TBR Football

Tottenham hammered Southampton to pick up a huge win for Ange Postecoglou and in doing so, one of their players showed he’s very much a force to be reckoned with for the future.

Tottenham have been forced to put out patched up line-ups in recent weeks, especially in defence, with key players out injured.

Against Southampton, it was once again Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray in the middle of the back four, with Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence on the flanks.

The inclusion of Spence was the eye-catching pick from Postecoglou. The former Nottingham Forest loanee has not had a great time since signing for £20m, and many expected him to move to Italy after he impressed in Genoa last season.

However, with talk of Pedro Porro being wanted by Real Madrid and a lack of form at times this season, Spence got his chance at St Mary’s and boy, did he take it.

Djed Spence proves Tottenham will be fine if they sell Pedro Porro

While Spurs fans may want Porro to remain, the lure of Real Madrid is massive and if a serious bid comes, Daniel Levy may be forced to consider it.

However, should Porro leave, then the future might be sorted anyway.

Djed Spence went out against Southampton with a point to prove and right from the first minute, where he set up James Maddison for the opener, Spence was on it.

The Englishman is a slightly different player to Porro but Spence’s performance very much impressed Ange Postecoglou. Furthermore, the Spurs fans want Spence to play more as well after witnessing his performance at St Mary’s.

Worryingly, Spence was seen limping at full-time but if that injury proves to be nothing serious, then Spurs fans will expect to see more of him over the Christmas period.

Ultimately, it was a statement performance from a player who has been on the fringes of things ever since he signed.

In terms of turning points in a player’s career, this might well be it for Spence at Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur fans enjoyed a memorable trip to St. Mary’s after witnessing their side annihilate Southampton 5-0 in their latest outing.

Ange Postecoglou made history for Tottenham by becoming the only manager to lead them to a 5-0 lead at half-time for the first time during their time in the Premier League.

Son Heung-min set a Premier League record as well by providing the most assists (68) for Spurs in the history of the competition.

Aaron Ramsdale lauded Tottenham’s display in the first-half as they seemed like a team on a mission.

All in all, Ange Postecoglou would have been over the moon after how his Lilywhites side performed.

James Maddison namechecked as Tottenham’s main man

Joe Cole singled James Maddison out of all the Tottenham players for praise on TNT Sports, who scored a brilliant brace against Southampton, as he feels that his countryman “makes Spurs tick.”

Cole said: “James Maddison was sublime. He was brilliant.”

“Every time I have watched Tottenham play well, he has played well. He makes Spurs tick.”

“Everything goes through him on the pitch and he was really good today.”

The Tottenham midfielder’s quality has been well-documented at this point, who opened the scoring with an intelligent run in behind the hosts’ defence and scored before adding to his tally with a lovely piece of trickery and a clinical finish.

Gary Lineker lauded Maddison as a “very cerebral footballer” that he enjoys watching.

Maddison could play for Manchester City, according to Tim Sherwood; that is how highly he rates him.

Against Southampton, the England international proved why he is worthy of such praise with a wonderful performance.

Maddison stats for Tottenham in 5-0 Southampton win

The highlights of Maddison’s performance were his goals but the statistics break down how impactful he was in other facets of his game as well.

The fact that the former Leicester City playmaker won seven out of his nine ground duels is an indicator of the graft he put despite Spurs’ dominant display.

Playing two key passes and completing three out of his three attempted dribbles also showcases how Maddison matched industry with flair against Southampton.

Taking just 48 touches as well, the fact that the Tottenham maestro also managed to play two key passes while scoring a brace is suggestive of his incredibly efficient display.

Looking ahead, Maddison will be keen to build on his own performance.

Djed Spence made his long-awaited Premier League debut for Tottenham Hotspur and the defender marked it with an assist and clean sheet.

Spence’s chances in North London have been few and far between since signing for the club over two years ago, however, the moment he had been waiting for finally arrived against Southampton. That chance was taken with both hands as Spence left Tottenham fans impressed with his performance

Postecoglou was forced into resting Pedro Porro who has looked shattered over recent weeks and the 24-year-old was brought in to replace him.

However, the night ended on a slightly worrying note for the former Nottingham Forest man after what he was spotted doing following the full-time whistle at St Mary’s.

Djed Spence limping after Tottenham beat Southampton

Djed Spence was spotted limping over to the Tottenham supporters in the away end at Southampton to applaud them. Postecoglou simply cannot afford any more injuries and losing Spence could be a major blow.

