Times are changing in London. Tottenham came from behind to win 4-1 Southampton in a game that shows how Spurs’ mentality has changed under manager Antonio Conte. It used to be that if he conceded the odd goal within 15 minutes, they would go belly up. Instead, they scored four without Harry Kane the Heung-Min Son hitting the back of the net. James Ward Prowse had the first game for Southampton while Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dyer, Dejan Kulusevskiand an own goal by Mohamed Salisu saw Spurs run into the score.
Ralph Hasenhüttl had three debutants in the match with a new goalkeeper Gavin Bazunou18 years old Romeo Laviaand Joe Aribo. They have been part of Southampton’s youth movement this summer and their energy has got the Saints off to a good start. they were pressing out of the gate and Moussa Djenepo created the opportunity for Ward-Prowse’s opening. Little did Hasenhüttl know that the goal would be the last of the joy for the visitors.
Conte’s only greater goal than Sessegnon’s close-range opener would have been if he had the other full-back’s assist. Emerson Royal. Instead, it was a cross from Dejan Kulusevski to Sessegnon that hit the back post that brought Spurs level before they went ahead just ten minutes later. The goal gave the team confidence that they could play through Southampton and Son took a corner which led to the second goal. He found a diving Eric Dier for the finish — his first goal for the club in three years — but it was the team’s ability to keep the game alive that was particularly impressive.
The second half was Emerson Royal projection as he forced Salisu into an own goal before assisting Kulusevski as he continued his impressive day.
Conte was able to flex his impressive depth Ivan PerisicClement Lenglet, and Yves Bissouma All debut from the bench as no new players appeared in the starting XI. It not only shows the new signings that they need to work if they are to start matches, but it also shows Conte’s confidence in his full squad as he will need all of them to compete on many fronts this season.
Four goals with Kane and Son combining for just one assist shows this team has come a long way since Pep Guardiola branded them ‘Harry Kane’s team’ in 2017. This is now Conte’s team and his fingerprints they are everywhere. From orchestrated passing plays, to hard-hitting comebacks, there’s a reason why there’s so much optimism around Tottenham Stage.
With RicharlisonHis suspension now up, the team will only go ahead with a draw at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea next weekend. It will be another test for Conte to put his team up against a top team, but it certainly helps that they passed the preliminary test with flying colors.
