COMMENT

Tottenham were forced to come from behind to rescue a point against Southampton in their 1-1 draw at St Mary's on Sunday. Spurs, who came into the clash off the back of a 4-0 thrashing of Everton, fell behind through Davinson Sanchez's own goal, the summer signing lunging to deflect a cross from Ryan Bertrand past Michel Vorm, who himself was replacing the ill Hugo Lloris. However the visitors were able to find a way back into the match shortly after, Harry Kane heading home his 99th ever Premier League goal from a Ben Davies free kick to level the scores. Neither side tested the opposition goalkeepers with many chances throughout, with the single point meaning that Tottenham, sitting in fifth, find themselves two points behind fourth placed Liverpool having played a game more. So what can fans take away from the clash at St Mary's? Here,

Football Insider

analyses three things learned in Sunday's match against their south coast opposition, including one liability who deserves the axe after an unconvincing display.

Click below to see the first thing we learned in Tottenham's clash v Southampton

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Sloppy showing stops Spurs

It must be said that Sunday's clash was not one for the neutrals. It was a gritty affair which saw both sides struggle to stamp any sort of authority during the 90 minutes, with the gulf in league position not reflected in the performances. However Spurs can have themselves to blame for their lack of cutting edge, with sloppy showings all over the park stopping them from snatching the three points. The midfield duo of Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele were guilty of conceding possession at times, while up front Moussa Sissoko, Dele Alli and substitute Erik Lamela all saw chances pass them by. Spurs need to be ruthless up and down the field if they are going to secure a Champions League spot this season, and it is this sort of display which will result in them being disappointed should they miss out.

Click below to see the second thing we learned in Tottenham's clash v Southampton

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Eriksen absence major issue

Mauricio Pochettino was forced into two changes against the Saints, with both Hugo Lloris and Christian Eriksen ruled out through illness. While the French international was dutifully replaced by the ever dependable Michel Vorm between the sticks, the Danish playmaker's absence stuck out like a sore thumb. He is a catalyst for many of Spurs' attacks and plays a crucial role linking up midfield in attack, and Tottenham needed someone to step into his place. However no one managed to replicate his performances and this outing indicated just how important he is to the way Spurs operate, so Pochettino will either have to find a worthy back up for when he is missing, or try and implement a change of tactics to ensure he is not as critical to the squad as he is now.

Click below to see the third thing we learned in Tottenham's clash v Southampton

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Liability Aurier deserves axe

While Davinson Sanchez will rightly be criticised for putting the ball past Michel Vorm with a needless lunge in the first half, there should be question marks asked about Serge Aurier's defensive contribution which led to the opening goal. The Ivory Coast international was caught ball watching which resulted in him being beaten by the lightning pace of Ryan Bertrand, whose cross was deflected into the back of the net. Aurier is yet to show that he has to temperament and concentration to succeed as Tottenham's right back week in, week out, and while he can be threatening going forward, he must be labelled a liability in defence. His injury with 20 minutes left to play, which looked like a calf strain, means that Pochettino should be looking at axing him from the first team line up for the Newport County clash, giving another of the squad the chance to shine while Aurier rests up. In other Tottenham news,

a definitive update has been given on the club’s pursuit of a prodigal speed machine

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