Tottenham Hotspur brought resurgent Bournemouth down to earth with a flattering 3-1 Premier League victory thanks to goals by Pape Matar Sarr, Son Heung-Min and Richarlison on Sunday.
Bournemouth were unbeaten in seven league games with six wins in that sequence and they will wonder how that run was not extended as they dominated at times in rain-hit north London.
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Sarr gave Tottenham an early lead before he went off injured while captain Son and Richarlison scored late on after the home side had ridden their luck against a slick visiting side.
Alex Scott replied for Bournemouth in the 84th minute but it was scant consolation for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Unconvincing as it was, Tottenham’s win sent them into the New Year in the thick of the battle for a top-four finish in manager Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge.
“Every week is a battle and we had to battle today. At the same time I thought we played some decent stuff as well,” Postecoglou told Sky Sport.
“We’re trying to build something. I’m at pains to keep repeating myself but we’re trying to build a team that plays a bit differently and has some resilience and you can only gain that through tough times. Some of that is self inflicted with suspensions but we’ve had a a lot of injures. We haven’t wanted to make excuses and we’re still in there and fighting.
“We’re three points off the top so if that is the difference between having a great season and where we are I’ll take it. When you’re trying to build something you will undoubtedly come up against some challenges. I am seeing progress. Sometimes it is not tangible and not football or results, sometimes it is just the team growing. There was more growth today.”
Spurs have 39 points from 20 games, one behind fourth-placed Arsenal and only three adrift of leaders Liverpool.
While they collected three points, Tottenham have more injury concerns with Pape Sarr forced from the field in the first half.
“It has been a constant for us [injuries]. I’m disappointed for Pape [Matar Sarr], I’m not fully sure about the extent yet. It’s a hamstring, he’s gutted. We’ll have to let others step up.”