Tottenham ended a four-match Premier League run without a win by beating Southampton 3-1 and condemning their visitors to relegation. A first-half Brennan Johnson brace and a late Mathys Tel penalty provided a much-needed positive result for head coach Ange Postecoglou.
Johnson first converted in the 13th minute after Djed Spence got in behind Southampton's defence and cut the ball back for the winger. Another excellent move saw Johnson poke past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after James Maddison's cushioned header to make it 2-0 just before half-time.
Southampton's struggle to provide much threat encapsulated their season and this is the earliest a team has been relegated in Premier League history. Mateus Fernandes struck a consolation in the 90th minute but it was far too late. Tel restored the two-goal advantage with a penalty six minutes into added time.
Here is how Express Sport rated the Spurs players, with three stars earning an eight out of 10.
Guglielmo Vicario - 6/10
Spurs’ goalkeeper had very little to do and faced just one shot on target before the 60th minute. A late flurry of chances for Southampton saw Fernandes score.
Pedro Porro - 7
This was a typically all-action display from Porro at right-back. He created three big chances and was unfortunate not to get an assist.
Cristian Romero - 8
Whatever Southampton threw at Spurs, Romero generally dealt with superbly. In the second half, the Argentine made a great block to deny Kamaldeen Sulemana's cross from reaching a Southampton player. One nervy moment saw him deflect an effort onto the post in the first half but this was otherwise an excellent performance. Spurs must keep Romero in the summer.
Ben Davies - 6
With Micky van de Ven rested after hobbling off against Chelsea in midweek, Davies stepped into central defence and performed okay.
Djed Spence - 8
Spurs’ injury crisis earlier this season presented an opportunity to Spence to step up. The former Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest defender has excelled and grabbed his second assist of the season.
Lucas Bergvall - 7
There is a lot to come from Bergvall next season. He has shown glimpses of being an excellent No. 8 and was central to a couple of Spurs’ best attacks. The Swede’s all-round game is very impressive.
Rodrigo Bentancur - 7
Bentancur played several penetrative passes which nearly unlocked Southampton’s defence. He was taken off just before the hour-mark, replaced by Pape Matar Sarr.
James Maddison - 7
Despite some inconsistency, Maddison has still been relatively productive this season. His perfectly weighted header found Johnson to score Spurs’ second goal. The 28-year-old’s overall performance was very good - he was involved in much of the positive work Spurs did.
Brennan Johnson - 8
Johnson has been a rare highlight of Spurs’ season and his two goals set his side on their way to a comfortable win over a really poor Southampton team. The Wales international converted from Spence’s cut back before finishing on another good move, laid on a plate to him by Maddison. These were his 10th and 11th goals of a solid personal campaign.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Dominic Solanke - 6
Those around Solanke did the damage against Southampton. His link-up play was good and helped to create several chances, but other than a shot that was saved by Aaron Ramsdale, the 27-year-old had few threatening moments of his own.
Son Heung-min - 6
Son has scored only twice in the Premier League in 2025 and sometimes looks slightly lost. Often receiving possession on the touchline with his back to a defender, Spurs need to get their best attacker closer to goal. Son was hooked before the hour.
Substitutes
Pape Matar Sarr - 6
Spurs lost a little bit of control in midfield after Sarr replaced Bentacur.
Wilson Odobert - 6
Odobert has an excellent opportunity in the final months of the season to prove he is Son's long-term successor. It has been a frustrating season for the former Burnley star, who has suffered a couple of injuries.
Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, Mathys Tel - N/A
Gray and Bissouma were introduced with 10 minutes to go and had little impact, while Tel was a late replacement for Solanke and scored with a 96th-minute penalty.