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Russell Martin has been sacked as Southampton boss after suffering a chastening 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

It was the Saints' 13th loss in 16 Premier League matches this season, a torrid run which has seen them pick up just five points. Their latest defeat left them nine points from safety.

Martin guided the club to promotion from the Championship via the play-offs last season, but struggled to impose his possession-heavy philosophy in the English top-flight, and often batted away suggestions his side could implement a more pragmatic style.

Premier League

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The club confirmed that under-21's boss Simon Rusk would take temporary charge until a "permanent replacement" is appointed.

A statement from Southampton issued on Sunday night said: "Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world.

"However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months.

"Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the Play-Off Final win in May."

Southampton's only victory in the 2024/25 Premier League season so far came against Everton in November - a 1-0 triumph thanks to Adam Armstrong's 85th-minute strike.

The Saints board initially stuck with Martin despite their poor form, but dismissed the former Swansea and MK Dons boss after they were thrashed by Spurs on Sunday in front of the TNT Sports cameras.

Spurs were 4-0 ahead inside 25 minutes as the north London side wreaked havoc at St Mary's, prompting some of the home faithful to leave inside the opening half an hour while boos rung around the stadium.

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Video credit: SNTV

In his final interview as Southampton boss, Martin told TNT Sports that he was "hurt" by his side's "incredibly poor" first-half performance against Spurs.

Despite their poor league form, the Saints remain in contention for the Carabao Cup, but face a tough test against Liverpool in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The Saints' statement added: "Behind the scenes, we are encouraged by the continued development of talent coming through our academy. We are proud of the contributions our young players are making and are confident this will remain a source of strength and pride for everyone associated with the club.

"We are also deeply grateful for the continued support and positivity shown by our fans. We are witnessing first-hand the significant gap between the Championship and the Premier League, but your understanding and passion, even when results have not been what we all want, continue to drive our long-term commitment to the club."

Stream the 2024/25 Premier League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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Premier League

Postecoglou lauds 'outstanding' Spurs performance in Southampton drubbing

Ange Postecoglou praised his players after an "outstanding" 5-0 win against Southampton on Sunday.

Spurs ended their run of five games without a win as they ruthlessly put Southampton to the sword at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday, piling more pressure on an already under-fire Russell Martin.

With just one win in eight games before travelling to Southampton, Postecoglou's side were in desperate need of a win.

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It took only 37 seconds for James Maddison to open the scoring after he ran onto Djed Spence’s through ball. Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski added goals to make it 3-0 before the 15th minute.

Pape Matar Sarr scored the fourth and Maddison added his second of the game shortly before half-time.

"It was outstanding by the players," Postecoglou told TNT Sports. "We had a tough European game away on Thursday night.

"We had 10 first-team players unavailable, so for the lads to come out with that sort of energy and that sort of quality in the first half is just outstanding.

"We needed to come out quickly because we knew we were going to get tired today. We're asking a lot of some of our players and others haven't played at all.

"We've had great opportunities in the last three games in the first minute of the game. I said to them before the game 'Let's be ready.' It was a great endeavour by Djed and a great finish by Maddison."

"He has had to bide his time," the Spurs boss said. "To be fair to him, whenever he has played he has done well. We haven't been able to give him too much game time because full-back is one of the positions we have a bit of cover, but we needed him to come in and play at a good level and he did. It's a credit to him."

On the importance of a win, he added: "You just want the players to feel good and get a reward for their efforts. We can't rest or rotate and you want them to feel good. They get their reward tonight and we'll recover and get ready for a big game on Thursday."

'Big night for us' - Maddison

After scoring twice in their 5-0 rout, James Maddison told TNT Sports how important the win was for Spurs against the backdrop of other Premier League sides struggling for results.

"A great night. It was an important night for us," he said. "You can see big teams struggling throughout the league to get results. So make no mistake how important that victory and performance is. That was a big night for us."

Like his manager, Maddison also praised Spence for his his role in the opening goal.

"He's a great lad. Djed's quite a laid-back character so I don't think he needed too much of a pep talk," Maddison added.

"I told him before, go and do what you do. He got the ball and wriggled and that run is one I’ve been working on for years. It was a brilliantly weighted pass and I just had to finish it off. So credit to him.

