Tottenham bounce back from derby defeat in stroll past Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur bounced back in emphatic fashion from their derby defeat by Arsenal at the weekend with a comfortable and efficient 3-1 win over Southampton in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Watching in the stands at Wembley Stadium was new Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuettl who will officially take charge on Thursday and there seemed to be a renewed energy from those on the pitch to impress their manager.
The visitors, however, were behind after only eight minutes when a short Spurs corner led to Christian Eriksen hitting a low cross into the box which was tucked away by Harry Kane for the England captain's ninth league goal of the season.
Spurs doubled their lead shortly after halftime, again from a corner. The ball fell to Lucas Moura whose first attempt was blocked but the rebound bounced back for him to hit it into the ground and beyond Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
Southampton's misery was compounded three minutes later. Kieran Trippier chased down Saints defender Matt Targett and the ball came to Kane who crossed it into the box for Son Heung-min to score only his second league goal of the season.
Spurs could afford to be complacent but had to rely on goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to make a few close-range saves to keep Saints at bay.
However, Mauricio Pochettino's side, who are third on 33 points, never looked like they needed to reach top gear to close out the win, despite conceding a consolation goal from substitute Charlie Austin in stoppage time. Reuters
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of tonight's Premier League action, headlined by a mouth-watering clash at Old Trafford between rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.
The match is one of six Premier League games taking place today, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham also in action. Liverpool make the short trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley, while Chelsea are also on the road as they head to the Molineaux to face Wolves, and Tottenham host Southampton at Wembley Stadium just a few hours after the visitors announced Ralph Hasenhutl as their new manager.
The other two matches taking place this evening sees Everton host Newcastle at Goodison Park and Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri come up against the side who he guided to the Premier League title in Leicester City.
That's the early team news done and dusted, then. A chance for Ruben Loftus-Cheek from the start in Chelsea's midfield, and a rather unfamiliar front three for Liverpool perhaps the two most noteworthy selection decisions.
Manchester United-Arsenal and Tottenham-Southampton are the 8pm games. Team news for those should be coming very, very soon...
Seven changes then for Manchester United, including a first Premier League start for Diogo Dalot at right wing back with Jose Mourinho opting to continue with a back three.
It has been a day of news in Southampton with Ralph Hasenhuttl appointed as manager.
The Austrian takes full charge from tomorrow, so it is assistant coach Kelvin Davis who is in caretaker charge this evening. A tough visit to Wembley against a Spurs side who will be very keen to right the wrongs of the North London Derby on Sunday.
It is Anthony Martial's birthday today, with the French striker turning 23.
Will there be cause for further celebrations after tonight's game at Old Trafford? Martial starts alongside Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford in the front three.
Spurs vs Southampton kicks off at 19:45 (GMT) on Wednesday 5 December.
Pochettino and his men take on his former club (Reuters)
Where can I watch?
Spurs vs Southampton will not be televised, but you can follow the action live via IndySport’s live blog.
Player to watch:
Juan Foyth. The defender was at fault for Arsenal’s third on Saturday but had impressed before the derby defeat. Tonight will be a test of his mental resilience as he looks to recover from his mistake.
Form Guide:
Spurs: LWWWL
Southampton: DLDLD
Odds:
Spurs: 1/3
Draw: 4/1
Southampton: 9/1
Prediction:
Tottenham to win 2-0
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