Goals from Serge Aurier and Son Heung-min helped Tottenham Hotspur to victory over a stubborn Brighton at Wembley. The win also saw Spurs move back into the Premier League top-4.
The hosts dominated the proceedings from the onset but were frustrated by the visitors. Chris Hughton’s side proved stubborn and meticulous, to leave Spurs fans fearing more dropped points after being held by the likes of West Brom and Watford, and beaten by Leicester.
Just when things were looking shaky for Mauricio Pochettino, defender Serge Aurier gave Spurs the lead, 5 minutes before halftime. The right-back, sustaining pressure from winger Jose Izquierdo, attempted a cross from the right wing. He clearly miscued it but the ball looped over Mathew Ryan and into the far top corner of the net to give the Ivorian his first goal for the club.
It was cruel for Brighton to concede in such a manner, who had put in a well-organised all-rearguard action in search of a first win in six matches and a first away goal against a side above them in the table.
The Seagulls kept Spurs in check and looked for an opportunity to equalise. Spurs struggled for much of the second-half to build on their advantage, however, came close twice.
Erik Lamela, making his first start in over a year following serious hip injury, struck the post with a shot, and so did Harry Kane from a free-kick. Brighton’s Tomer Hemed missed a sitter from eight yards out with 20 minutes left, as the hosts lived on the edge.
It was not until the 87th minute that we wrapped up the points, with Son heading home from a Christian Eriksen free-kick.
Spurs fans took to Twitter to express their glee after a vital win. Here we have collected the best of tweets after Poch’s men made it three wins out of three.
HEUNG MIN IS GOD
— Jay (@WhatAHitSonny) December 13, 2017
Another good home win & now the tougher test of @ManCity , who are only 18 pts ahead! #THFC #COYS #PL
— Rocky Gill (@CllrRockyGill) December 13, 2017
Son was a diamond in the Korean rough
— smitty werbenjagermanjensen (@DrHeadass) December 13, 2017
Really good to see lamela back! He will get better and better. Serge had a good game. Wasn’t pretty at times but we got the job done. COYS!!!
— Nick (@SinisterSmilez) December 13, 2017
Another struggle against a team that have no interest in leaving their own half. We’re crying out for a Modric type who can unpick a defence. Chequebook required Mr Levy.
AND PLEASE STOP PICKING SISSOKO!!
— Dan of York (@danlucas99) December 13, 2017
3 points, Liverpool and Gooners drew too. Lovely! #COYS
— Stuart Longley (@stuartmlongley) December 13, 2017
WE CAN BEAT CITY #COYS
— BeaksterHD (@BeaksterHD) December 13, 2017
On to the next one. Let’s smash city #COYS
— herlambang (@erdiwira11) December 13, 2017
Great result, especially with Liverpool and Arsenal dropping points. Table looking really congested going in to the busy Christmas period #COYS ⚽️
— Ray Gritt (@ray_gritt) December 13, 2017
Honestly there were no standouts at all. Very slow and lethargic
— John Alexander (@49Hotspur) December 13, 2017
Nice, now get wanyama back ASAP
— #COYS (@ossysh) December 13, 2017