"We can blow any team away in this league. Not just teams like Southampton, we went to Man City and did it. It's up to us to show that on a more consistent regular basis. That was a proper performance today and I’m proud of the lads. We needed a big night tonight.

"We showed grit and determination in Glasgow on Thursday night. We're really short on numbers in terms of the squad, so I'm really proud of the boys."

Stream the 2024/25 Premier League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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Rock-bottom Southampton sack Martin after Spurs thrashing

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Bad news for Spurs as it looks like the defender hurt himself during that attack and will need to be replaced.

Destiny Udogie prevents Southampton an attack, drives down the pitch and finds Son on the left, who squares the ball for Pape Sarr to wriggle through a weak defence before stabbing home.

"This is target practice for Tottenham," says TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher as Southampton fans begin to leave the stadium in their droves. We're only 25 minutes in!

Despite being three goals down, the hosts have still hardly been out of their own half.

It looks like they've switched to three at the back.

It's another one! Spurs have a third after more awful Southampton defending!

Son crosses from the left to Dominic Solanke in the six-yard box, who is challenged but the ball falls to the unmarked Kulusevski who slams the ball home from close range.

A deep cross from the right evades three red and white shirts in the box and falls to Son on the far side, who makes no mistake with a low finish which fizzes past McCarthy.

The ball drops to Spence from the set-piece which is blocked and the visitors recycle the ball, find Son on the left who cuts in and sends an effort straight at McCarthy.

Spence looks sharp down that right-hand side too. They look up for this, Spurs, but we all know they will give Southampton a chance. Can they build on their sharp start?

Spence drives forward from right-back and threads a pass through to James Maddison who slots beyond Alex McCarthy for his sixth goal of the season.

"Another performance of ours that reflects the kind of football we want to play," the Australian told TNT Sports.

MARTIN: 'SOMETHING MISSING IN BOTH BOXES'

And both managers have been speaking to TNT Sports, with Saints boss Martin telling us what he wants from his group tonight...

"Lots of things. I think the mentality of the team is the most important thing tonight. There has been so much to like about a lot of our performances and then something missing in both boxes, really.

"Hopefully a little bit of ruthlessness, a bit of aggression and a bit more intent."

Speaking of managers under pressure, Gary O'Neil is the latest Premier League boss to lose his job, after Wolves were beaten by Ipswich on Saturday.

Is the four-time champions Manchester City, who have just lost for the eighth time across their last 11 fixtures.

Ange Postecoglou has revealed the deliberate youthful "regeneration" of his Spurs squad, as - in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports - he reflected on approaching 18 months in the club's managerial hotseat.

Postecoglou and his side - who travel to Southampton on Sunday night in the Premier League, live on TNT Sports - are in the midst of a tricky midwinter which has seen them suffer an injury crisis, and pick up just one win in their last eight matches in all competitions.

However, in adversity there has been opportunity, as a group of young talents have taken their chances to impress, among them Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. Their UEFA Europa League draw with Rangers on Thursday saw two 16-year-olds - Luca Williams-Barnett and Malachi Hardy - feature on the bench.

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Postecoglou opened up on how this has formed part of his overall approach to squad-building, with his group now having the third-youngest average age in the Premier League.

"It’s a combination of things [the accent on youth]," the Spurs boss began. "At the moment we’re down on numbers.

"But when I came in, there was a point in time for the club and the group of players where you needed to regenerate.

"A lot of the players had been together for quite a while. That team which almost got the ultimate success had run its cycle.

"So when you’re building a new team, I think it’s only natural you start at the younger end of the spectrum because you want the team to grow together.

"It would be great if you have success straight-away, but what you’re trying to do is build something that gives you the opportunity for sustainable success, and you purposefully go younger because you want them to grow together.

"Then you have to fill in the blanks of needing experience within that. That’s what we’ve tried to do, but there has been a conscious plan to go younger in this first couple of years, to create a basis of a team and then hopefully, as they grow together, that allows you then to supplement it with the experience you need."

One man currently spearheading this elixir of youth is Archie Gray, the 18-year-old versatile midfielder who even appeared at centre-back in the cauldron of Ibrox in midweek.

On what his breakout season says about the youngster, Postecoglou added: "His maturity and the way he’s handled everything this year has been outstanding.

"I think it helps he comes from good stock, he’s got good football pedigree, and you can see that because he knows the game.