Pedro Porro has played almost every minute in the Premier League so far and despite being benched from the start, he was introduced for the injured Destiny Udogie after just 28 minutes. Udogie went down after feeling his leg and was forced off with a knock.

The Australian now has just two full-backs in Porro and Spence, so losing one more ahead of two massive fixtures would be a devastating loss. Spence was taken off in the 77th minute to make way for Premier League debutant, Alfie Dorrington.

Postecoglou will now be facing an anxious wait over Spence’s potential injury with home matches against Manchester United and Liverpool set to take place next week.

What did Ange Postecoglou say about Destiny Udogie’s injury?

Postecoglou has revealed that Udogie’s injury does not appear to be serious and he asked to come off as a precaution. The 59-year-old claims that the team are not in a position to be taking any risks with injuries right now and he was withdrawn before the half-hour mark.

Postecoglou told BBC Sport: “He felt something but he wanted to continue. We can’t take risks at the moment. I don’t think it’s anything too bad.”

When Tottenham welcome Manchester United to N17 on Thursday, it is now looking like Spence and Porro will have to be the two full-backs.

Tottenham might have hammered Southampton but there was still time for some fans to criticise the manager, Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou wanted a response from his team after a poor few weeks and he got one in style, as Spurs raced into a 5-0 lead at half-time to pour the misery on Russell Martin further.

Postecoglou was forced to play another bodged XI as injuries continue to hit his team selections but this time, every player produced.

Djed Spence was excellent down the right, while in midfield, James Maddison produced the goods that everyone knows he’s capable of.

However, while the performance was excellent, Postecoglou was not immune to the critics.

Tottenham fans unhappy with Ange Postecoglou despite hammering Southampton

Despite Spurs being five up at the break, the Spurs boss made just a single change at half-time and then waited until the 77th minute and 82nd minutes to make any other subs.

Crucially, Postecoglou left star winger and creative force Dejan Kulusevski on the field for the full 90.

Kulusevski was left out in midweek at Rangers but came in today to tear Southampton apart.

However, while the Swede was excellent, Tottenham fans were left baffled by Postecoglou’s decision to play him for the entire 90 with such a busy period coming.

Another Tottenham fan, @ASBO9T, continued the theme, suggesting it was a big surprise to see Kulusevski remain on the field.

“Risking Kulusevski for the full 90 is surprising”

While another supporter, @thespursgoc, lauded Kulusevski for his improvement this season.

“What a guy! Really improved this season. My player of the season. Madders does edge him out due to the goals he’s scoring but what a season from kulusevski”

@thfcas18_v2 also thought a sub would be made, but their prediction before half-time didn’t come off.

“Think Porro and Johnson are rested for the cup game. Wouldn’t be surprised if Son, Solanke and Kulusevski come off by HT.”

Tottenham have to keep Kulusevski

Gary Neville has tipped Kulusevski for a Real Madrid or Barcelona type move but Tottenham simply have to get him tied down to a big deal.

The Swede is so important to the team and his ability to create, score, and cause havoc in general, is almost irreplaceable.

Southampton were poor, but Kulusevski made their defence really work for their money and on another day, he might have been more ruthless and scored more goals.

Timo Werner was still given some game time by Ange Postecoglou in Tottenham’s 5-0 win over Southampton on Sunday, despite the Australian recently criticising the German.

The 59-year-old publicly lambasted the Germany international after Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Rangers in the UEFA Europa League, saying: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should.

“It’s not acceptable to me. I said that to Timo. He is a senior international, a German international, with the moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options, I need everyone to at least be going out there and trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”

Unsurprisingly, the Tottenham No.16 was dropped for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Southampton by Ange Postecoglou, and Spurs looked much better without him, racing into a 5-0 lead before the interval.

Timo Werner did eventually enter the fray in the 77th minute, with Postecoglou’s comments surely ringing around his head, so let’s take a look at how the 28-year-old performed.

Timo Werner struggles to get involved against Southampton

In his 17 minutes on the pitch, the German struggled to make an impact.

SofaScore shows that Werner took just ten touches of the ball at the St Mary’s Stadium, while also completing five of his attempted seven passes.

Furthermore, the man from Stuttgart was dribbled past once, but did deliver a fine cross for Brennan Johnson which the Wales international ought to have finished off – although he looked offside.

