Dele Alli starred as Tottenham made it three wins out of three under manager Jose Mourinho, despite a Bournemouth fightback.
The result lifts Tottenham, who secured their first back-to-back Premier League victories this season, up to fifth in the table, while the visitors drop to 12th.
Eddie Howe’s side started brightly but Alli, who appears to be flourishing under Mourinho, was the catalyst for Spurs’ victory.
Toby Alderweireld’s raking pass created Alli’s opening goal, with the England midfielder racing on to Son Heung-min’s touch to tap the ball past Cherries goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Alli’s second came from the same source, as he superbly controlled Alderweireld’s pass before holding off Jack Stacey and flicking the ball over Ramsdale.
When Moussa Sissoko added Spurs’ third goal – with a close-range volley from Son’s exemplary cross – the hosts appeared to be en route to an emphatic win.
However, Harry Wilson’s introduction sparked the visitors into life, pulling one back with a superb free-kick.
The on-loan Liverpool midfielder reduced the arrears further six minutes into stoppage time, although it proved too little too late for the Cherries, who have now conceded 16 goals on their last five visits to Tottenham.
While smiles were in short supply towards the end of Jose Mourinho’s tenure at Manchester United, the Portuguese manager has started life at Tottenham with a cheerful and airy disposition.
With his proclamations of humility, celebrations with ball boys and decisions to deploy players into positions they favour, his approach has clearly had the desired effect.
His new employers have so far reaped the rewards, and this was the first time Spurs have won three consecutive matches (across all competitions) since April.
While this was far from a vintage performance overall, one player who appears to have benefitted under the new regime is Alli.
This game suggested he is not only back to his influential best as a playmaker behind Harry Kane and Son, but also as someone capable of making a considerable contribution in front of goal.
His first goal on Saturday was all about anticipation and timing, running adjacent to Son and ensuring he was on hand to deliver the simplest of finishes.
His second showcased all of his talents – running power, control, strength and the composure in front of goal to apply the deftest of touches under pressure.
While Alli was unable to register his first hat-trick for the club, it was still his first two-goal haul in a home game for Tottenham since January 2017 and ensured he received a standing ovation when he was withdrawn late on.
While Mourinho or Alli will deservedly take the acclaim, this all had a touch of deja vu for Bournemouth, who arrived in London seeking to avoid their third straight defeat.
Despite their attractive football, they once again struggled against one of the Premier League’s established top-six teams.
The Cherries have managed just two away victories in 26 games against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, both Manchester clubs and Tottenham – a miserable run that could have been made all the worse by a hammering here.
Frustratingly though, particularly for the Cherries supporters, their team came to life at 3-0 down, largely due to Harry Wilson’s endeavour.
The 22-year-old Wales midfielder, who was surprisingly omitted from the starting XI, signalled his intent with a shot on goal a minute after being brought on.
His trademark free-kick, which flew into the top right corner from 20 yards, ensured that no other Premier League players have scored more goals from outside the penalty area this season.
You might also like – Liverpool 2 – 1 Brighton
Liverpool keeper Alisson was sent off for a blatant handball outside his penalty area as the Reds moved 11 points clear at the top of the table with victory over Brighton.
Jurgen Klopp’s side was coasting to victory after two Virgil van Dijk headers from Trent Alexander-Arnold assists in the space of six first-half minutes.
But Alisson’s red card – for clearly handling outside his penalty area with Brighton substitute Leandro Trossard bearing down on goal – gifted Brighton a lifeline. read more
Source – BBC