"Even though we’re asking him to play [different positions], he obviously loves the game, he’s grown up with it around him, he understands the requirements.

‘We’re in a bit of struggle’ – Postecoglou reflects on ‘important point’ at Rangers

Video credit: Eurosport

"The biggest thing about him is the way he handles that. It’s not easy as an 18-year-old, even if you have undoubted talent, to handle everything else that comes along with it, the responsibility, the expectations, it’s the Premier League, you’re at a big club, you’re facing some unbelievable opponents, and yet – in unfamiliar positions at times – he’s handled it really well.

"It’s great for him, it’s great for the club, that kind of exposure at this age, with the growth that exists in him, this club’s going to have a fantastic player for many years to come."

Postecoglou, having joined Spurs in the summer of 2023, is approaching the midway point of his second season in charge.

Rare are the chances in the hectic life of a Premier League manager to step back and assess an overall tenure, but Postecoglou attempted to do just that as 2025 approaches.

"It’s been eventful, fair to say," he said. "I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

"You kind of understand the task before you when you take over a big club like Tottenham and the expectations around it.

"And then you’re in the Premier League, which obviously has its own attention and focus from global aspects, so you kind of understand that it’s an existence that allows very little personal time or personal space.

"But I’ve enjoyed the challenge. Like I say, it’s been eventful. We’ve had some really good stuff, some not so good stuff, some real challenges along the way, not much smooth water, but I’ve enjoyed it."

Spurs may be down in 11th in the top flight prior to their visit to St Mary's, but statistically, they have been further up some significant categories, such as - ahead of the weekend's fixture programme - being second for progressive carry distance per 90 minutes behind only Manchester City, and third for progressive pass distance per 90 behind only City and Chelsea*.

Postecoglou says this is a sign that his side are on the right track, but that they must find "consistency".

He explained: "For us, we get guided a lot by the underlying metrics of what kind of football team we want to be. For the most part, we’ve been really good this year – probably in the top two or three – but because that’s not reflected in the results, you can sort of get sidetracked into thinking it’s not working.

"The way we play in our football, there’s enough when it’s there that when we get it right, we’re as compelling a team as anyone in the league.

"It’s just that we haven’t done it for prolonged periods, and that’s it – consistency is the missing piece for us. Consistency in performance, consistency in the way we play our football and that then brings consistency in results.

"That’s what we’ve got to try and manage. Not easy in the current state we’re in with the injury crisis we have, but ultimately that’s what kinds of guides us is those underlying metrics, we know that when we hit them we’re a hard team to stop."

'We weren't going to find another Kane'

Many of Spurs' best moments this term - such as in the 4-0 romp away at City - have come from the 'fab front five' of Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

In the context of the post-Harry Kane era, Postecoglou says it has been a thought-through policy to create a wider bank of goalscoring threats at the club.

"They’re all sort of different types, it’s the way I like to set up in the front half of the field. You’ve got different ways to hurt opposition, particularly because we want to be an attacking side and score goals.

"It always helps if you’re not reliant on one or two players for that. It’s fair to say this club was very reliant on a world-class goalscorer in Harry for a very long time, and Sonny to a lesser extent. I wanted to spread the load because we weren’t going to find another Harry – they don’t exist.

'It would've been a travesty' - Crouch says Spurs didn't deserve win at 'fantastic' Rangers

Video credit: Eurosport

On how Solanke has adapted to taking over the centre-forward mantle - as well as the demands of playing multiple games a week - Postecoglou added: "I think he’s been brilliant. I was excited when we got him.

"Where he’s at, he’s sort of getting to the peak of his career. He’s fought really hard to get to this point. He’s been unbelievable for us.

"Because of the injuries we’ve had, particularly to Richarlison, we haven’t been able to give him the break he needs at times, because he puts so much effort into every performance, but he’s just soldiered on. Every game he plays for us he makes an impact, and he makes us a better team.

"Once we can get some help for him so we can ease the load on him, I think we’ll get a better version of him.

"But the way he’s come into the club, accepted the responsibility to be a player who makes an impact has been tremendous."

How to watch Southampton v Tottenham

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Southampton v Tottenham will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage from 18:00 UK time on Sunday, December 15, ahead of a 20:00 kick-off.

