The Spurs take a hit in the top four after a thrilling draw at Southampton
Southampton scored twice in the last 15 minutes as they came back from a 3-1 deficit to hold Tottenham Hotspur to a three-all draw at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Antonio Conte’s side looked destined to hold on to three crucial points, but the Saints pressed on to fight their way back and earn a huge point in their quest to avoid the end-of-season setback.
first half plagued by injuries
Neither side got up to speed in the first half, as four players were forced out of the game due to injuries. Tottenham lost Richarlison after just five minutes, while the home side’s central defense pairing Armel Bella-Kotchap and Jan Bednarek were also forced off with an injury.
Ben Davies also left the game in the 37e minute when Spurs lost their key left-back.
Despite the injuries on both sides, Tottenham took the lead in first half stoppage time as new January signing Pedro Porro scored his first goal for the London side.
The Spanish winger hit the roof of the net with a ferocious attempt after a fine pass from Son Heung-min.
The hosts reacted immediately after the break as former Arsenal player Theo Walcott brilliantly set up Che Adams with a fine cross that the latter fired in from close range.
From then on it was all Tottenham.
Harry Kane gave his side the lead with a towering header in the 65e minute after a striking cross from Dejan Kulusevski.
Nine minutes later it was 3-1 for the visitors when substitute Ivan Perisic fired a beautiful volley past Southampton keeper Gavin Bazunu.
SAINTS COMPLETE WONDERFUL COMEBACK
The bottom-seeded Saints refused to give up without a fight as Walcott raced home in the 77th minute to cut the deficit in half. It was then deep into stoppage time when the hosts were awarded a penalty after a rash challenge from Pape Matar Sarr on Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
VAR was consulted to confirm the on-pitch referee’s penalty decision when James Word Prowse stepped in to make it 3-3 for a crazy end to the match that lasted almost to the hundredth minute.
The result is a huge blow to Conte’s side as they were unable to hold on to the three points. The team from north London is fourth with 49 points and Newcastle are breathing down their necks.
Spurs still have a two-point lead, but it could be quickly wiped out if they played two extra games.
Photo credit: Imago/PA Images
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