Mauricio Pochettino enjoyed a satisfying return to the South Coast on Saturday as Tottenham Hotspur came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw at Southampton in the Premier League.
Graziano Pelle gave the hosts a 29th-minute lead before Erik Lamela got Spurs level shortly before half time.
Pelle struck again midway through the second half to put the Saints in control once more, but Nacer Chadli found the net five minutes later to earn a share of the spoils for the visitors.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two sides at St Mary's Stadium.
Match statistics
SOUTHAMPTON
Shots: 13
On target: 4
Possession: 36%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 9
TOTTENHAM
Shots: 7
On target: 2
Possession: 64%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 10
Was the result fair?
While a draw does not do either side much good in the race for a top-four finish, it would have been unfair if one had come away from the match with nothing to show for their efforts. However, Spurs will be the happier of the two teams after battling back twice to leave with a point.
Southampton's performance
The hosts started the game brightly and continued this for much of the first half, pinning Tottenham back with some lively attacking play. Their passing and movement was crisp, while there was plenty of authority in defence and midfield. They managed to perform in a similar fashion after the restart, but it was more difficult for them to dictate the game as Spurs put in an improved display. That said, Ronald Koeman will be pleased to see his team get back to winning ways after their defeat to Stoke City. The good news for the Saints is that they are still performing with plenty of energy and dynamism, even as the season comes to a close.
Tottenham's performance
Spurs struggled at the start of the game as Southampton controlled possession and came at them with plenty of attacking intent. The goal that they conceded was typical Tottenham in many ways as some indecision at the back cost them dearly. However, they improved towards the end of the first half and were rewarded with their first equaliser. Mauricio Pochettino's side were much better after the interval, with the likes of Nacer Chadli and Christian Eriksen giving Harry Kane more to work with up front. They looked less shackled and gave as good as they got higher up the pitch, showing great character to fight back for a second time. A point keeps them above Southampton in the standings, so they can be happy with this result.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Graziano Pelle: The Southampton striker was the most dangerous player on the pitch from an attacking point of view, and he took both of his goals really well. The first was an opportunistic strike, though he still had to be alert as Spurs failed to clear their lines. Meanwhile, his second was a powerful header that gave Hugo Lloris no chance.
Biggest gaffe
Ben Davies made a dreadful error in the build-up to Southampton's first goal as his failure to clear the ball allowed Graziano Pelle to sneak in and poke it past Hugo Lloris. The full-back simply had to boot it out for a throw, but he instead gave Pelle a split-second to take advantage, which the Italian did. That kind of sloppiness is usually punished in the Premier League.
Referee performance
Jon Moss did a good job in allowing the game to flow, particularly with Sadio Mane diving about every five minutes. With two teams who are know for their attacking football coming up against each other, there was a chance that it could have been an anti-climax. However, Moss's fair officiating allowed the contest to be played properly.
What next?
Southampton: The Saints continue their Premier League campaign on May 2 when they make the trip to struggling Sunderland.
Tottenham: Spurs are back in Premier League action on May 3 when champions Manchester City travel to White Hart Lane.
Jack Prescott