Against the Premier League’s basement side, 5-0 down on the night, it was a chance for Werner, who Clive Allen criticised as well, to show Postecoglou he has a bit of fight in him, although that particular trait still seemed to be lacking.

What Tottenham could do with Timo Werner in January

The RB Leipzig forward is still only on loan at Tottenham, and German news outlet Kicker have released a story on what Spurs could do with Werner in the January transfer window.

It is said that Tottenham wouldn’t stand in the forward’s way if an offer from another club were to arrive for him this winter, which is no surprise after a run of one goal in 20 appearances this season.

Tottenham are having a nightmare with injuries this season and things could be about to get even worse after their mauling of Southampton.

Spurs are missing a number of big players with the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven making things tough at the back for them.

Archie Gray has been filling in as a centre-back, while Ange Postecoglou also gave Djed Spence a chance as well.

Spence did well and was lauded by fans but he looked to be hobbling at the end, which could be another blow for the club.

However, it’s not just Spence who has picked up a knock, with another full-back, Destiny Udogie also going off with a niggle.

And according to Postecoglou, Udogie was just not going to be risked.

Speaking to the media after the game, Postecoglou was asked about Udogie.

And the Spurs boss has said that while he’s unsure, his initial feeling is it’s not something too bad.

“He felt something but he wanted to continue. We can’t take risks at the moment. I don’t think it’s anything too bad,” Postecoglou said.

Tottenham could have to look internally as injuries mount up

While all clubs get injuries and they are part and parcel of the game, there is so much data and information available now that Tottenham might be considering taking a look at their methods.

We’ve seen with other clubs before how they look at training and everything linked to it and with Spurs’ high intensity style, it might be something the club needs to adapt.

Tottenham can ill-afford more injury problems and if Udogie and Spence are going to miss any time, it’s a bitter blow which leaves Spurs very much relying on kids.

Although it’s only been a minor frustration in the context of their season, Tottenham Hotspur supporters have often been puzzled as to why Ange Postecoglou doesn’t use Djed Spence more often.

But against Southampton on Sunday evening, Tottenham fans got their wish – Spence played and was brilliant on both the right and left of Postecoglou’s defence.

The Spurs boss decided to give Pedro Porro a break after another difficult showing in the Europa League on Thursday.

Porro struggled against Glasgow Rangers and as a result, Spence got his chance, one that he took with both hands.

Ange Postecoglou gives Djed Spence ‘credit’ after Southampton display

Tottenham fans loved Spence’s display – sending a clear message to their manager throughout the performance.

Speaking to TNT Sports immediately after the game, Postecoglou then gave his honest thoughts on Spence’s performance, a display he also enjoyed.

The Tottenham manager seemed to warn the 24-year-old to not get too carried away, but also gave him the credit he deserved.

Postecoglou said: “He has had to bide his time, to be fair to him whenever he has played he has done well.

“We haven’t been able to give him too much game time because full-back is one of the positions we have a bit of cover but we needed him to come in and play at a good level and he did. It’s a credit to him.”

Can Tottenham add Djed Spence to their Europa League squad?

It caused a stir when Tottenham omitted Spence from their Europa League squad earlier in the season.

And after his brilliance against Southampton, a lot of Spurs fans have questioned when and if the club can correct their mistake, perhaps including the full-back over Timo Werner for example.

If they want to do so, Tottenham can update their squad following the league phase of the competition.

Ahead of the knockout phase, clubs can register a maximum of three new players before the next deadline in February.

Of course, Tottenham will need to qualify for that stage first, which may even require a play-off.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters made their feelings very clear towards Daniel Levy despite their team thrashing Southampton 5-0.

The growing unrest amongst the Spurs faithful towards the club’s owners and Daniel Levy continues to get stronger as the fans made their feelings clear. The travelling support were very vocal throughout the 90 minutes with many chants aimed towards their chairman.

Despite watching their team cruise to victory on the South Coast, the away end wanted to make sure the North London club’s owners were aware of their frustrations. Levy was in attendance at St Mary’s.

What Tottenham fans chanted about Daniel Levy

For the majority of the game, Tottenham fans could be heard singing: “I don’t care about Levy, he don’t care about me, all I care about is Kulusevski!” This was as much a show of their admiration for their Swedish winger as it was their disdain for Daniel Levy.

