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Southampton’s long, painful campaign reached its inevitable conclusion on Sunday as Tottenham Hotspur delivered the final blow to their Premier League survival hopes with a 3-1 win in north London. For Spurs, it was a return to winning ways at last – their first league victory since February – but the real story was Brennan Johnson’s decisive display, which both sealed the result and underscored Southampton’s relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur entered the contest not just looking for three points but for a statement of intent, and what they offered was calculated control. Ange Postecoglou’s men were methodical in possession and disciplined without it. Southampton, by contrast, were sluggish and static. Ivan Juric’s side failed to get a foothold in the first half, barely venturing out of their own half under the weight of Spurs’ pressing.

It didn’t take long for that pressure to pay off. Brennan Johnson, electric from the outset, made it 1-0 with a sharp left-footed strike after a neat cross from Djed Spence. The goal was Tottenham Hotspur’s reward for their early dominance and only spurred them on further.

Lucas Bergvall thought he had doubled the lead not long after, but VAR intervened. Still, Johnson ensured the home crowd had more to cheer before the break, pouncing again from close range to make it 2-0 and leave the Saints teetering.

To Southampton’s credit, they emerged from the dressing room with renewed urgency. Their best spell came early in the second half, with Mateus Fernandes and Kamaldeen Sulemana attempting to orchestrate a revival. But as has so often been the case this season, possession didn’t translate into clear-cut chances.

A flicker of hope arrived in the 90th minute when Fernandes finally found the net, but any hopes of a late comeback were quickly extinguished. Substitute Mathys Tel dispatched a calm penalty in stoppage time to settle the tie and confirm Southampton’s fate.

As far as Premier League farewells go, this was not a rousing one for the Saints. They now face the sobering reality of life in the Championship – a division they’ve not graced in over a decade.

Tottenham Hotspur may not be chasing European glory this season, but performances like this will give Postecoglou a foundation to build from. Brennan Johnson’s brace wasn’t just a show of clinical finishing – it was a performance full of energy and intelligence, his movement constantly stretching Southampton’s fragile backline.

James Maddison, too, looked close to his best, while Djed Spence’s contribution at left-back will not go unnoticed. This may have been a dead rubber in the wider context of the Premier League table, but for Spurs fans, it felt like a rediscovery of purpose.

For Southampton, the descent into the Championship is now confirmed. There were moments of defiance – Fernandes’ goal chief among them – but this squad has too often lacked cohesion and cutting edge in the moments that mattered. Rebuilding will be a long process, especially if key players move on.

As for Tottenham, they climb to 13th, a modest ascent but one that comes with the comfort of three points and the assurance that Postecoglou’s methods, while still in progress, are beginning to resonate again.

Brennan Johnson Brilliance Seals Southampton’s Premier League Fate

Southampton’s long, painful campaign reached its inevitable conclusion on Sunday as Tottenham Hotspur delivered the final blow to their Premier League survival hopes with a 3-1 win in north London. For Spurs, it was a return to winning ways at last – their first league victory since February – but the real story was Brennan Johnson’s decisive display, which both sealed the result and underscored Southampton’s relegation.

Controlled Spurs Leave Little Doubt

Tottenham Hotspur entered the contest not just looking for three points but for a statement of intent, and what they offered was calculated control. Ange Postecoglou’s men were methodical in possession and disciplined without it. Southampton, by contrast, were sluggish and static. Ivan Juric’s side failed to get a foothold in the first half, barely venturing out of their own half under the weight of Spurs’ pressing.

Photo: IMAGO

It didn’t take long for that pressure to pay off. Brennan Johnson, electric from the outset, made it 1-0 with a sharp left-footed strike after a neat cross from Djed Spence. The goal was Tottenham Hotspur’s reward for their early dominance and only spurred them on further.

Lucas Bergvall thought he had doubled the lead not long after, but VAR intervened. Still, Johnson ensured the home crowd had more to cheer before the break, pouncing again from close range to make it 2-0 and leave the Saints teetering.

Brief Flicker Before Final Blow

To Southampton’s credit, they emerged from the dressing room with renewed urgency. Their best spell came early in the second half, with Mateus Fernandes and Kamaldeen Sulemana attempting to orchestrate a revival. But as has so often been the case this season, possession didn’t translate into clear-cut chances.

A flicker of hope arrived in the 90th minute when Fernandes finally found the net, but any hopes of a late comeback were quickly extinguished. Substitute Mathys Tel dispatched a calm penalty in stoppage time to settle the tie and confirm Southampton’s fate.

As far as Premier League farewells go, this was not a rousing one for the Saints. They now face the sobering reality of life in the Championship – a division they’ve not graced in over a decade.

Photo: IMAGO

Spurs Rediscover Rhythm at Crucial Juncture

Tottenham Hotspur may not be chasing European glory this season, but performances like this will give Postecoglou a foundation to build from. Brennan Johnson’s brace wasn’t just a show of clinical finishing – it was a performance full of energy and intelligence, his movement constantly stretching Southampton’s fragile backline.

James Maddison, too, looked close to his best, while Djed Spence’s contribution at left-back will not go unnoticed. This may have been a dead rubber in the wider context of the Premier League table, but for Spurs fans, it felt like a rediscovery of purpose.

