Tottenham’s topsy-turvy form continued on the south coast as Bournemouth secured just their third-ever league victory over the north Londoners.
Having dropped points at home to Fulham over the weekend, Ange Postecoglou’s side were hoping to return to winning ways against high-flying Bournemouth, but the Australian took a risk and rotated his team ahead of the hectic festive period.
It proved costly, with the in-form hosts outshining their visitors on a soggy evening in Dorset, as Dean Huijsen’s first-half header proved the difference between the two sides.
Remarkably, it remained 1-0 throughout the evening, even though Bournemouth had plenty of opportunities to add to their slender lead.
It didn’t matter in the end, as Andoni Iraola’s side held on for the three points, while leapfrogging Tottenham in the process.
Fraser Forster – 7/10
Who knows how bad things might’ve been if it wasn’t for Tottenham’s stand-in goalkeeper? Twice the Englishman was called upon with the score at 1-0 to deny the home side snatching a second. Misplaced passes while trying to play out from the back in the second half, but overall Spurs were indebted to their back-up shot-stopper.
Archie Gray – 7/10
Brought into the side as part of Postecoglou’s rotation plans, but unlike some of his counterparts, Archie Gray held his own for Spurs. A bright spark going forward, the teenager continues to impress in the Tottenham first-team.
Ben Davies – 5/10
Looked a little lost in the heart of the defence and struggled to keep pace with the Bournemouth attackers at times. Went down with an injury issue on the hour mark and was subsequently subbed off by Postecoglou.
Radu Dragusin – 5/10
Was tasked with marking Huijsen before the teen rose highest inside the Spurs penalty area to head home the opener from close range. Didn’t look comfortable from that point on.
Destiny Udogie – 6/10
While he wasn’t the main culprit for Bournemouth’s first goal, the fullback ought to have been more alert to the danger. Hestinacy on the ball in the second half almost led to a second for the home side, but Marcus Tavernier’s strike flashed just wide of the far post.
Yves Bissouma – 6/10
No real issues to report, but could’ve done a better job at sweeping up the Bournemouth counter attacks that often led to promising attacking chances.
Pape Matar Sarr – 5/10
Ineffective but another who wasn’t to blame for Spurs’ issues. Was no surprise when Postecoglou dragged the midfielder off to bring on talisman Son Heung-min early in the second half.
James Maddison – 4/10
Failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck while Spurs were trailing and spurned his best chance of the match high and wide over the crossbar. With the rotation, he had the chance to be the main man for Spurs but was hooked at 1-0 down 10 minutes from time.
Dejan Kulusevski – 6/10
The livliest of the attackers who started for Tottenham, but even the usually devastating Swede struggled to make an impact.
Dominic Solanke – 4/10
Started brightly and was making plenty of runs in behind the Bournemouth backline, but on a rare off day in front of goal, the striker’s finishing was wayward. Twice in quick succession the ex-Cherries star ought to have done better with chances against his former side. Pocketed by Man of the Match Huijsen in the second half.
Brennan Johnson – 5/10
Had next to no joy all evening against the impressive Milos Kerkez. The Bournemouth left-back stuck close to Brennan Johnson and limited the space he was able to work in.
Son Heung-min (sub) – 6/10
Thought he’d scored with his first touch on the pitch, but the South Korean had strayed too far offside. Otherwise had a quiet cameo and didn’t look like imposing his mark on the contest.
Pedro Porro (sub) – 5/10
Sent a stinging half-volley goalbound shortly after coming off the pitch. Struggled to adapt to the pace of the game after that, and his mix-up with goalkeeper Fraser Forster probably should’ve led to a Bournemouth second.
Timo Werner (sub) – N/A
Lucas Bergvall (sub) – N/A