Son signs off in style as Tottenham sink Bournemouth to close gap on top four

The more Tottenham undergo changes, the more they remain consistent. Despite attempting to make their match against Bournemouth straightforward, the texture of the game mirrored what Tottenham has been offering all season: a spirited yet uneven performance where the enjoyment is hardly distinguishable from the struggle. Pape Sarr scored a brilliant goal but left the pitch injured. Bournemouth dominated much of the first half, while Tottenham improved notably in the second, securing points through goals from Son Heung-min and Richarlison. However, the match ended with a scramble after Alex Scott’s two late goals, one legal and one disallowed for offside.

This seems to be the consequence of a team that plays as if always trailing by a goal, sacrificing balance for purpose. Spurs are not yet capable of dominating for the full 90 minutes, lacking the depth for comfortable rotation, control, or maturity to see games through. Despite vivid hot streaks of attacking brilliance, they often find themselves surviving on wishes and crossed fingers. Ange Postecoglou mentioned the need for resilience and character, acknowledging the massive physical effort required.

The year, which began with a lackluster 2-0 home defeat by Aston Villa and the decline of Conteball, concludes with Tottenham just three points off the top of the league and a strong chance for Champions League qualification. Achieving this, despite being hampered by injuries and suspensions, adds to their impressive feat. Postecoglou adjusted his lineup, witnessing a fine midfield display by Giovani Lo Celso but suffered setbacks with injuries to Sarr and Alejo Veliz. Additionally, Son is set to participate in the Asian Cup for a month.

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For Bournemouth, this match proved challenging at the end of a sparkling yet exhausting month. Although they displayed fluency and cohesion, they lacked sharpness in both boxes and struggled to create clear chances. Despite generating 18 shots and having long spells of possession, they hit the bar through Dominic Solanke and rallied strongly at the end. The three-week break before their next league fixture could be timely for recovery.

Bournemouth may ponder how differently the game could have unfolded without conceding an early goal. Tottenham capitalized on a mistake by Bournemouth’s goalkeeper, leading to Sarr’s calm finish. Spurs started energetically but waned as the first half progressed.

Sarr’s departure due to injury allowed Bournemouth to gain control of midfield, slightly opening up the game. Son’s goal with 20 minutes left, finishing a counterattack he initiated, and Richarlison’s goal nine minutes later sealed the win for Tottenham without much fuss.

In the chaotic aftermath of a triple Tottenham substitution, Scott claimed a deserved Bournemouth goal. However, the glancing header in the 100th minute to make it 3-2 was ruled out for offside. If Tottenham aims to achieve their goals in the second half of the season, they must find a way to manage chaos and deliver consistent 90-minute performances. Possible arrivals and the return of injured players could elevate the team’s potential. If 2023 was the year Tottenham rediscovered pleasure, then 2024 needs to be all business.