Bournemouth too tough for Tottenham

Mid-Table Six Pointer or Chance of Thursday Night Excitement

Bournemouth knew a win tonight would see them leapfrog into 9th place with strong European hopes. And that is exactly what they set out to do. The first ten minutes of Spurs possession came with only a few half-chances which Spurs' forwards failed to capitalise on. Dean Husjen, the newly signed Spanish centre-half, clinically headed home Marcus Tavernier's corner to give the South-Coast side a lead which they would go on to take into half-time.

Both Game Plans Can't Work

Keeping to the game plan would be enough for Bournemouth to claim the three points, as Spurs were truly outclassed across the board in the first 45. However, Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou's emergence from the tunnel with same 11 that entered at half-time showed that he too planned on sticking what he thought would work. The tie remained locked at a one goal advantage until, Evanilson thought he'd notched his fourth goal in six games, only for it to be ruled out for offside leaving Spurs still very much in the mix, especially given Son's recent introduction for offside.

What's happening to Spurs?

Ange's entertaining tactics appeared to backfire against the Cherries as they approached the final ten minutes lucky to be only a goal behind and still in with a chance. Eventually, the game reached its close, not with Spurs ruthlessly taking shot after shot attempting to equalise, but Bournemouth continuing their sustained pressure. The question now is where Spurs go from here. Adopting a lowly tenth position over a third of the way into the season would certainly not have been on their list of targets back in August. A point which must be added is that the table remains deceiving in this of all year of Premier League football - Spurs are only three points off fifth! The season is all the more exciting for results in this fashion, and the neutral can only hope for more.