‘We want Levy out’ was another chant which could be heard from the 3,000 Tottenham fans who had made the trip to Southampton on Sunday evening. Despite their huge 5-0 win over Southampton, they are still only tenth in the Premier League and this was their first win in six across all competitions.

The situation at Tottenham remains fragile with the club having won just twice in their last nine matches and the squad still in desperate need of reinforcement. There was a feeling amongst Spurs supporters that Levy left the squad short in several areas last summer.

The Lilywhites have suffered from a major injury crisis this season, however, they are lacking alternative options in central defence, full-back and perhaps another top forward. The noise around the ‘Levy Out’ movement is only set to get louder in the next two home matches against Manchester United and Liverpool.

Tottenham Hotspur fans unveil new banners demanding Daniel Levy out

Tottenham Hotspur supporters unveiled banners at St Mary’s calling for Levy to step down as chairman of the football club. One banner of the many banners read: ‘Profits before glory. ENIC out. Levy out. Enough is enough.’

Levy was present on the South Coast and will have seen and heard the resentment his club’s supporters showed to him throughout the 90 minutes. Spurs fans will be hoping that a message has been firmly put across ahead of the January transfer window.

Heung-min Son would have been delighted to have donned the armband for Tottenham Hotspur as they destroyed Southampton 5-0 on Sunday.

Son was slated by Jamie O’Hara as not being a “world-class” player anymore in a campaign where several of his teammates have come under criticism.

But Heung-min Son decided to answer his critics on the pitch with an inspired display against Southampton.

The South Korean legend doubled the lead for Ange Postecoglou’s side at St. Mary’s with a well-taken left-footed finish that crept under Alex McCarthy and nestled into the back of the net.

While Pape Matar Sarr deserves a lion’s share of the credit for his wonderful strike as he showcased his quick feet and eye for goal, it was Son who played an incisive pass to him on the edge of the box.

Son provided another assist for James Maddison’s goal with a breathtaking outside-the-boot pass.

Heung-min Son has the most assists for Tottenham in Premier League history

Once again, the versatile forward led from the front for the Lilywhites.

In doing so, the speedster gave the clubs’ supporters another night to remember.

During his side’s latest demolition job of Southampton, Son’s two assists meant he has now provided more than any player in Premier League history for Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou would have been counting on one of his big-hitters to stand up and be counted against the hosts.

Luckily for Postecoglou, that is exactly what his star man did.

Son reaches another Premier League record against Southampton

The 32-year-old also became the 20th player in Premier League history to score in more than 100 matches in the competition.

If there was any questioning the Tottenham icon’s status as a Premier League legend, his latest exploits certainly prove he is right up there.

Spurs fans will consider them fortunate that such a top player continues to play for them.

Son put in yet another captain’s performance as Tottenham still rely on him to produce moments of magic.

The former Bayer Leverkusen winger will be relishing the responsibility of being his side’s talisman.

Son’s teammates at Tottenham would have been inspired witnessing his brilliant performance.

Ange Postecoglou was under a lot of pressure at Tottenham heading into Sunday’s clash against Southampton.

The Australian had overseen a run of three Premier League games without a win – and five matches in all competitions without victory – before a Southampton side rooted to the bottom of the table awaited.

While pressure would have intensified significantly on Ange Postecoglou had the Saints won, he instead watched his Spurs side hammer Russell Martin’s men, taking a 5-0 lead going into the interval.

Tottenham eventually eased off in the second half, although despite that, Premier League history was made in the opening 45 minutes regardless.

The record Tottenham broke against Southampton

Thanks to two goals from James Maddison, as well as strikes from Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Sarr, Tottenham scored five in the first half of the Premier League game for the first time ever.

Now, that is some way to respond after a run of five games in all competitions without a win.

Of course, Tottenham still have issues when it comes to consistency – not since September have they managed to win consecutive games in the Premier League – but this display at St Mary’s was a hugely positive sign.

It will also – hopefully – help to launch the careers of Djed Spence and Lucas Bergvall, who has been compared to Jude Bellingham, at Tottenham, with both starring in this emphatic victory.

Another small record Spurs broke

In going 4-0 up against Southampton after just 25 minutes, Tottenham set another, very specific, record.

It was the earliest any Spurs side in Premier League history had gone 4-0 up, another sign that the north Londoners set out to silence their current doubters in highly efficient fashion.