Tottenham 3-1 Bournemouth: Pape Sarr, Heung-Min Son and Richarlison rating to shut hole on high 4

Pape Sarr and Heung-Min Son delivered Tottenham parting items earlier than Richarlison secured a 3-1 victory over in-form Bournemouth to shut the hole on the highest 4 to 1 level.

The pair will head to the Africa Cup of Nations and the Asia Cup respectively subsequent month, though Sarr’s involvement is doubtful after he left the pitch with a hamstring harm and in tears in the course of the first half.

The Senegal midfielder struck an early opener for Tottenham, however Bournemouth dominated the remainder of the half and missed a bunch of possibilities earlier than Son netted Spurs’ second with lower than 20 minutes remaining.

Richarlison swept in a late third though Bournemouth pushed till the tip, seeing substitute Alex Scott rating a comfort which was the least Andoni Iraola’s facet deserved.

How Spurs closed the hole

Tottenham started the day 4 factors behind fourth-placed Arsenal and instantly set about narrowing the hole with Son firing broad from an offside place after which Richarlison lofting over. Bournemouth threatened too, Solanke mistiming a downward header earlier than Sarr discovered the web.

Rodrigo Bentancur stepped ahead to intercept within the Bournemouth half, Giovani Lo Celso received the second ball and because the guests’ defence backed off, Sarr fired into the underside nook.

Neto saved from Emerson Royal after which Son earlier than the injured Sarr left the pitch inconsolable, along with his untimely departure serving to Bournemouth get on high.

Marcus Tavernier’s free-kick was deflected narrowly broad and Justin Kluivert dragged an effort off track from contained in the field. A Bournemouth equaliser felt inevitable, however Spurs survived as Ben Davies deflected Solanke’s shot onto the crossbar on the finish of a breathless half.

Bournemouth picked up from the place they left off with a Solanke header saved out by Guglielmo Vicario, however regardless of their dominance, Richarlison missed an enormous alternative, rolling broad from Son’s via ball.

Solanke missed one other likelihood – the striker racking up 9 pictures – side-footing broad from shut vary as Spurs dug deep within the wind and rain. Son eased the stress with a advantageous end to double their lead and with Spurs purring, Richarlison tapped in from Brennan Johnson’s cross.

But Bournemouth by no means gave up, seeing Scott discover the underside proper nook with a composed end and there was nonetheless time for Spurs substitute Bryan Gil to hit the crossbar from simply yards out and one other Scott aim to be dominated out for offside.

Postecoglou: I’m seeing progress and progress

Tottenham supervisor Ange Postecoglou: “Every week is a battle and we had to battle today. At the same time, we played some decent stuff as well. After Brighton I said these players have given everything they’ve got and it is a credit to them. We’ve not been able to rotate but we’re still putting in performances and effort like we are today.

“We’re attempting to construct one thing. I’m at pains to maintain repeating myself however we’re attempting to construct a staff that performs a bit otherwise and has some resilience and you’ll solely achieve that via robust occasions. Some of that’s self-inflicted with suspensions however we have had a whole lot of injures. We have not needed to make excuses and we’re nonetheless in there and preventing.

“We’re three points off the top so if that is the difference between having a great season and where we are I’ll take it. When you’re trying to build something you will undoubtedly come up against some challenges. I am seeing progress. Sometimes it is not tangible and not football or results, sometimes it is just the team growing. There was more growth today.”

On accidents: “It has been a constant for us. I’m disappointed for Pape [Matar Sarr], I’m not fully sure about the extent yet. It’s a hamstring, he’s gutted. We’ll have to let others step up.”

On confronting the Bournemouth bench: “We all just came together to wish each a Happy New Year mate and make some resolutions.”

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Opta Stats: Bournemouth misfire in Spurs onslaught

• Tottenham have scored in every of their final 32 Premier League video games since a 1-0 defeat at Wolves in March – the longest ongoing streak within the competitors. Furthermore, solely three sides have gone on an extended such streak within the Premier League (Arsenal 55, Liverpool and Manchester United each 36).
• Bournemouth had 24 pictures on this match – the Cherries’ most in a Premier League sport since their draw in opposition to Watford in January 2019. Bournemouth had 12 extra makes an attempt than Tottenham – the best tally that Spurs have been outshot within the Premier League this season, and their most since April this 12 months (-14 v Newcastle).
• This was Tottenham’s first Premier League victory on New Year’s Eve since a 2-0 win over Newcastle in 2005. In reality, Spurs had did not win their remaining sport in every of the earlier 5 years, with this their first such victory since 2017 (5-2 v Southampton).
• Richarlison has scored 5 objectives in his final 5 Premier League video games for Spurs, after netting simply twice in his first 39 appearances for the membership within the competitors. Spurs have received every of their final 5 league video games when Richarlison has scored, with their solely defeat when he discovered the web coming of their first such sport at Liverpool in April.

What’s subsequent?

Tottenham welcome Burnley to north London within the FA Cup third spherical on Friday January 5; kick-off 8pm.

Bournemouth journey to QPR within the FA Cup third spherical on Saturday January 6; kick-off 3pm.