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*stats per FBRef

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‘Everyone is quick to criticise’ - Martin defends under-fire Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou says his side find themselves in "a bit of a struggle" after a 1-1 draw with Rangers in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

The under-pressure Australian took his side to Scotland but left two of his best performers this season, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski, on the bench.

The move might have backfired, as Hamza Igamane put Rangers ahead shortly after the restart, but not before Postecoglou hooked striker Timo Werner at half-time.

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Crouch claims ‘it would have been a travesty’ if Spurs beat ‘fantastic’ Rangers

With 15 minutes remaining, Kulusevski levelled for the Premier League team. Tottenham ended the match in ninth spot in the league phase table, level on points with Rangers, who are in the last automatic qualification spot.

In the Premier League, Postecoglou’s men sit in 11th, a disappointing position given the bright showing last season.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he acknowledged that it was not just a difficult game, but a difficult period in general for the side.

‘We’re in a bit of struggle’ – Postecoglou reflects on ‘important point’ at Rangers

Video credit: Eurosport

He said: "It's as expected in terms of the context of the game, tough game, obviously the crowd and atmosphere you'll deal with.

"Tight first half, I think both sides, then they score straight after half-time and then you kind of know you've got a mountain to climb after that.

"But I thought we worked our way back into the game and scored a good goal, it was a big save by Fraser [Forster] in the end, and I think in terms of our European season a really important point."

Postecoglou explained the starting XI tonight by saying both Solanke and Kulusevski needed a rest, adding: "We had to rotate tonight.

"It's no secret the issues we've got at the moment in terms of injuries and there's guys like Dom [Solanke] and Decky [Kulusevski] who've played a hell of a lot of football and we have got to protect them a little bit.

"But I thought they made a difference, I thought Lucas Bergvall was excellent when he came on, which is a great thing for us, guys like Archie [Gray] and Lucas, 18-year-olds, to be getting experiences like this is a positive."

‘They give up a lot of opportunities’ – Hutton points out Spurs’ weaknesses

Video credit: Eurosport

The former Celtic manager conceded that Tottenham were not at their confident best after recent poor results, saying: "I think it's kind of the situation at the moment that we're in, it's fair to say we're in a bit of a struggle.

"And being down on numbers the players understand that, a lot of them are asking for a lot of repeated efforts and it takes its toll.

"But we hung in there tonight which is important, the next round of the European games aren't now for a while, which will help us for sure. So like I said, I think when I look back it'll be an important point for us."

‘Not acceptable’ - Postecoglou unimpressed by Werner

Postecoglou was unusually harsh in his criticism of striker Werner’s efforts, which saw him subbed after the first half.

The 28-year-old is on loan at the club from RB Leipzig.

In his post-match press conference, Postecoglou said he had not met the required level to stay on the pitch: "When you've got 18-year-olds, it's not acceptable to me.

"I said that to Timo, he's a German international. In the moment we're in right now - it's not like we've got many options, I need everyone to at least be going out there and trying to give the best of themselves.

"We need everybody, including him, to be contributing because we don't have the depth to leave people out if they perform poorly. I expect a level of performance from some of the senior guys, and tonight wasn't that."

- - -

TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024/25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

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Bajrami and Cerny come off, replaced by Sterling and Barron. Staggered, in truth, that Cerny has come off.

He shoulders Yilmaz in the back, as the Rangers number three tries to break. Clear foul and yellow

That's only Spurs' second shot on target of the night, but Butland is equal to it, staying big to deny Porro from close range

Cheers and jeers from the Rangers fans as Maddison wins a free-kick on the edge of the area, takes it short and then curls the pass back to him over the bar

And Bergvall could have grabbed a goal with his first touch, a strike from the edge of the area that he hits into the ground and wide of goal

It looks like Dominic Solanke will be coming on soon for Spurs

A fierce strike from the Rangers number 10, smashing the ball into the ground and it bounces up, clips a defender and goes out for a corner

The forward, who is Spurs' top scorer, is picked out just inside the area, but he whips his shot past the far post

The winger cuts inside from the right and pulls the ball on to his left foot. He then drives a low shot towards the near post, but Forster makes a fairly straight-forward save

That is now ten games without a clean sheet for Ange Postecoglou's side

And there's the opening goal! Rangers take fewer than 90 seconds after the restart to make it 1-0 as Tavernier sends a brilliant ball into the middle and Igamane side-foots a first-time finish into the bottom corner, back across Forster. The Scottish outfit have the lead!

