A second hat trick inside a week from Harry Kane helped Tottenham to an impressive 5-2 Premier League win over Southampton on Tuesday.
Spurs started fluently and dominated the early exchanges, but it wasn't until the midpoint of the first half that Kane broke the deadlock with a close-range header from Christian Eriksen's free kick. The in-form striker doubled the lead before the break after neat work by Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son. Early in the second half, the game was out of sight when goals from Alli and Son gave Spurs a four-goal lead.
A Hugo Lloris error allowed Southampton to pull one back before Kane restored the four-goal advantage. Another Lloris mistake gave the visitors' a late consolation goal.
Positives
Lunch-time kickoffs on Boxing Day can be bitty affairs, but this game showed Spurs to be nearly at their best as they dismantled a Southampton side that failed to keep pace with the home team's invention. Apart from Kane breaking Alan Shearer's 22-year record of most Premier League games in a calendar year, the players who caught the eye were Alli, Son and Danny Rose. Alli's return to form is just the fillip the Spurs team need.
Negatives
It was disappointing to concede two sloppy goals. Even though both stemmed from errors made by Lloris. Spurs can't say they weren't warned, as Southampton had hit the bar early in the second half, but neither caused any great alarms. The injury to Mousa Dembele is also a concern; hopefully his withdrawal early in the second half was more of a precaution than a necessity.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- After being outclassed by Manchester City 10 days ago, Mauricio Pochettino has got a grip on his team and they have stepped up a gear with convincing wins over Burnley and Southampton. The return of Davinson Sanchez after a three-match ban has allowed the manager to play Eric Dier as a defensive midfielder rather than in the back four and Spurs have looked far more balanced as a result.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Hugo Lloris, 6 -- Made one world-class save late on but was guilty of two mistakes that led to both Southampton's goals. His judgement of when to go for the high ball has become uncharacteristically suspect.
DF Serge Aurier, 7 -- Generally secure in defence and showed much promise going forward. Probably the first time all season that a Spurs right-back has looked to attack opponents by going round them on the outside.
DF Davinson Sanchez, 7 -- Tackled well and gave Southampton little freedom, especially in the first half. His return from suspension has given the back four some much needed solidity.
DF Jan Vertonghen, 8 -- Made one of the best late interceptions of the season when he denied Shane Long a simple tap-in midway through the second half. Showed sound positional awareness throughout and showed a pleasing willingness to press forward and join the midfield when required.
Harry Kane scored his second hat trick inside a week as Spurs beat Saints 5-2 on Tuesday.
DF Danny Rose, 8 -- One misdirected defensive header that nearly resulted in a first-half own goal apart, Rose delivered easily his best display of the season. Was a constant attacking menace and it was his run that brought the free kick that led to Spurs' opener. On this form he has to be first-choice left-back and Spurs must do everything in their power to prevent him leaving the club in January.
MF Eric Dier, 8 -- Relished the opportunity to play in a more advanced role and showed some skillful and delicate touches. Perhaps guilty of over adventure at times as Spurs pressed forward, but rather that than the pitifully slow and laboured build-up play we have seen in far too many games.
MF Mousa Dembele, 7 -- Finally looked to be coming back into his best form, with some strong runs forwards and neat control at the heart of the midfield. Went down early in the second half and Pochettino will be praying the injury is minor as his team look a better-balanced unit with Dembele in it.
MF Christian Eriksen, 7 -- Worked hard throughout, even if his final ball wasn't always delivered with the pinpoint accuracy we have come to expect. However his cross for Kane's opener was inch perfect and he even found time to win his first ever tackle in a Spurs shirt in the second half.
MF Dele Alli, 8 -- Very nearly back to his best. His confidence seems to have returned and he is now creating space and opportunities at will. His pass to set up Kane's second would have ripped open any defence in the country and he crowned his display with a well-taken goal. Also kept his discipline with no signs of the petulance that have tarnished recent outings.
MF Heung-Min Son, 8 -- The South Korean is the gift that keeps on giving for Spurs. His pace and skill on the ball continually put defences on the back foot and his selflessness gives others room to shine. Delivered the perfect ball for Kane to tap in and scored a neat goal himself when released by Alli.
FW Harry Kane, 9 -- His second hat trick inside a week gave Kane the Premier league record for most goals scored in a calendar year. No one could deny the striker all the accolades he was given. He is a striker at the top of his game and, perhaps most impressive is his ability not to dwell on chances he does miss. He merely buckles down and concentrates on putting away the next one.
Substitutes
MF Moussa Sissoko, 7 -- Led the charge with one run out of defence that took him nearly the length of the pitch and looked far more confident on the ball than of late. Looks of more use to Spurs coming off the bench than in the starting XI.
MF Erik Lamela, NR -- Looked busy throughout his 15 minutes on the pitch and was justifiably annoyed when Alli failed to find him when he was clear on goal. Missed a chance late on to score his first goal since returning from injury.
MF Harry Winks, NR -- Late replacement for Alli. Looked secure in midfield.
John Crace is one of ESPN FC's Tottenham bloggers. Follow him on Twitter @JohnJCrace.
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Source: espn.co.uk