Tottenham Hotspur Keeps Southampton on Hot Seat

A foray to the South Coast is usually a pleasant daytrip, but one destination's in danger of falling off the itinerary.

There's plenty of time for Southampton to pull themselves outta the relegation zone, but with a record that now stands at 1-6-8 and a goal difference that's already at a horrific -16, the Saints have gotta start finding points.

Usually, that starts at home, not when traveling to a big brand's digs. Thus, this match loomed ominously from the start.

These are also matches where sides intent on securing a spot in Europe next season -- and keep their Premiership title hopes alive -- expect to claim all three points.

 

Mauricio Pochettino's side were totally focused on gaining a victory at Wembley Stadium in the wake of a tough defeat in the North London derby, making it even tougher for Saints to squeeze a precious point outta this match.

What energy the hosts could muster began to fizzle by the 4th minute. That's when Heung-Min Son struck a post. Spurs only sharpened their attack from there, and in the 9th, Harry Kane tapped in a solid cross from Christian Eriksen:

 

Despite conceding an early goal, Southampton did all they could to stay aggressive, but all they could manage was to threaten Hugo Lloris from long-range.

But all they were really doing was taking a long walk in dry sand.

Put another way ...

 

After the break, this became even more evident.

Spurs netted their next goal in the 51st. Kieran Trippier's corner was only half cleared, and it caromed to Lucas Moura, who took care of business:

 

A clear sign this took the air outta the Saints' sails arose only four minutes later.

Surrendering another goal in short order will do that.

Wembley was pulsing from Moura's strike when as Kane got the ball down the right wing. Dude crossed it to Son, who merely had to tap it in:

 

Southampton was done like dinner, but they kept on fighting. If nothing else, they were seeking momentum to carry into their next match, against Cardiff. That'll be more winnable.

The Saints did hit the post twice -- through Nathan Redmond and Charlie Austin -- and their consolation goal came in at the 92nd. That's when Austin picked out Steven Davis with a long ball. Dude drove forward, got face-to-face with Lloris, and wouldn't be denied:

 

Who knows? The drop next spring may come down to goal difference, so this may wind up being huge.

Meanwhile, Spurs were pleased to move up into third place for the time being.