Despite nervy finish, Tottenham energized in 3-2 win over Bournemouth

Dele Alli, with help from Toby Alderweireld, bagged a brace and Moussa Sissoko got in on the act as Tottenham showed all their quality in a 3-2 win over Bournemouth. 

Aldewerield’s raking pinpoint passes made Dele’s goals possible.

On the first he picked out Son in stride from another area code. With one sublime touch, Son presented a gift for Dele, who duly obliged. Alderweireld skipped the middleman on the second, instead going directly to Dele, who controlled wonderfully to punish Bournemouth.

It was direct, old-school football at its finest. Jose Mourinho has empowered Alderweireld to go long whenever the opportunity presents itself. It seems simple, but those type of deliveries are an incredibly hard skill to master. That’s why Davinson Sánchez hasn’t been given the same responsibility.

It doesn’t always have to be intricate when you have a centre back who can spray the ball as accurately as Alderweireld. No nonsense football is sometimes the most effective, a facet of play that went amiss during the end of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign.

And what about Sissoko’s finish for Spurs’ third? A goal designed by Son and finished by Moussa. Son’s deft flick provided space for Dele to return the favour. Son then crossed sublimely for Moussa, who, on the volley, bagged his second Tottenham goal.

Spurs faithful sang, albeit ironically, “he scores when he wants.” Loved every second of it.

The goal epitomized the skill, speed and confidence with which Spurs can play. And when they play like that, they can beat any team in world football. It was a treat to watch their devastating quickness on the break.

Harry Wilson grabbed two consolation goals, the first via a wonderfully struck free kick, for Bournemouth. Paulo Gazzaniga looked unsettled throughout. He didn’t have much of a chance, but may have left slightly too much room on his left for Wilson to pick out.

Bournemouth started the match well. Starting the better side, Bournemouth forced Gazzaniga into a couple of awkward saves, with the Argentine unnecessarily spilling the beans on two occasions.

Along with Alderweireld’s exquisite passing, Spurs gained momentum through their terrific trio, Kane, Dele, Son up front. The last three matches have been reminiscent of how effectively the triumvirate can link and interchange. Magic to watch, you could feel the buzz and fervour within the grounds. Supporters are energized and so too are the players.

Though Jose Mourinho won’t be pleased with conceding two goals, he can rest well tonight knowing his message has thus far been well received. He will be slightly concerned that his side has kept only one clean sheet in the Premier League, the fewest of any side.

He’ll also be concerned with the way his side is finishing matches since taking over. Spurs unravelled against West Ham as well. Overall, though, Tottenham were in control of the match, despite a rather nervy finish.

But his lads are playing with freedom, confidence and the passion Mourinho promised upon arriving in north London. Bring on Manchester United on Wednesday, a match both club’s supporters have had their eye on since Mourinho’s appointment at Tottenham.