Tottenham finished 2023 on a high with victory over an energetic Bournemouth in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Pape Sarr opened the scoring when Rodrigo Bentancur latched on to Neto’s casual pass out from the back and it broke for Sarr, who drilled it into the far corner.
Smarting from a 4-2 loss to Brighton in midweek, an injury-hit Spurs watched as Bournemouth enjoyed plenty of chances and looked likely to level.
But the visitors lacked a clinical edge in the final third and Son Heung-min doubled his side’s lead with a superb left-footed strike which went in off a post before Richarlison swept home to wrap up the points for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Alex Scott steered home a consolation goal but the Cherries will likely wonder how they allowed the scoreline to get away from them and leave London empty-handed.
It marked a first defeat in eight games for Andoni Iraola’s side as Dominic Solanke’s three-match scoring streak came to an end.
Spurs remain fifth in the table – three points off top spot and one behind Arsenal in fourth.
After a strong start to the season under Postecoglou, Tottenham had lost five of their past nine games and continue to battle with injuries.
The surprise return of Bentancur to the starting XI was a welcome sight for Spurs fans after he recovered from an ankle injury earlier than anticipated.
The home side got off to the perfect start with Sarr’s slotted finish but had to hang in there as Bournemouth were on top for large periods.
Spurs created little in the second half but Son’s goal knocked the wind out of the visitors and Richarlison wrapped up the points.
But there was more injury misery for Postecoglou as Sarr went down in the first half and left the field visibly upset before Alejo Veliz hobbled off in tears late on, forcing Spurs to see out the final few minutes with 10 men, having made all their substitutions.
While they showed quality to withstand Bournemouth’s pressure, Spurs’ injury situation is a concern, but Postecoglou stood by his previous statement that fans should not expect “magic” in the January transfer window.
Spurs also paid tribute to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris at half-time after he joined Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC on a free transfer, having made 447 appearances in 11 years for Tottenham.
