're in a fight. I'm not going to go around worrying about people's bruised egos.

"We want to achieve things, we want to be successful. We're down to the bare bones in players, if there's somebody in that dressing room who's fit, able to contribute and feels like they need something extra at this moment, he's probably not the right type.

"We had some last night that understand the situation that we're in. We've got 15 fit players, in some positions we've only got two players. I'm not going to go around trying to get extra out of people if they don't give extra right now. That gives me an indication of where they're at."

Postecoglou was then asked if that tied into the wider issue of Spurs' struggle to win a trophy.

Cristian Romero appeared to direct criticism towards the club for a perceived lack of investment after their defeat to Chelsea last weekend, but Postecoglou said: "I'm sick of that. That's an excuse for me. That's why, even with Cristian Romero's comments, I just think that's an excuse.

"At the moment, I'm here, I take responsibility, these players, we're here. If we think some mythical thing exists in this club that prevents success then change it. What's the point otherwise? Don't come here. I just don't buy into that.

"At the moment, we're in a difficult situation because of where we are squad-wise and you either embrace this challenge. If you want excuses, there are a million of them as to why we can't be successful. If that's what your clutch is, particularly in tough moments, what's the point? Move on then. Go somewhere else."

In response to whether he regretted his comments about Werner, Postecoglou said: "No, it wasn't criticism, it was assessment. If we've played poorly, we've played poorly. With Timo, it wasn't about whether he'd played well or not, we had a really difficult game.

"I'm asking 18-year-olds to do massive jobs and you've got senior players - he's a senior player, he's an international, won the Champions League - that there's a level of application and performance you need to rise to, to help the team. He didn't reach that.

"Me taking him off at half-time was a statement enough. The same way I won't hide behind team performances, it's not different to players or anyone else."

Analysis: Bullish Postecoglou doing things his way

Sky Sports' News' Paul Gilmour:

The post-match answer on Timo Werner at Ibrox got everyone talking and little over 12 hours later Postecoglou was back at the Spurs training ground previewing the weekend fixture against Southampton.

Not for the first time Postecoglou was box office. He was bullish, unphased and remarkably relaxed despite the injury troubles and recent form. He spoke of being up for the battle and was even compared to a General by one reporter.

Postecoglou knows what he wants and if he doesn't get it, he will be honest as he demonstrated after the Rangers game. He's doing things his way and it should be no surprise to anyone.

He rejected the use of the word criticism and preferred to file it under "feedback". A manager is there to offer performance feedback and, in any industry in the world, that is considered normal.

Of course, the difference here is the public element of it and we've repeatedly heard in football that this kind of feedback in front of the cameras doesn't go down well. I couldn't help but feel, while listening to Postecoglou, that he's doing his best to be demanding of a thin squad at a crucial point in the season, especially those experienced players.

On a few occasions he found time to joke, and while talking up Archie Gray's performance, pointed to the fact the 18-year-old has a bright future before adding: "The next manager will love him."

Attention turns back to the pitch, and before the Manchester United League Cup tie, all eyes will be on St Mary's as both Saints and Spurs go marching into battle.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou says he has "no choice" but to play Timo Werner against Southampton because he is "pulling kids out of school".

Werner was replaced at half-time of Spurs' 1-1 draw at Rangers in the Europa League and Postecoglou described his display as "unacceptable" and not "anywhere near the level" required.

Tottenham were forced into starting 18-year-old Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-back before bringing on another teenager in Lucas Bergvall with an hour played.

Ange Postecoglou slams 'unacceptable' Timo Werner display

Rangers 1-1 Tottenham: Report and analysis

Teams | Match stats | Live Europa League table

Stream Sky Sports with NOW | Download the Sky Sports App

Postecoglou was furious that Werner didn't step up as a senior player but will have to give him another chance on Sunday.

The Spurs boss said: "We've got no choice, I'm pulling kids out of school. I literally am. I'm getting notes from their teachers saying young Lucas (Bergvall) has missed another day of school.

"That was the reasoning for pointing it out, we need Timo, we need all of them.

"He's going to play, of course he's going to play."

When asked on Friday how Werner had or might respond to the comments, Postecoglou said: "I've got no time for that sort of stuff anymore. We're in a fight here, collectively we're in a fight. I'm not going to go around worrying about people's bruised egos.

"We want to achieve things, we want to be successful. We're down to the bare bones in players, if there's somebody in that dressing room who's fit, able to contribute and feels like they need something extra at this moment, he's probably not the right type.

"We had some last night that understand the situation that we're in. We've got 15 fit players, in some positions we've only got two players. I'm not going to go around trying to get extra out of people if they don't give extra right now. That gives me an indication of where they're at."

