Tottenham vs Southampton Report

Scorers: Johnson 13’, 42’, Tel 90+5’ (P); Fernandes 90’

Brennan Johnson’s brilliant brace helped Tottenham Hotspur to a 3-1 home win over Southampton, officially confirming the Saints’ Premier League relegation and condemning them to a return to the Championship.

Despite a spirited showing in parts, it was another frustrating day for the visitors, who now face the ignominy of potentially equalling the division’s worst-ever points tally.

Johnson Strikes Early as Spurs Dominate First Half

In a game overshadowed by pre-match fan protests aimed at Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, it was the home side who settled quickest.

Cristian Romero forced an early save from Aaron Ramsdale, before Pedro Porro denied Kamaldeen Sulemana at the other end with a crucial block that diverted the Ghanaian’s close-range effort onto the post.

Moments later, Spurs capitalised. Djed Spence surged into the box and cut the ball back perfectly for Brennan Johnson, who made no mistake with a thunderous left-footed finish into the top corner for the opener in the 13th minute.

Tottenham looked to have doubled their lead through Lucas Bergvall, but the Swedish teenager’s strike was ruled out by VAR for offside in the build-up.

However, there was no denying Johnson his second shortly before half-time, as he latched onto James Maddison’s looping header and coolly slotted home past Ramsdale for a 2-0 advantage at the break.

Saints Rally, But Late Penalty Seals Their Fate

After the interval, Ange Postecoglou’s side understandably took their foot off the gas with one eye on their upcoming UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Nevertheless, they continued to threaten, with Dominic Solanke drawing a diving save from Ramsdale after a powerful strike.

Southampton were given a glimmer of hope when Mateus Fernandes scored a fine consolation, controlling the ball on his chest before volleying home past Guglielmo Vicario.

But any hopes of a dramatic comeback were swiftly dashed when substitute Mathys Tel was brought down by Welington in stoppage time. The Frenchman stepped up to convert the result-sealing penalty, sending Vicario the wrong way.

What It Means

• Tottenham: The win keeps Spurs’ European momentum building, as they prepare for continental action with confidence. Johnson’s form will be particularly encouraging for Postecoglou, while the clean display also helps solidify their top-half league position.
• Southampton: With relegation now mathematically confirmed, the Saints must focus on finishing with pride. Having now lost six of their last seven league games, they sit perilously close to matching Derby County’s infamous 11-point season, needing at least one more point to avoid that record.

Final Thoughts

Though not always dominant, Tottenham had enough quality to put Southampton away. Johnson’s brace was a deserved reward for his movement and composure, while Tel’s late penalty added gloss to the result.

For the Saints, it was another chapter in a dismal campaign, one they’ll hope to quickly put behind them as they begin preparations for life back in the Championship.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Spurs v Southampton, 2024/25 | Premier League