Johnson’s Double, Saints’ Despair: What It All Means

For Southampton, the descent into the Championship is now confirmed. There were moments of defiance – Fernandes’ goal chief among them – but this squad has too often lacked cohesion and cutting edge in the moments that mattered. Rebuilding will be a long process, especially if key players move on.

As for Tottenham, they climb to 13th, a modest ascent but one that comes with the comfort of three points and the assurance that Postecoglou’s methods, while still in progress, are beginning to resonate again.

Player Ratings

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)

Tottenham Hotspur XI vs Southampton: Predicted Lineup and Team News

The rhythm of a demanding season does not ease for Tottenham Hotspur. With European ambitions still alive and a top-four domestic finish slipping from their grasp, Ange Postecoglou finds himself walking a tightrope — one that stretches from Stamford Bridge to Frankfurt, with Southampton in between.

The visit of the Premier League’s bottom side would usually be cause for confidence, but Spurs’ stuttering form and their manager’s need to rotate ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg in Germany means this fixture arrives with tension, not comfort.

Photo: IMAGO

Squad Rotation Set to Continue

Tottenham’s loss at Chelsea — their 16th in the league this season — has amplified scrutiny on both results and rotation. Yet Postecoglou remains clear in his messaging. Asked if he would significantly change the side for Southampton, he said:

“To a certain extent, we are a little bit beyond that as the group is in a decent place physically where I don’t have to get players gametime. As I said, it is about getting some momentum leading into the game on Thursday. We will make a couple of changes but we won’t make too many.”

Micky van de Ven, Son Heung-min, and James Maddison are all likely to be given a rest, while Djed Spence — recently back from illness — may also be kept in reserve for the trip to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Defence Rebuilt with Europe in Mind

Pedro Porro, rested against Chelsea, should reclaim his spot at right-back, with Ben Davies likely to partner Cristian Romero at centre-half in place of Van de Ven. Destiny Udogie continues to offer consistency at left-back, and Guglielmo Vicario remains between the sticks.

Photo: IMAGO

There is no return yet for Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin Danso or Radu Dragusin, all sidelined through injury. Postecoglou did, however, confirm there were “no fresh injury concerns” following the defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Midfield Given a New Shape

Yves Bissouma’s patchy form has led to early substitutions in recent weeks, with three half-time withdrawals in his last five starts. As a result, Lucas Bergvall may be preferred in the holding role. Pape Matar Sarr is also likely to start, with Rodrigo Bentancur providing seniority and structure in central areas.

This blend of youth and experience will be vital in a match that demands tempo, patience and precision — especially against a Southampton side scrapping for any remaining hope of survival.

Front Line Offers Flexibility

Postecoglou’s attacking options are in flux. Son is expected to sit out, with Brennan Johnson or Mathys Tel both in contention to start wide. Mikey Moore is pushing for more involvement, and Richarlison could return to the squad after recovering from a muscle issue. Spurs must rediscover sharpness in the final third, with attacking fluency having deserted them during their last outing.

Photo: IMAGO

Against Southampton — a side they dismantled 5-0 at St Mary’s in December — there will be expectation, but also the necessity to manage energy and mental sharpness ahead of the European challenge to come.

Predicted Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-3-3):Vicario; Porro, Romero, Davies, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Odobert

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Tottenham Hotspur faced off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier tonight as they looked to secure a victory on their travels in the Premier League. Spurs made a solid start to the game and managed to get to the half-time break with a 0-0 scoreline.

Angelos Postecoglu’s men made a poor start to the second half as they conceded the opening goal in the 50th minute when Enzo Fernandez scored with a good header. The North London club failed to come up with a response and crashed to a lackluster 1-0 loss in the London derby.

Let’s take a look at how each Tottenham Hotspur player fared during the match against the Blues.

GK: Guglielmo Vicario – 7.5/10

Vicario didn’t hesitate to clear the danger when needed and made a few solid saves at the back.

RB: Djed Spence – 6.5/10

He did his fair share of defending and made two good runs with the ball on the right flank.

CB: Cristian Romero – 6.5/10

Romero performed his defensive duties well but failed to keep a clean sheet tonight.

CB: Micky van de Ven – 6.5/10

He made his fair share of clearances when defending inside his half.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 03: Nicolas Jackson and Jadon Sancho of Chelsea hold back Rodrigo Bentancur and Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur as they clash with Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Stamford Bridge on April 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

LB: Destiny Udogie – 6.5/10

He came back to defend when he could but struggled to influence the game going forward.

CM: Lucas Bergvall – 6.5/10

Bergvall anchored the midfield well and got himself into some promising areas in the final third.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – 6.5/10

He offered solid protection for his teammates at the back and was accurate with his passing.

CM: James Maddison – 6/10

Maddison created one good opportunity in the final third but failed to be a goal threat.

RW: Wilson Odobert – 6/10

He managed to shine at times but never looked like he would find the back of the net.

ST: Dominic Solanke – 6/10

Solanke was left frustrated for most of the game. There was no goal for him tonight.

LW: Heung-min Son – 6/10

He struggled to be effective on the left flank and was fortunate to last the whole game.

Substitutes:

CM: Pape Matar Sarr – 6/10

He added some energy to Tottenham’s midfield.

Johnson made two decent chances on the offensive third of the pitch.