Much of this game has been tough to view, with little in the way of standout performances.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s been tonnes of involvement, but as I suspect Ange Postecoglou may acknowledge himself after the match, there is much in the way of fine-tuning to be done at Spurs.
Dejan Kulusevksi probably avoided being substituted for an indifferent display, by the need to replace Sarr with someone calmer and to replace Richarlison with a footballer.
A great goal nevertheless, which is what Postecoglou’s football is going to provide.
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Tottenham told their season depends on ‘absolute steal’ James Maddison after first Spurs goal
James Maddison is off the mark for Tottenham after breaking the deadlock against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The 26-year-old scored his first Spurs goal since joining for £40million from Leicester to give the visitors the lead in the south coast.
Maddison has starred at the start of the season – chipping in with two assists on his debut against Bournemouth.
And he now has his first goal for the north Londoners, as he tucked home a shot into the bottom left corner after latching onto Pape Matar Sarr’s through ball.
His display against the Cherries left England legend Stuart Pearce waxing lyrical over him – insisting Spurs’ success this term depends on him staying fit.
Speaking on talkSPORT commentary, he said: “If I was scouting for another team, I would say, ‘make sure you get someone on or around Maddison at all times’.
“What a great run by him, he should have been picked up by the backline, a really well-timed run and the slightest of touches to help it into the far corner.
“I think he’s essential that they keep him fit this season because I think Tottenham’s fortunes hinge on how well he does.”
Prior to the midfielder’s strike, Pearce remarked: “I think Maddison has settled into the game really nicely.
“I think at the moment, if I was Bournemouth, I’d make sure that someone is touch-tight on him every time he receives the ball.”
He added: “How much did he cost, £40m? I think he’s an absolute steal at that, for this team in what they want.
“Just seeing him manipulating the ball, getting on the ball, freeing himself up and as soon as he gets it, he’s looking to play that ball in behind that’s going to hurt the opposition.
“Whether he plays it or not is irrelevant, he looks for it straight away and that’s a great trait.”
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