Spurs send out message as Saints are made to suffer
TOTTENHAM put out a clear statement of intent with a resounding come-from-behind 4-1 success over Southampton.
Antonio Conte spent north of £110million on transfers over the summer in a bid to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool, and also to compete in the cups.
No new arrival was in the starting XI and Spurs’ season got off to a terrible start when James Ward-Prowse put Southampton ahead after just 12 minutes.
However, the lead didn’t last long as Ryan Sessegnon netted nine minutes later.
Eric Dier found the net on the 30 minuts before Mohammed Salisu’s comical own goal on the hour put Spurs 3-1 ahead.
Conte’s side weren’t finished there though, Dejan Kulusevski hitting the target on 63 minutes.
Kulusevski admitted: ‘We are very pleased — it wasn’t an easy game. Going behind at home isn’t nice and after we scored, we could have scored a lot more.
‘I love how this team is playing because we create a lot of chances and the fans are enjoying it and I like playing.’
Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard tasted defeat on the opening day of the season as his Aston Villa side went down
2-0 at newly-promoted Bournemouth.
Jefferson Lerma put the Cherries ahead after just three minutes and Kieffer Moore secured the win with 10 minutes remaining.
Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League got off on the wrong foot as they lost 2-0 at Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.
After a first half with limited chances, Magpies defender Fabien Schar opened the scoring, thundering an effort past on-loan keeper Dean Henderson from distance on 58 minutes.
Callum Wilson was left unmarked in the penalty area with 12 minutes remaining, turning Joelinton’s cross home for the win.
In the other match, Leeds came from behind to beat Wolves 2-1.
Daniel Podence put Wolves ahead after six minutes before Rodrigo drew Jesse Marsch’s side level midway through the first half.
As the game looked to be heading for a draw, an own goal from Rayan Ail-Nouri gave Leeds all three points at Elland Road.