Hotspur HQ
Fansided

Things go from bad to worse as Tottenham shutout by Southampton

By Gary Pearson

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Match Referee Mike Dean shows a yellow card to Jose Mourinho, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Match Referee Mike Dean shows a yellow card to Jose Mourinho, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Harry Kane limped off with a strained hamstring and Tottenham now have the dubious record of being the first side unable to score at Southampton this season. 

The match was completely devoid of any silver linings, such was the disappointing nature of Spurs’ play. Devoid of any inspiration, Tottenham looked more like a relegation side than one with top four aspirations.

Fulham were the last side to leave St. Mary’s without scoring a goal, and that was a staggering 11 months ago.

Based on Tottenham’s last two away matches, there is no way the Lilywhites will secure a Champions League berth this season. Chelsea failed to take all three points from Brighton earlier in the day, providing Spurs with a sliver of hope.

Yet another slow start hampered Spurs. Unable to get a foothold in midfield, Tottenham couldn’t sustain possession in Southampton’s half, making life difficult for their own back four.

It looked like Toby Alderweireld went overboard on his New Year’s celebrations, as the Belgian endured a woeful first half. Danny Ings showed his quality in the 17th minute, skinning Alderweireld by looping the ball over the unknowing Belgian. Befuddled and confused, Alderweireld lost his footing while Ings deposited a left-footed half volley with aplomb.

By now we expect to show our defensive frailties, especially away from home, but the lack of chances Tottenham created going forward was particularly disconcerting. A Harry Kane effort almost deflected past Alex McCarthy, but the Southampton keeper impressively saved with an outstretched paw.

Next. A more likely centre back target for Spurs. dark

Otherwise Spurs were completely silent in another bitterly disappointing away. Jose Mourinho tinkered his starting lineup again to no avail, with a midfield who were unable to dictate possession or tempo.

To earn one point from Norwich and Southampton is an utter disaster. Everyone was visibly tired but that’s no excuse for another listless, abject Spurs away performance. Let the inquest again once more. But it’s clear our current batch of players certainly aren’t good enough to earn a coveted top four spot. Hopefully reinforcements are on their way.