Tottenham flip script smash Southampton in 4-1 opening day win

If Southampton was hoping to claw back into the match, their resolve was shaken very early.

Only 30-seconds into the second half, Kane was playing in a flashing Sessegnon, who finished with aplomb. Although the flag was raised and Sessegnon was rightly adjudged offside, the shot had been fired and the writing was on the wall for Southampton.

Strong Spurs second-half finishes Southampton

Like a dominant boxer setting up his opposition, Spurs spent the first 15-minutes of the second half battering Saints with the jab.

Davies had a long cross, which Emerson could neither head on frame or back to Kane. Kulusevski had a nice pass to Sessegnon in space, but a sliding Walker-Peters made a late saving tackle. Then in what almost looked like a replay of Spurs’ first goal, Dekki curled a ball across the mouth that no one could reach.

It felt like Spurs were winning by more than one goal, then Emerson made that true.

First, the maligned wing-back had a strong tackle to win the ball for Spurs. Then as Kane struggled to maintain possession against some tight defence, Royal ran through, recovering the ball and driving forward with the dribble.

As Royal moved the ball to Hojbjerg, who sent it to Son, and back to Royal, the Brazilian’s cross was bungled back into the net for an own-goal that came from little more than some tremendous effort by Spurs wing-back.

Just minutes after the own-goal had Tottenham up two, Royal and Dekki – who dominated on the right – connected again to finish the scoring.

Dier played a wonderful ball toward the corner flag, putting Emerson in on the right. The Brazilian showed more patience and pose than he did last season and dribbled up the end line, eventually playing a smart pass back to Kulusevski open in the box. The Swede did not hesitate, shifting the ball to his favoured left foot and slotting to the far post.

At 4-1, the only question was what the final score would be. Ultimately, 4-1 was the final score, although both Kane and Son had chances that just would not fall. Regardless, Tottenham were tops on the day and have started their season in style.