If there were question marks over Tottenham and manager Ange Postecoglou before their trip to Southampton, it took just 45 minutes to answer them emphatically. By half-time, the visitors led 5-0, after James Maddison scored in under 60 seconds.
Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Sarr added further goals before Maddison completed the first-half rout, firing in from a tight angle to essentially end the contest.
The second half was more of a procession as Spurs went through the motions, but overall it was an easy night for the Aussie boss and his side, aided by their hosts turning in a wretched display.
Express Sport brings you the Tottenham player ratings below….
Tottenham player ratings
Fraser Forster 7
A return to his former club, and has he ever had an easier first half? A virtual spectator, but did stand up to be counted when Adam Armstrong went through in the second period before he was flagged offside.
Djed Spence 9
Created the opening goal, and enjoyed a training session for much of the action that followed. Roamed forward at will.
Archie Gray 6
Centre-back is clearly still not his natural position, and was exposed as the Saints pushed for a consolation second half. By then though, the away fans barely noticed.
Radu Draguisin 7
Having struggled in Europe, Southampton were touted to test the Romanian tonight. They didn’t.
Destiny Udogie 7
The left-back started off on fire, able to concentrate more on linking with attack than being on his defensive guard. But an early injury curtailed his evening.
Pape Matar Sarr 9
A crisp finish made it 4-0 as the Senegalese star ran the early going. Faded late on, having previously cut through the home midfield like a knife through butter.
Lucas Bergvall 8
The 18-year-old has all the makings of a Premier League star. Assured in possession, accurate with his distribution.
Dejan Kulusevski 9
Is there a more underrated player in the Premier League? Scored the third goal and the one Spurs player who continues to shine irrespective of results.
James Maddison 10
Were you watching Thomas Tuchel? Struck twice before the break and was a pleasure to watch on the ball. Given the PDC Darts Championship starts tonight, his trademark celebration was fitting too.
Son Heung-min 9
A first half goal and set-up another one, putting him level with Spurs legend Darren Anderton for the most assists for the club. Hauled off half time, but it just seemed a way of managing his workload.
Dominic Solanke 6 Threatened in the first-half but will be disappointed not to get on the scoresheet as his side ran riot.
Subs:
Pedro Poro (for Udogie, 28) 5 One of the few to have a bad night. Came on and made two instant errors.
Brennan Johnson (for Son, HT) 5 Would have thrived in first half, but game petered out after he came on at the break before he skewed a sitter late on.
Timo Werner (for Maddison, 77) 6 Three days after being thrown under a bus by his manager, came on with 13 minutes left but offered little impact.
Alfie Dorrington (for Spence, 77) 6 A Premier League debut for the 19-year-old defender, who would have been relieved to see a late Southampton consolation ruled out for offside.
Will Lankshear (for Solanke, 83) 6 Thrown on in the dying minutes when the game was done.
