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Match Analysis: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Southampton

Sports Mole casts an analytical eye over Tottenham Hotspur's 1-0 victory against Southampton.

Tottenham Hotspur put a disappointing run of results behind them on Sunday by claiming a 1-0 victory over Southampton at White Hart Lane.

Southampton headed to London full of confidence following a run of six successive wins in all competitions, but Christian Eriksen's strike late in the first half ensured Mauricio Pochettino was successful against his former side.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at the key talking points from the game.

Match statistics

TOTTENHAM
Shots: 9
On target: 4
Possession: 45%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 15

SOUTHAMPTON
Shots: 7
On target: 3
Possession: 55%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

If you asked three different people the same question, they'd probably all give you different answers. However, it always felt like one moment of quality would decide the game. When Spurs did get their noses in front, they looked comfortable at the back and handled the pressure impressively, so it's difficult to argue that they didn't deserve the win.

Tottenham's performance

Perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing on the eye, but it was the kind of display which will give Pochettino a lot of pleasure. At times this season the team have struggled to adapt to his high tempo, pressing style, but the signs were promising this afternoon as they ensured the visitors were always under pressure when in possession of the ball. After going ahead, they looked a threat on the break, and defended well when Southampton did enjoy a spell on top.

Southampton's performance

After enjoying such an impressive start to the season, this defeat will be hard to take, but Southampton really were not that bad this afternoon. They matched Spurs in most areas, and were only guilty of lacking a cutting edge in the final third of the pitch. For the first time in this campaign, Graziano Pelle was unable to make an impact, and that was a key factor in the loss. Ronald Koeman won't be panicking, but he will be frustrated that his players found it difficult to produce a response.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Christian Eriksen: It was a real team effort from Spurs, with the likes of Ryan Mason and Younes Kaboul impressing, but Eriksen made the key contribution with an excellent finish five minutes before the interval. The Dane always looked a threat when he did find space, and he was at the heart of most of his side's attacks.

Biggest gaffe

Southampton didn't create many opportunities to claim a draw, but when they did, it was a brilliant chance. Sadio Mane was the guilty offender late on as he miscued an effort wide from close range after Ryan Bertrand had picked him out with an inviting cross.

Referee performance

Mike Jones fought the urge to get his cards out early when both Bertrand and Danny Rose made poor tackles, but it was a pretty good afternoon for the man in the middle.

What next?

Tottenham: Pochettino takes his players to the home of the champions after the international break when Manchester City host Spurs on October 18.

Southampton: Koeman will be hoping for a response from his side when they take on Sunderland on the same date.

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Erik Lamela of Spurs in action during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at Boleyn Ground on August 16, 2014
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