Postecoglou was then asked if that tied into the wider issue of Spurs' struggle to win a trophy.

Cristian Romero appeared to direct criticism towards the club for a perceived lack of investment after their defeat to Chelsea last weekend, but Postecoglou said: "I'm sick of that. That's an excuse for me. That's why, even with Cristian Romero's comments, I just think that's an excuse.

"At the moment, I'm here, I take responsibility, these players, we're here. If we think some mythical thing exists in this club that prevents success then change it. What's the point otherwise? Don't come here. I just don't buy into that.

"At the moment, we're in a difficult situation because of where we are squad-wise and you either embrace this challenge. If you want excuses, there are a million of them as to why we can't be successful. If that's what your clutch is, particularly in tough moments, what's the point? Move on then. Go somewhere else."

In response to whether he regretted his comments about Werner, Postecoglou said: "No, it wasn't criticism, it was assessment. If we've played poorly, we've played poorly. With Timo, it wasn't about whether he'd played well or not, we had a really difficult game.

"I'm asking 18-year-olds to do massive jobs and you've got senior players - he's a senior player, he's an international, won the Champions League - that there's a level of application and performance you need to rise to, to help the team. He didn't reach that.

"Me taking him off at half-time was a statement enough. The same way I won't hide behind team performances, it's not different to players or anyone else."

Analysis: Bullish Postecoglou doing things his way

Sky Sports' News' Paul Gilmour:

The post-match answer on Timo Werner at Ibrox got everyone talking and little over 12 hours later Postecoglou was back at the Spurs training ground previewing the weekend fixture against Southampton.

Not for the first time Postecoglou was box office. He was bullish, unphased and remarkably relaxed despite the injury troubles and recent form. He spoke of being up for the battle and was even compared to a General by one reporter.

Postecoglou knows what he wants and if he doesn't get it, he will be honest as he demonstrated after the Rangers game. He's doing things his way and it should be no surprise to anyone.

He rejected the use of the word criticism and preferred to file it under "feedback". A manager is there to offer performance feedback and, in any industry in the world, that is considered normal.

Of course, the difference here is the public element of it and we've repeatedly heard in football that this kind of feedback in front of the cameras doesn't go down well. I couldn't help but feel, while listening to Postecoglou, that he's doing his best to be demanding of a thin squad at a crucial point in the season, especially those experienced players.

On a few occasions he found time to joke, and while talking up Archie Gray's performance, pointed to the fact the 18-year-old has a bright future before adding: "The next manager will love him."

Attention turns back to the pitch, and before the Manchester United League Cup tie, all eyes will be on St Mary's as both Saints and Spurs go marching into battle.

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First Half

KICK OFF! We're up and running at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea 0-0 Brentford

A typically big roar saved for Cole Palmer's name as the teams are read out.

A packed-out Stamford Bridge is ready for kick-off.

Teams on their way!

Five minutes to kick-off in this unusually late Sunday kick-off at Stamford Bridge, after Chelsea's long trip to Kazakhstan on Thursday.

Here's your final reminder of the teams:

Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson.

Subs: Jorgensen, Disasi, Acheampong, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Rak-Sakyi, George, Nkunku, Guiu.

Brentford: Flekken, Roerslev, Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter, Norgaard, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard, Mbeumo, Wissa.

Subs: Valdimarsson, Mee, Ajer, Meghoma, Konak, Janelt, Trevitt, Carvalho, Schade.

'Time to end bizarre Chelsea-Brentford record?'

Sky Sports' Ron Walker at Stamford Bridge:

"This fixture is nearly unmatched in Premier League terms - only Watford and Bournemouth have played out more games where the home team has never won.

"A Blues victory would end a run of six games in a row where the away side has taken at least a point.

"Brentford have a decent record against the traditional 'Big Six' but even so, it's remarkable that since beating Brentford in the first meeting at the Gtech in October 2021, Chelsea haven't won any of the five top-flight league meetings between these two."

WATCH: Man Utd's 90th-minute winner to seal Manchester derby

Big scenes at the Etihad in the final minutes - with Man utd scoring in the 88th and 90th minutes to secure victory.

Have a look at Amad Diallo's last-minute winner here. We'll have some of those at Stamford Bridge too thanks.

'Huge chance for Chelsea after City slip'

Sky Sports' Ron Walker at Stamford Bridge:

"What an opportunity this is for Chelsea now. A win here and they'll be seven clear of Man City, four of Arsenal and two off Liverpool, who do have that game in hand.

