Three worst Tottenham players during win v Southampton

Sun 19 March 2017 17:18, UK

COMMENT By Matt Farr

Tottenham moved back to within 10 points of Premier League leaders Chelsea with their win over Southampton on Sunday.

Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli had given Tottenham a first-half lead over the Saints, before James Ward-Prowse pulled a goal back for the visitors.

But despite an unconvincing second-half display, Tottenham held on to secure all three points and move nine points clear of north London rivals Arsenal.

Yet while Alli and Eriksen shined, others faltered, and Football Insider picks out the three worst Tottenham players from the victory.

Son Heung-Min

Leading the line in the absence of the injured Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min had a quiet day at the office. The 24-year-old has been superb in front of goal this season, but has done better playing second fiddle to Kane as opposed to filling the role of Tottenham’s hitman. Son was largely ineffective throughout the game, delaying his decision to pull the trigger on what was arguably his best and only opportunity to score for the hosts. The goals from Eriksen and Alli ensured that Tottenham did not miss Kane’s goalscoring input against Southampton, but Son’s quiet display does little to eliminate the concerns that the club don’t have sufficient backup.

Ben Davies

The 23-year-old gave a very mixed display against Southampton, but on a day where Tottenham failed to fully convince, the negatives take precedence. The left wing-back was particularly lucky not to have conceded a penalty for a wild and reckless challenge on Dusan Tadic, but made a few crucial interceptions to deny the Serb. But while at times he has been impressive, Davies is still not at the same level as his positional rival, Danny Rose – who is currently out injured. If given a choice of Rose or Davies, Tottenham fans would still take Rose any day of the week.

Eric Dier

Still the weakest link of Tottenham’s three-man defence, Eric Dier is another player that got away with a few potentially costly errors. Dier was sloppy in possession, gifting Southampton the ball in key areas on more than one occasion. His concentration was also tested, and at times he appeared as though he had switched off, a criminal error for any defender. On the other hand, the England international made a series of superb interventions, including one to deny Southampton midfielder Steven Davis.