And after what seems like a very long half-time break, Rangers get the game back underway.

There's bags off it happening this evening. Here's the latest from across the continent

Ally McCoist: "It is really open, it is an unbelievably open game. Great for us. It is amazing, we knew it would be open, but not how open."

Chelsea came from two goals behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 and move second in the Premier League table.

Cole Palmer was on target twice from the penalty spot, as Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez scored in another blockbuster between the London rivals.

Six minutes later, Cucurella fell victim to the slippery surface for the second time when he went down again, this time allowing Spurs to find Dejan Kulusevski on the edge of the box, and he fired the hosts two goals ahead.

Tottenham could not hold on to the two-goal cushion for long, though, as Sancho drilled home from 20 yards to halve the deficit four minutes later.

One of the major talking points in the first half was when Moises Caicedo caught Pape Sarr with his studs high in a late challenge, but after a swift VAR check, the midfielder was controversially cleared.

Chelsea started the second half on the front foot and their persistence paid off on the hour mark as Caicedo won a penalty following a reckless challenge from Yves Bissouma. Palmer was on hand to slot home the spot kick and pull Enzo Maresca’s side level.

In another moment of madness, Sarr shoved Palmer in the back to gift the visitors another penalty, which was dispatched with a Panenka by Palmer.

Spurs grabbed a consolation through Son Heung-min in the final stages, but Chelsea held on for all three points while Spurs slumped to a third game without a win.

In further bad news for Ange Postecoglou and Spurs, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were passed fit to start the match, but both were forced off with injuries.

Talking point - Chelsea are in the title race

Maresca looks to have sorted the mess out that was Chelsea and now he has them in contention for the Premier League. It is only December, and they may not go on and win it, but they have proved they are definitely in the race and are currently Liverpool’s strongest contenders.

Manchester City have already fallen eight points behind leaders Liverpool while Arsenal - two points adrift of Chelsea in third - slipped up at Fulham earlier on Sunday.

As for Spurs, it is a totally different story. Just one win in seven games for Postecoglou’s side has seen them drop to 11th after 15 games, and that win was a 4-0 win at champions Man City.

Spurs can be very hit-and-miss - just like their start to Sunday’s encounter showed - but they are far more miss than hit right now.

Player of the Match - Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Chelsea might be in the title race, but they would not be without the sensation that is Cole Palmer.

Two goals from the spot, his 10th and 11th of the Premier League season, and a brilliant contribution for Fernandez's goal fuelled Chelsea’s comeback.

Another sensational performance from the England star.

Match ratings

Tottenham: Forster 6, Porro 7, Romero 6, Van de Ven 6, Udogie 6, Kulusevski 7, Bissouma 6, Sarr 6, Johnson 7, Solanke 7, Son 7

Subs: Dragusin 6, Gray 6, Bergvall 6, Maddison 7, Werner 6

Chelsea: Sanchez 5, Caicedo 7, Badiashile 6, Colwill 5, Cucurella 6, Lavia 6, Fernandez 7, Sancho 8, Palmer 9, Neto 7, Jackson 6

Subs: Gusto 6, Veiga N/A, Felix N/A, Madueke N/A, Nkunku 6

Match highlights

Key stats

With just 11 minutes played, it is the earliest Chelsea have been 2-0 down in a Premier League game since December 1996 v Leeds United. (Opta)

Cole Palmer has scored all 12 of his penalties in the Premier League; the best 100% record of any player in the competition. (Opta)

Cole Palmer now has 50 goal involvements (33 goals, 17 assists) in 48 Premier League games for Chelsea; only Erling Haaland for Man City (39), Andy Cole for Newcastle (43), and Mo Salah for Liverpool (46) have ever reached 50 in fewer PL games for a club. (Opta)

This was the 11th time that Tottenham lost a Premier League game after having been 2+ goals ahead – at least four more such defeats than any other side in the competition’s history. (Opta)

- - -

Stream the 2024/25 Premier League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou admitted a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea was "painful" and is targeting signings in January.

The Australian is under pressure after recent criticism from fans, and they find themselves in 11th spot in the Premier League.

Postecoglou has previously said he tends to succeed with teams in his second season, but after an impressive debut campaign, they are struggling as the second half of the season approaches.

