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Spurs are very hot and cold at the moment....... hope we can make the most of this and get 3 points.

Defensively they do not look great at the moment but they have Kane which means they will get at least a goal. I am hoping their defence allows Ings a couple of opportunities and going for a 2-1 saints win. Really need 3 points as January fixtures, home to wolves and away to Leicester and Liverpool look pretty tough so getting some points on the board now would be good

1-0...... that's fine by me

Bit shorter as my draft I thought I had saved clearly didn't. A great result, especially with the likes of West Ham, Watford, Villa all winning. Another excellent all round performance. Ward-Prowse was immense in midfield, he did one block on sissoku that was a 50/50 ball but never in doubt who would win it, Sissokou clearly felt the tackle but 100% fair. he also got a booking late on when he brought down a spurs player in a 3 on 2 situation, took one for the team and bought time to reorganise the defence. Stephen was really strong again in defence, seems to be more determined and if in doubt belt it. Ings is still n fire took his goal so well, long ball from Stephens over the top exposing the lack of pace in the heart of the spurs defence. Clever little flick over Alderweld and then coolly finish past Gazza, and it was just like the other Gazza goal against Scotland years ago.

Cannot understand why a panealty wasn't given when hand ball by Alderweld in second half, so much for VAR and then Kane scored but was offside then had to wait over a minute while they checked. All they need to do with VAR is see if an obvious error or leave to the onfield decision, the lino on this occasion was right in line, flag went up before Kane touched the ball.

5 minutes extra time but no major panics, helped that Kane was not on the pitch. Alli moves into alongside Zaha for the most obnoxious player of the season. Fell over 3 times in the penalty area looking for a penalty, knocked the ball out of McCarthys hand and just got a warning then towards the end kicked McCarthy on the shin when he had the ball yet the wonderful Mike Dean did nothing, guess when you want to be mates with England players you let them off. Mourinho showed his class, or lack of it by getting booked after being abusive to our GK coach then even after the game when his brain should be engaged calls him "an idiot" real class Jose. Spurs were poor and their defence is in major need of overhaul, Vertonghan and Alderweld are no longer the pairing they used to be and will be exposed for lack of pace, though was glad Son was not playing as he is a good player and creates chances.

League position is irrelevant as so many teams in the battle and beating each other. Would think Norwich will struggle but still playing quite well just not getting the results, Newcastle could be the one to get caught and Bournemouth look to be in trouble, both teams struggling with injuries to key players. We have been reasonably fortunate with injuries so hope Mr Gao looks to strengthen the squad as out bench, certainly defence looks weak.

McCarthy 7 a second clean sheet, fumbled one shot from Kane but a greasy surface and quick to respond to knock away.
Cedric 8 thought he was outstanding today, gets a lot of stick but won loads of headers and dealt with Sessignon well.
Stephens 8 has stepped up a gear recently , actually looked comfortable and always in charge.
Bednarek 7 a solid game more positive in clearances
Bertrand 8, used his experience so well, slowing down the game when needed, even think he was smiling.
Hojberg 7 much tidier game than normal the inclusion of Armstrong definitely helping
Ward-Prowse 9 yet another top performance, where was this JWP earlier in the season? Like the Dr Who episode is he actually human anymore??
Armstrong 8 so good at doing the simple things and his energy has helped the team all round, others playing better with him in the team.
Djenepo 6 still raw and does lose the ball at times but works hard and will improve and create chances
Redmond 6 one decent shot but his work rate compared to others less effective, Times had him MOTM, think the reporter was watching on line.
Ings 8 great goal and again closed down from the front which puts the pressure on opposition and others are now following.

Subs
Long 7 put himself about and nearly scored with a header
Romeau 6 added some steel to the midfield for last few minutes.
Obefemi 5 only on for a short time but didn't put in the effort was expecting.

I would rest most of the starting 11 for Huddersfield game, 4 games in 12 days is crazy and Newcastle had 4 players with Hamstring injuries yesterday. Plus they have all put in a tremendous effort over the holiday period, they deserve a rest

Awesome report Matty and a great result. Oh and Happy New Year.