Tottenham player ratings vs Southampton - Johnson at the double, Romero and others impress in win

Tottenham returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a much-needed 3-1 victory over Southampton. On the losing side on Thursday evening away at Chelsea, made three changes to his team to face Saints with the upcoming Europa League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt in mind.

Micky van de Ven was one of those to drop out of the team as Ben Davies came in, with Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson replacing Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert. .

They went very close to doubling their advantage on 27 minutes but header struck Aaron Ramsdale flush in the face when on course to convert Porro's cross to the back post. did have the ball in the net towards the end of the first half but he was denied a first Premier League goal following a lengthy VAR check that lasted just under five minutes.

Tottenham didn't have to wait too much longer to gain a two-goal cushion as smartly finished off James Maddison's header on 42 minutes. Mateus Fernandes gave Saints late hope with a powerful drive that Guglielmo Vicario couldn't keep out but Mathys Tel was to restore the two-goal advantage from the penalty spot.

Here is how we rated the Tottenham players in the game against Southampton:

Guglielmo Vicario

Very little to do in the first half and it was much of the same after the break until Kamaldeen Sulemana tested him at his near post and Yukinari Sugawara let one fly late on. Quiet afternoon for the Italian on the whole given he was relatively untroubled for the vast majority of the contest. 7

Pedro Porro

Returned to the team after taking his place on the bench at Chelsea and got a vital touch on the ball to deflect Sulemana's effort against the post. Put in two excellent deliveries that Romero almost converted with his head. Strong display from the Spaniard. 7

Cristian Romero

Was unlucky not to score inside the opening ten minutes with a powerful header from Porro's corner that Ramsdale saved and went close midway through the first half as the goalkeeper took his header flush in the face after Porro picked him out again. Got Spurs moving for their first goal and played a part with his head in the goal that Bergvall saw chalked off. Went on a big upfield run early in the second half but unfortunately lost the ball outside the Saints box. Impressive outing. 8

Ben Davies

Came into the starting XI to partner Romero and had very little to do with Saints just not threatening the hosts. Solid when required. 6

Djed Spence

Switched across to left-back and got an assist to his name for Johnson's opener with a fine pull back for his teammate. Had plenty of opportunities to attack and forced Ramsdale into a save just before the break. Unaware of Fernandes' presence for Saints' goal at the end. 6

Rodrigo Bentancur

Used the ball well in the middle of the park and put in some good tackles to ensure Southampton didn't get much joy. Replaced just before the hour mark. 6

Lucas Bergvall

Involved in the action throughout and was denied a goal following a VAR check that deemed Romero to be offside prior to the Swede touching the ball home. 7

James Maddison

Played his part in Tottenham's opening goal after spreading the ball wide to Son Heung-min and then got an assist for Johnson's second following a smart header. Showcased his talent early in the second half with some great footwork and a switch of play to Son. Decent performance from the midfielder. 7

Brennan Johnson

Was given the nod over Wilson Odobert on the right flank and had a shot blocked by Ryan Manning early on. Converted his next attempt high into the top corner after expertly teaming up with Spence and then added a second close to half-time with a lovely finish following some smart movement. Denied the chance of scoring a hat-trick as Tel took Tottenham's penalty that he won in stoppage time. 9

Dominic Solanke

Worked hard up front and was denied a goal after a strong save low down by Ramsdale. 7

Son Heung-min

Had a role to play in Johnson's first goal after linking up with Spence and saw an effort blocked early in the second half after some wonderful play from Maddison. Replaced just before the hour mark with Thursday's game against Eintracht Frankfurt clearly in mind. 6

Substitutes

Pape Matar Sarr (Rodrigo Bentancur, 57)

Introduced just before the hour mark. 5

Wilson Odobert (Son Heung-min, 57)

Took his place on the left flank and went on a couple of runs. 5

Yves Bissouma (Lucas Bergvall, 79)

On for the final ten minutes and teed Solanke up for a chance. 5

Archie Gray (James Maddison, 79)

Took his place in midfield for the closing stages. 5

Mathys Tel (Dominic Solanke, 87)

Given a matter of minutes up front at the end and netted from the penalty spot. 5

Sinking Saints and preparing for Frankfurt - to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham

Want breaking and top Tottenham stories sent straight to you? Join our Spurs WhatsApp community by If you're curious you can check out our privacy policy