Tottenham miss Christian Eriksen’s creativity in 1-1 draw with Southampton

Tottenham were unable to impress their expressiveness against Southampton in the 1-1 draw, missing dearly Christian Eriksen’s creativity and incisiveness in a rugged slog on the south coast.

The Dane midfield maestro was forced out of the fixture due to a similar illness as teammate Hugo Lloris, who was also unavailable for the match. Eriksen’s absence was overtly apparent, as Tottenham struggled to penetrate a resilient, determined Southampton side.

Second half

Harry Kane lashed his left-footed drive agonizingly wide in the 90th minute, summing up a frustrating afternoon for the Lilywhites.

The pace, tempo and momentum didn’t differ much from the first half, as Spurs were frustrated by a feisty Southampton squad who were obviously highly motivated by the prospect of an upset. Son Heung-Min played a fringe part before giving way to Erik Lamela, who entered proceedings in the 70th minute. Had it not been for a last-gasp touch by Southampton’s rearguard, Lamela would have scored the winner in final 10 minutes.

Dele Alli’s long-range drive skidded just wide in the 65th minute, which was his only decent glimpse at goal all afternoon. Kane’s influence was all but snuffed out in the second stanza, with Mauricio Pellegrino’s side showing they had something to prove to Spurs and the rest of the top flight.

Other than an Eric Dier giveaway in the 48th minute that eventually led to Vorm having to bail his teammate out, Tottenham’s number two had a fairly quiet second half. Southampton pressed and chased like rabid terriers, double teaming Kane and Alli at every opportunity.

First half

Southampton were the better side in the first half, playing fearlessly and with positive intent. A stark contrast from the conditions in Barcelona midweek, Spurs struggled coming to terms with the miserable conditions on the south coast.

Davinson Sanchez scored his first own goal since arriving at the club, his desperate attempt to clear the ball for a corner going horribly wrong. His toe poke diverted the ball off the post and in, leaving Michel Vorm – replacing the ill Hugo Lloris – rooted to the ground.

The home side’s lead lasted only three minutes and fifteen seconds, though, as Harry Kane bagged his 21st league goal, heading in from a perfectly struck Ben Davies corner. Alex McCarthy should have come to collect, showing command of his six-yard box, but the 28-year-old opted to stay on his goal line.

Kane made Southampton’s keeper pay, driving home from close range. Kane has 29 goals in as many Tottenham appearances this season. Other than a Moussa Sissoko redirect and a couple of Eric Dier attempts, one of which hitting the post, Tottenham were fairly subdued in the first 45.

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Wrap up

The Saints are now winless in 11 Premier League matches but will take solace, and gain confidence, in keeping Spurs from scoring in open play.

Tottenham are now unbeaten in three road fixtures but will rue missing the opportunity to draw level with Liverpool. The Reds play Swansea in Wales tomorrow, a match they’ll expect to win.

Tottenham look forward to playing Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal in their next three Premier League matches, which will probably decide whether Mauricio Pochettino’s side finish in the top four.