The expectation coming into this game was that Spurs would keep their strong run of form going, by tearing through Burnley with their slim Premier League title hopes still alive and well. Alas, things don’t always go the way you expect in the top flight of English football, which we’ve come to expect – and Burnley made sure to throw another spanner in the works at Turf Moor.
Backs against the wall
From the very first whistle, it just felt like Tottenham were a little bit off their game. They were second best to every single ball, and they were just getting bullied by a side that they should probably have been beating pretty handsomely. Of course, we all know what the Clarets have been capable of in the last few years, but that’s not really the point. Given their stature and where they are in the table, Spurs need to be doing better than just controlling the possession of the game.
Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes seemed to be in control on the day, and after a goalless first half, it was Wood who nodded home to give Burnley the lead. Harry Kane, who was making his return from injury, was able to grab an equaliser – which just kind of reminded everyone why he’s such a vital figure within this team.
Not good enough
Barnes tapped home the second of the game for the home side to give them the lead once again, and they were able to hold on to register a huge three points in the relegation battle. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino’s frustrations came to the boiling point after the game, which could cause him a few problems with the Premier League moving forward.
Burnley will now be turning their attention towards a midweek visit to Tyneside, as they prepare to take on Newcastle in what should be a pretty interesting encounter. Spurs, on the other hand, will have to make some necessary changes and quickly because they’ve got two absolutely massive games coming up against rivals Chelsea and Arsenal. If they drop points in those, then their position in the top four will seem a little bit more precarious.
Match Report
Burnley: Heaton (7.5), Taylor (7), Mee (7), Tarkowski (8), Bardsley (7), McNeil (7), Cork (6.5), Westwood (7), Hendrick (6.5), Wood (7.5), Barnes (7), Brady (6), Gudmundsson (6.5)
Tottenham: Lloris (6), Foyth (6.5), Alderweireld (6.5), Vertonghen (6.5), Aurier (7.5), Sissoko (6.5), Winks (6.5), Rose (7), Eriksen (6.5), Kane (7.5), Son (7), Llorente (6), Moura (6), Lamela (6)
Referee: Mike Dean
Goals: Wood, Barnes :: Kane
Yellow Cards: Bardsley, Foyth, Lamela, Llorente
Red Cards: N/A
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