Saints took the lead in the 12th minute through James Ward-Prowse’s superb volley, but Spurs equalized just nine minutes later as Ryan Sessegnon scored his first Premier League goal for Spurs with a header off the post. Antonio Conte’s side then took the lead in the 31st minute as Eric Dier’s smart header – his first goal in three years – put Spurs ahead at half-time. A comical own goal from Southampton defender Mohamed Salisu in the 61st minute gave Tottenham their third of the afternoon. Dejan Kulusevski then added a fourth with a neat curling finish to put Tottenham top of the table on goal difference. Meanwhile, Southampton are rock bottom having won just one of their last 13 league games since March.
How Spurs bounced back emphatically against soft Saints…
Although none of Spurs’ six summer signings were named in the starting line-up, there was plenty of optimism at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after a busy period of transfer activity. But that hope was quickly dashed as the visitors, who embarked on three new summer signings, pulled off a shock lead with captain Ward-Prowse volleying home Moussa Djenepo’s clipped cross. Sessegnon, preferred at left wing-back ahead of new boy Ivan Perisic, repaid Conte’s faith by quickly equalizing from Kulusevski’s cross. Image: Ryan Sessegnon celebrates Spurs’ equaliser It was another header from a defender that gave Spurs the lead as Dier continued his solid form at the end of last season and expertly nodded home Heung-Min Son’s cross. Sessegnon almost scored a second just seconds after the restart but his low finish was ruled out for offside. Despite a tactical change from Ralph Hasenhuttl at half-time, Spurs continued to overwhelm the Saints and their pressure paid off as Salisu comically turned in Emerson Royal’s cross as he made no mistake with his clearance in the 61st minute. A shell-shocked Saints defense conceded again two minutes later as the excellent Kulusevski fired over in an effort to make a miserable debut for new Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu, who could do nothing about any of Spurs’ goals.
Player of the match: Dejan Kulusevski
A goal and assist from Dejan Kulusevski continued his good form from last season, with his quality on the ball causing Southampton so many problems.
Opta Stats: Spurs’ biggest opening day win since 1986
Tottenham’s 4-1 victory is their biggest win on the opening day of a league season since August 1986, when they beat Aston Villa (3-0). Southampton have lost all four of their opening games of a Premier League season under Ralf Hasenhutl – the worst 100% losing record for a manager in the competition. Tottenham have won 10 of their last 12 home Premier League games against Southampton (L2), scoring at least twice in nine of those games. Having lost their last four Premier League games of last season, Southampton have now lost five league games in a row for the second time under Ralf Hassenhoutl, following a run of six defeats in February 2021 – Saints have won just one of their last 13 in competition (D2 L10), sending 34 goals in total.
What’s next?
The London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Kick-off is at 16:30 on Sunday 14 August. Sunday 14 August 16:00 Start 16:30 Southampton are set to visit Leeds at St Mary’s on Saturday 13th August at 3pm.
