The times are shifting in London. Tottenham were able to come back from behind to win an impressive 4-1 win over Southampton in a game which demonstrates the extent to which Spurs have changed their approach to football under the direction of manager Antonio Conte. In the past , if they conceded a bizarre goal within the first 15 minutes, they’d be in the toilet. Instead, they scored four goals with no Harry Kane or Heung-Min Son scoring in the back of the net. James Ward Prowse scored the goal that opened the scoring in the game for Southampton and Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Dejan Kulusevski, and the goal of Mohamed Salisu own goal saw Spurs take the lead.
Ralph Hasenhuttl had three debutants during the game, including the new goalie Gavin Bazunu, 18-year-old Romeo Lavia, as well as Joe Aribo. They’re part of the Southampton youth team this summer , and their enthusiasm got players from the Saints on the right track to get off to a great start. They were advancing out from the start and Moussa Djenepo was the one to create the opportunity to score Ward-Prowse’s first goal. It was a surprise to Hasenhuttl realize that the goal would end up being the final of joy for the opposition side.
The only other Conte goals than the Sessegnon’s first strike from close range could be if it had been assisted by another fullback Emerson Royal. Instead it was a cross from Dejan Kulusevski that was subsequently crossed by Sessegnon reaching the back post, which resulted in Spurs to a draw just ten minutes later. The goal made the team confidence that they can play past Southampton and Son was able to draw a corner that resulted in another goal. Son drew an unlucky Eric Dier to score the goal which was it was his club’s first goals in over three years. However, it was the capacity for the players to maintain the game going that was the most impressive.
The second half was an Emerson Royal show as he made Salisu to concede an own goal, before helping Kulusevski to continue his excellent day.
Conte could show his incredible depth, with Ivan Perisic, Clement Lenglet, as well as Yves Bissouma all getting debuts on the bench, despite the fact that there were no new starters in the starting eleven. This not only shows the new players that they must work hard in order to be able to begin matches , but also shows Conte’s confidence in his entire team as he’ll require each of them to play across multiple fronts this season.
Four goals, with Kane and Son just combining for an assist is proof the team’s progress. made significant progress from the time Pep Guardiola referred to them as”the “Harry Kane team” in the year 2017.. The team is now under Conte’s control and his signature can be evident everywhere. From highly orchestrated passing games to savage comebacks, there’s a reason for such a sense of optimism surrounding Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With the suspension of Richarlison now complete and the team set to increase its depth ahead of the game in Stamford Bridge with Chelsea next weekend. It will be a test for Conte to test his team against the best however it is certainly a benefit that they have passed the pre-test in a breeze.
