Match Report: Tottenham 3-1 Southampton – Brennan Johnson Rediscovers Top Form

Tottenham 3-1 Southampton: A Confidence Boost Before Europa Clash

With little left to play for in the Premier League, Tottenham’s clash with relegation-threatened Southampton was more about building momentum ahead of their Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Facing a struggling Saints side, Spurs were expected to control the match — and in the first half, they delivered.

Dominating possession and pinning Southampton back, Spurs looked sharp and purposeful.

Manager Ange Postecoglou made just three changes from the Chelsea game, with Ben Davies, Pedro Porro, and Brennan Johnson starting.

The most notable omission was Mathys Tel, benched once again — a decision that puzzled many fans.

First Half: Spurs in Control

From the outset, Tottenham asserted their dominance. Romero nearly opened the scoring from a corner, and Bergvall came close shortly after.

The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Djed Spence’s overlapping run led to a cutback for Johnson, who finished calmly to make it 1-0.

Romero thought he had doubled the lead later, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Johnson, however, wouldn’t be denied a second.

In the 42nd minute, a flowing move ended with Maddison assisting Johnson, who slotted home with the outside of his boot.

Spence could have made it three just before the break, but chose to shoot instead of passing to Son.

Still, Spurs went into halftime 2-0 up, having largely nullified Southampton’s threat.

Second Half: Southampton Fight Back

To their credit, Southampton responded with energy and pressed higher.

Sulemana caused problems down the right, while Solanke squandered multiple chances with poor decision-making in front of goal.

Son had a chance to extend the lead after a Maddison long ball, but his effort was blocked.

Just when it seemed Spurs would cruise to the finish, Southampton struck late — Sulemana’s cross found Mateus Fernandes, who fired through Vicario’s legs to make it 2-1 in the 90th minute.

Suddenly, pressure mounted. Brennan Johnson earned a penalty shortly after and was set to complete his hat-trick, only for Tel to take the ball and convert it himself.

Though fans felt Johnson deserved the moment, the goal sealed the 3-1 win.

What’s Next?

Southampton’s relegation is now confirmed, and Spurs climb to 14th in the table.

While not a marquee victory, it ends a poor run of form and restores some belief ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The best news? No fresh injury concerns.

Fixtures:

Apr 10: Tottenham vs Eintracht Frankfurt (UEL)

Apr 13: Wolves vs Tottenham (PL)

Apr 17: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham (UEL)