"The fans are slowly filing into Stamford Bridge after watching the end of the Manchester derby in the concourses or nearby pubs, with a few extra springs in their step after another title rival takes a hit.

"Nottm Forest are the only members of the top six who haven't dropped points so far this weekend!"

Frank explains Thiago absence

Speaking on the club's official channels, Thomas Frank has explained the reason behind Igor Thiago's absence at Stamford Bridge...

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What a turnaround at the Etihad!

Man Utd have scored two goals in as many minutes and now lead 2-1 at Man City - as it stands, all three of Chelsea's closest title rivals are dropping points in the same weekend.

Over to you, Enzo Maresca... Catch the closing minutes from Manchester below.

Live Commentary - Man City vs Man Utd | 15.12.2024

Sky Sports

The curious case of Brentford's form

A home record top-four sides would die for, a home banker on the road.

Brentford have some of the most contrasting form in Premier League history depending on whether they're at the Gtech or not.

Of their 23 points this season, only one has been collected on the road. Bonkers stuff.

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JONES KNOWS: Brentford to shock Chelsea - again

Why aren't Chelsea serious title contenders? It's a question I've been pondering as they've shortened dramatically into 6/1 with Sky Bet for the Premier League crown. The inconsistency factor is high on that reasoning.

Teams that win titles win matches when not playing well. I'm not sure this young Chelsea side are there yet - there are going to be bumps in the road, especially with such an unreliable goalkeeper in Robert Sanchez between the sticks. That bump could be on the horizon here.

Credit to them they've managed to fend off a funny result for most of the season but one might be due, which may help dampen the expectations in the long run.

Brentford haven't lost to Chelsea in five matches, winning the last three at Stamford Bridge. Yes, Thomas Frank's football isn't quite as savage on the road but they will hold no fear and Chelsea look a risky prospect at 1/3 with Sky Bet for the win, especially at an odd kick-off time.

Brentford double chance at 9/4 it is then.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2

WATCH: Saka vs Palmer vs Salah - who would you pick?

Three left-footed right wingers.

Okay, Cole Palmer has played nominally as a No 10 this season, but he's still popped up on the right nearly as much as Mo Salah and Bukayo Saka.

So whose wand of a foot would you choose? Have a look at the stats that matter...

No Thiago as Bees change two

Mads Roerslev and Mikkel Damsgaard return for Brentford, with Igor Thiago absent from the squad altogether following his first start in last weekend's win over Newcastle.

Fabio Carvalho is the other name to drop out, with the ex-Liverpool man settling for a place on the bench.

LAST TIME OUT: BRENTFORD 4-2 NEWCASTLE

There was plenty of drama at the Gtech last time out too, as Brentford put Newcastle to the sword with a four-star haul to keep up their sensational home record this season.

Gusto, Madueke return for attacking Chelsea

Malo Gusto and Noni Madueke return to the Chelsea line-up in an attacking line-up from Enzo Maresca for the visit of Brentford.

Moises Caicedo moves into midfield with Romeo Lavia missing out after his half-time withdrawal at Tottenham last weekend, while Tosin Adarabioyo partners Levi Colwill at the back with Benoit Badiashile also absent from the squad..

Chelsea team news

Team to play Brentford: Sanchez, Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson.

Subs: Jorgensen, Disasi, Acheampong, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Rak-Sakyi, George, Nkunku, Guiu.

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Brentford team news

Team to play Chelsea: Flekken, Roerslev, Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter, Norgaard, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard, Mbeumo, Wissa.

Subs: Valdimarsson, Mee, Ajer, Meghoma, Konak, Janelt, Trevitt, Carvalho, Schade.

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Maresca: Palmer could be Premier League's best

There's some competition to be top of the tree for the Premier League's best player.

But given his stellar run of consistency since moving to Stamford Bridge, could it be Cole Palmer?

Enzo Maresca thinks so. High praise, if not entirely controversial, from the Chelsea boss.

WATCH: A Thomas Frank rouser!

Brentford have given us a rare insight into the club dressing room this season by mic'ing up head coach Thomas Frank in a couple of post-match team talks - and this one against Newcastle is particularly good.

Makes you want to run through walls for him, no?

LAST TIME OUT: TOTTENHAM 3-4 CHELSEA

Chelsea left Tottenham singing the blues last weekend as they came back from falling 2-0 down after 11 minutes to win 4-3 in a typically chaotic game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Good afternoon!

Welcome to Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea can smell something in the air over the scent of pine trees and mulled wine.

Is it a title charge? Well, with the opportunity to move two points off the top this afternoon, and four ahead of third place, it might just be.