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Spurs were 2-0 up after 11 minutes, but two penalties from Cole Palmer and a goal apiece from Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez put them 4-2 clear, and Son Heung-min’s stoppage-time effort was too little, too late.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Postecoglou was disappointed with the defeat and aspects of his side’s defending.

"It's a sore one for sure, it's painful," he said. "We started the game really well, and then we lose Cristian Romero, and we had to reshuffle.

"We still had some big moments to get a third and finish it off. The second half was a ding-dong for long and then they scored.

Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Image credit: Getty Images

"The two penalties weren't great, we need a bit of discipline in the box.

"It's a key point when you lose a key player in the first 20 minutes. He couldn't continue, so it's not ideal."

Postecoglou's side were beaten 1-0 on Thursday at Bournemouth, a performance that led to an angry exchange with supporters after they voiced their disappointment. Despite another loss, the manager saw some improvements against Chelsea.

He continued: "We didn't play well in midweek, but we did today. They're a top side, you have got to give credit to them. We got distracted in key moments. We need to realise we are tough to stop when we do play our football."

Yves Bissouma conceded the first penalty when he scythed down Moises Caicedo for Chelsea's equaliser, and England forward Palmer earned a second penalty when Pape Sarr barged into him to score the fourth. Postecoglou bemoaned the clumsy manner and the timing of the fouls.

"The two penalties were poor," he said. "When you're playing these top teams, the momentum shifts quickly."

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Video credit: SNTV

Romero was withdrawn after 15 minutes, and the injury situation was compounded by Micky van de Ven’s injury late in the game. He was a surprise inclusion after weeks out.

Postecoglou could give little information on the new problem, and said he may want to move in the January transfer window to add to his squad.

"He felt a bit tight," he explained. "He was only meant to play 60 or 70 minutes. Hopefully, it's not too bad because you could see the difference.

"I'm hoping Romero isn't too bad. We're thin on numbers, and if we're thin in January, we'll be looking to add to the squad because they need some help."

MARESCA: ‘I ALWAYS TRUST’ PALMER

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca praised Palmer for another outstanding performance.

The 22-year-old has 11 goals in 15 Premier League appearances, and the Italian said: "I know Cole from a long time ago, and I always trust him in every aspect. He is a fantastic guy. He is learning how to play games when he is marked man-to-man. Bissouma was with him all the game.

"He is learning, improving and scoring goals. That makes him happy and makes us happy."

The win saw Chelsea end the match in second place in the Premier League table, after Arsenal drew 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday and Manchester City were held 2-2 by Crystal Palace.

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Ange Postecoglou addressed his confrontation with some Tottenham Hotspur fans following their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, stating he "didn't like what was being said".

Spurs' reverse at Vitality Stadium means they have won just a single game in their last six outings across all competitions, and the travelling contingent expressed their fury towards the squad following the full-time whistle.

Postecoglou appeared to engage in a heated confrontation with a section of supporters, and when asked about the exchange in his post-match press conference, admitted he retaliated to comments he "didn't like".

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"They are disappointed, rightly so," Postecoglou said. "They gave me some direct feedback which I guess is taken on board."

When asked what was said by the Spurs fans, he replied: "Yeah, probably not for here, mate."

Postecoglou added: "I've got no issue with it. I didn't like what was being said because I'm a human being but you've got to cop it.

"I've been around long enough to know that if things don't go well, you've got to understand the frustration and disappointment.

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Video credit: SNTV

And Postecoglou felt his side were repeating past mistakes in the defeat, which leaves them languishing in 10th in the Premier League table.

"Very disappointing," Postecoglou continued. "We started the game well, started the game the way we wanted to and started controlling it but we give away a poor goal, a really poor goal - again.

"That allows the opposition to, and it is a difficult place to come to anyways, sit back and play the football they want, to counter-attack, and we have to open up.

"It is disappointing and not good enough. It is not something that is a one-off. We have done that now three or four times and paid a price for it."

'Something is missing' - Kulusevski

Spurs forward Dejan Kulusevski, meanwhile, delivered a critical analysis of his side - saying he feels "something is missing".

The goal once again came from a set-piece, which has been a continuous theme for Postecoglou's side, and Kulusevski told Amazon Prime that Spurs were "not good enough in certain aspects".

"It is not good enough," he said. "We conceded again on a corner and then everything gets much more difficult. Too many times this year we have conceded easy goals on corners.

