Four keys to Tottenham Hotspur topping Southampton

4 of 4

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton after he scores a goal to make it 1-0 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 4 – No free kicks for JWP

Trying to avoid dangerous set-pieces is always a best practice in football. However, James Ward-Prowse has taken things to a whole new level. After converting most recently right before the international break against Wolverhampton, Ward-Prowse has 12 free-kick goals in the Premier League.

Those 12 are the second-best all-time, two-thirds of the way to David Beckham‘s record 18. Called the best free-kick taker in the world by Pep Guardiola recently, giving JWP any opportunities near the box is a recipe for disaster.

Outside of Ward-Prowse’s free kicks, Southampton has struggled to score this season, with 26 goals in 22 matches. Providing Ward-Prowse free chances at Hugo Lloris is a gift Spurs cannot afford to give.

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