Tottenham win fourth straight on the road, gain parity with Liverpool

By Gary Pearson | Apr 7, 2018

SWANSEA, WALES - MARCH 17: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur at Liberty Stadium on March 17, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Christian Eriksen was in top form yet again on Saturday, his brace helping Spurs draw level on points with Liverpool for third place.

Tottenham’s 2-1 win against Stoke is their fourth away victory on the bounce in the Premier League.

Harry Kane tried to claim Spurs’ winning goal, but it doesn’t appear he got a touch on Eriksen’s wonderful free kick delivery. Sources are crediting Eriksen with the goal, which looks accurate after looking at numerous replays. Kane would have loved the benefit of the doubt, especially as he attempts to chase down Mohamed Salah for Golden Boot honours.

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Dele Alli and Eriksen combined superbly for Spurs opener early in the second half.

Alli put the ball on a platter for Eriksen, who expertly placed his first-time effort into the far corner of the net. Eriksen’s brace gives him five goals in his last three matches in all competitions.

Mame Diouf equalized five minutes later thanks to a Hugo Lloris blunder.

For all his good qualities, the Frenchman is prone to committing head-scratching blunders. And this was one of them. His starting position was excellent but he smashed his attempted clearance directly into the onrushing Senegalese forward instead of hitting the ball directly out of bounds.

Xherdan Shaqiri showed his class on an 80th minute free kick. His curling drive hit the corner of the crossbar, providing instant relief for the visitors.

Next: Can Spurs finish second?

Spurs’ only excellent opportunity of the first half came from Son Heung-Min, who was serviced by an exquisite Dele Alli through ball. The South Korean wasn’t able to convert, his one-on-one chance thwarted well by Jack Butland.

The win extends Spurs unbeaten streak on the road to 12 games in all competitions.

Spurs, with the Manchester Derby still to come, are currently a single point behind the Red Devils for second place in the Premier League. With five matches to play, things are shaping up nicely for a concerted run at second place.