"Second half we came out much better and made some chances, but we did not score and then lost the game. We are so disappointed to lose again.

"We are not good enough in certain aspects, especially as I said on corners. We concede a lot that way, and then it is difficult to play when you are 1-0 down.

"Three days and then we have another game against Chelsea, so we focus on that and move on.

"Of course, there is stuff that we have to work on. You can see it in the result but also in the performance.

"Something is missing and it is up to us players because nobody else will help us to solve it.

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Video credit: Eurosport

"I think then we played good for the first 25 minutes of the second half. In the first half, they had more intensity, we let them have too much ball, we did not press enough and they won too many duels.

"Against good teams we always play good, so I expect Sunday will be another good performance. Then we need to look forward and improve on the details we are lacking."

Spurs look to get back to winning ways against second-place Chelsea on Sunday.

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Bournemouth picked up another big home win as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 to leapfrog their opponents in the Premier League.

The solitary goal came from Dean Huijsen’s back-post header from a first-half corner, losing his marker with a looping run before directing his finish back across the goalkeeper.

But The Cherries could have had many more on a night when they created a hatful of chances and were gifted a handful more by a Spurs side who are down to just one fit recognised centre-back after Ben Davies was forced off with an injury.

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Three goals were disallowed in the game - all for offside, two for the hosts and one for Spurs - but the result was richly deserved for a Bournemouth team who played with an intensity that overpowered the visitors.

Victory moves Bournemouth up to ninth in a highly congested Premier League table, with Spurs a point behind in 10th.

Talking Point – Bournemouth blitz leaves Spurs flagging

Ange Postecoglou joins Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola as high-profile managers to have tasted defeat at Vitality Stadium this season, and more will be added to that list on the evidence of this display.

Bournemouth were outstanding – intense in their press and full of energy in midfield, overpowering a flagging Tottenham as the match progressed.

Andoni Iraola will have been delighted with so many aspects of the display, but will be frustrated that his team didn’t finish off more of the hatful of chances that they earned through their intensity.

Player of the Match – Dean Huijsen

The big Bournemouth centre-back took his goal brilliantly to win the game for Bournemouth and, one slip in the first half aside, defended superbly to leave Spurs with very little to work with in the final third.

He was dominant in the air, covered the runners well, and added a sense of security at the back that gave his team real confidence.

Player Ratings

Bournemouth: Kepa 8; Smith 7, Zabarnyi 7, Huijsen 9, Kerkez 8; Christie 8, Adams 7; Tavernier 7, Kluivert 6, Semenyo 7; Evanilson 8. Subs: Ouattara 5, Cook 7, Billing 6, Unal 6, Brooks 6.

Tottenham: Forster 8; Gray 7, Dragusin 6, Davies 6, Udogie 6; Bissouma 6, Sarr 6, Maddison 6; Kulusevski 6, Solanke 6, Johnson 3. Subs: Son 6, Porro 5, Bergvall 5, Werner 5.

Match Highlights

The hosts have the lead and it comes from a corner. A deep cross goes over the entire Spurs defence, but nobody had tracked the run around the back by Huijsen and he heads back across goal and into the far corner. It’s an excellent cross, superb finish, but odd defending. Who was supposed to pick him up? It isn’t particularly clear on the replay, but the result is the same regardless. 1-0!

It’s another blistering break from Bournemouth and Evanilson plays a cute pass to put Tavernier through in the box. He finishes well, but the flag is up, and it was offside.

It’s so close to a second for Bournemouth as Tavernier heads down from Kerkez’s cross, but Forster makes an unbelievable save low down to his left to keep the deficit to just the one goal.

Son has the ball in the back of the net moments after coming on, tucking home from close range after Kulusevski’s shot is deflected right to him. But he was offside when the shot came in and the goal is ruled out.

Davies has picked up an injury and, with Romero and Van der Ven already out, Spurs have no other central defensive options. Porro comes on for him and Gray switches to centre-back, with Davies heading straight down the tunnel to receive treatment.

Forster makes a complete hash of playing out from the back and Bournemouth very nearly take advantage. The 'keeper makes a save as he scrambles to recover, but the rebound drops to Evanilson, who tucks home. Bournemouth celebrate… but VAR steps in and it was offside when the shot deflected to the striker.

Key Stats

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