It's already been a superb weekend for Enzo Maresca's men, who have watched Liverpool and Arsenal both drop points in what looked like being routine home wins.

Speaking of routine home wins - Brentford the team with the worst away record in the Premier League visit Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

The one sting in the tail from the Blues' west London neighbours? They've won all three of their league games here since they were promoted to the Premier League in 2021.

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Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou says he has "no choice" but to play Timo Werner against Southampton because he is "pulling kids out of school".

Werner was replaced at half-time of Spurs' 1-1 draw at Rangers in the Europa League and Postecoglou described his display as "unacceptable" and not "anywhere near the level" required.

Tottenham were forced into starting 18-year-old Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-back before bringing on another teenager in Lucas Bergvall with an hour played.

Ange Postecoglou slams 'unacceptable' Timo Werner display

Rangers 1-1 Tottenham: Report and analysis

Teams | Match stats | Live Europa League table

Stream Sky Sports with NOW | Download the Sky Sports App

Postecoglou was furious that Werner didn't step up as a senior player but will have to give him another chance on Sunday.

The Spurs boss said: "We've got no choice, I'm pulling kids out of school. I literally am. I'm getting notes from their teachers saying young Lucas (Bergvall) has missed another day of school.

"That was the reasoning for pointing it out, we need Timo, we need all of them.

"He's going to play, of course he's going to play."

When asked on Friday how Werner had or might respond to the comments, Postecoglou said: "I've got no time for that sort of stuff anymore. We're in a fight here, collectively we're in a fight. I'm not going to go around worrying about people's bruised egos.

"We want to achieve things, we want to be successful. We're down to the bare bones in players, if there's somebody in that dressing room who's fit, able to contribute and feels like they need something extra at this moment, he's probably not the right type.

"We had some last night that understand the situation that we're in. We've got 15 fit players, in some positions we've only got two players. I'm not going to go around trying to get extra out of people if they don't give extra right now. That gives me an indication of where they're at."

Postecoglou was then asked if that tied into the wider issue of Spurs' struggle to win a trophy.

Cristian Romero appeared to direct criticism towards the club for a perceived lack of investment after their defeat to Chelsea last weekend, but Postecoglou said: "I'm sick of that. That's an excuse for me. That's why, even with Cristian Romero's comments, I just think that's an excuse.

"At the moment, I'm here, I take responsibility, these players, we're here. If we think some mythical thing exists in this club that prevents success then change it. What's the point otherwise? Don't come here. I just don't buy into that.

"At the moment, we're in a difficult situation because of where we are squad-wise and you either embrace this challenge. If you want excuses, there are a million of them as to why we can't be successful. If that's what your clutch is, particularly in tough moments, what's the point? Move on then. Go somewhere else."

In response to whether he regretted his comments about Werner, Postecoglou said: "No, it wasn't criticism, it was assessment. If we've played poorly, we've played poorly. With Timo, it wasn't about whether he'd played well or not, we had a really difficult game.

"I'm asking 18-year-olds to do massive jobs and you've got senior players - he's a senior player, he's an international, won the Champions League - that there's a level of application and performance you need to rise to, to help the team. He didn't reach that.

"Me taking him off at half-time was a statement enough. The same way I won't hide behind team performances, it's not different to players or anyone else."

Analysis: Bullish Postecoglou doing things his way

Sky Sports' News' Paul Gilmour:

The post-match answer on Timo Werner at Ibrox got everyone talking and little over 12 hours later Postecoglou was back at the Spurs training ground previewing the weekend fixture against Southampton.

Not for the first time Postecoglou was box office. He was bullish, unphased and remarkably relaxed despite the injury troubles and recent form. He spoke of being up for the battle and was even compared to a General by one reporter.

Postecoglou knows what he wants and if he doesn't get it, he will be honest as he demonstrated after the Rangers game. He's doing things his way and it should be no surprise to anyone.

He rejected the use of the word criticism and preferred to file it under "feedback". A manager is there to offer performance feedback and, in any industry in the world, that is considered normal.

Of course, the difference here is the public element of it and we've repeatedly heard in football that this kind of feedback in front of the cameras doesn't go down well. I couldn't help but feel, while listening to Postecoglou, that he's doing his best to be demanding of a thin squad at a crucial point in the season, especially those experienced players.

On a few occasions he found time to joke, and while talking up Archie Gray's performance, pointed to the fact the 18-year-old has a bright future before adding: "The next manager will love him."

Attention turns back to the pitch, and before the Manchester United League Cup tie, all eyes will be on St Mary's as both Saints and Spurs go marching into battle.

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