Full Time: Tottenham 4-0 Bournemouth
Tottenham Hotspur continued to exert pressure on league leaders Chelsea, as they defeated Bournemouth 4-0 in the Premier League at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon.
Tottenham were in full control from the first moment and went ahead as early as 16th minute when Mousa Dembele smashed home a Christian Eriksen corner from close range. Three minutes later Spurs doubled their lead through a fine finish from Heung-Min Son after Harry Kane sent the South Korean through on goal.
Bournemouth had a brief good spell shortly after conceding the second where they looked as they might be able to find a way back into this game, but Tottenham soon regained control and could have extended their lead with Eriksen and Son both passing up opportunities as half-time arrived.
Soon after the restart, Tottenham put the result to bed as comeback man Harry Kane made it three with a left-footed finish, to score his 20th league goal of the season. And to ice on the cake, summer arrival Vincent Janssen scored his first Premier League goal from open play, in the injury time.
The win sees Mauricio Pochettino’s men close the gap on leaders Chelsea to just 4 points with the Blues set to face Manchester United on Sunday. Here is how the Tottenham players fared on the day.
Tottenham Player Ratings:
Hugo Lloris – 6/10
The captain hardly had anything to do as his team dominated the game. But was calm and composed when needed.
Kyle Walker – 7/10
Another typically solid performance from the Englishman. Romped forward on every possible occasion while stifling whatever little Bournemouth offered in the attack.
Toby Alderweireld – 8/10
Was a rock at the back throughout the game and never looked in any sort of trouble. Ventured forward on quite a few occasions too. Confident display.
Jan Vertonghen – 8/10
Complemented his partner brilliantly, covering for him when he went forward. Solid as a wall. Another top class performance from the Belgian.
Ben Davies – 7/10
He is really starting to come into his own in recent weeks. Another excellent display on the left-hand side, he always on the prowl to get forward while remaining fairly steady at the back. It’ll be hard for him to go back to the bench once Danny Rose returns.
Eric Dier – 7/10
Not as influential as he was last week, but he barely put a foot wrong and helped Spurs stay on the front foot for large phases of the game.
Mousa Dembele – 9/10
Tottenham’s most potent threat in the opening parts of the game, Dembele scored his first league goal of the season to open the scoring. He could have had one more but missed the chance. His work when the Cherries were in possession was also impeccable, as he broke up play all day and was strong in tackles.
Christian Eriksen – 8/10
He was afforded time on the ball due to which he thrived in the attacking third. His build up play, his ability to read the game and be a step ahead of the opposition is so vital for Tottenham. Grabbed an assist for Dembele’s goal with a beautiful delivery from the corner.
Dele Alli – 7.5/10
A quiet game by his amazingly high standards, but continued to dazzle and confounded defenders with his pace and trickery, opening up spaces for his teammates to exploit.
Son Heung-Min – 8.5/10
The South Korean has been unstoppable in recent weeks and scored again with a beautiful strike. 5 goals and an assist in his last 4 games show the kind of effect he has had during such a crucial stage for Spurs.
Harry Kane – 8/10
Set up Son for the second Spurs goal and got himself on the scoresheet soon in the second period. Showed no signs of rust upon his first start since the injury. Good news for Tottenham.
Substitutes
Victor Wanyama – NA
Replaced Kane with 10 minutes left to play, some errant passes in his brief time on the field.
Moussa Sissoko – NA
Came on for Alli in the 84th minute. Looks low on confidence.
Vincent Janssen – 7/10
Came in with less than three minutes left on the clock. Finally scored his first league goal from open play.