Four keys to Tottenham Hotspur topping Southampton

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Harry Winks of Tottenham Hotspur and Ibrahima Diallo of Southampton tussle for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on December 28, 2021 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Harry Winks of Spurs and Ibrahima Diallo of Southampton tussle for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2021, in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Key 3 – Leverage Southampton’s Aggression

In the first match against Southampton, the Saints were very aggressive. Southampton accumulated 15 fouls, including five yellow cards and a red card. Add in another 15 successful tackles and the picture is clear; the Saints attack the ball and are aggressive defensively.

Spurs needs to take advantage of Southampton’s aggression to make them pay.

Knowing Southampton will crunch players with the ball, Spurs need to work to get behind the Saint’s defence. If Tottenham’s players can use their improved ability on the ball to hold on that extra split second, there will be opportunities to break past Saints’ defenders and get numbers in on goal.

The Lilywhites need to be prepared to take some shots from Southampton and not count on the referee to protect them consistently. Instead, Spurs need to leverage that aggression and make Southampton pay.