Am impressive start to the season saw Tottenham Hotspur come back from behind to secure an impressive and commanding 4-1 win over Southampton in their first game of the 22/23 season.
Having gone down through a James Ward Prowse strike, Conte’s men bounced back in style as they scored four times through Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Kulusevski and an own goal from Salisu to pick up all three points on the opening day.
In here, we take a look at the 5 key talking points from the game.
No need to rush…
Several Tottenham fans expected to get a glimpse of their new signings on opening day after Conte strengthened earlier in the summer.
The likes of Perisic, Bissouma, Spence, Foster and Richarlison have been brought in by Conte after securing a Champions League spot last season but the Italian gaffer opted not to rush them for the first game.
With the the exception of Richarlison who was serving his ban, the rest of the new signings were given places on the bench.
Sessegnon delivers
Sessegnon made sure that Conte’s decision not to start experienced wing back Ivan Perisic was vindicated after delivering a superb performance on Saturday afternoon.
He was instrumental and lively on the left hand side of Spurs’ midfield and was smart enough to connect home Kulusevski’s brilliant cross to equalize for Conte’s men.
Sessegnon could have even secured a second in the second half but his attempt on goal was deemed offside and ruled out.
He certainly will be a fierce competitor for Perisic.
Kulusevski not slowing down
The least said about Kulusevski, the better. Having impressed in his debut season a couple of months of ago, the Swedish international was in superb form as Tottenham run riot.
He did not only provide a delicious cross for the equalizer but curled in a beautiful goal to make it 4-1 for his side.
9 – Dejan Kulusevski has assisted nine goals in the Premier League since making his debut in February earlier this year, the most of any player, while across Europe’s big five leagues his figure is bettered only by Ousmane Dembélé (11). Laser. pic.twitter.com/l2sDN7Tbct
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 6, 2022
He is surely a gem!
Slow start
While Tottenham secured a hugely convincing win this afternoon, they did not have the best of the starts.
The away side came out flying from the blast of the whistle and created the best chances in the early part of the second game.
It thus was no surprise that they took the lead at the expense of Tottenham. If Conte’s men are to challenge for the title this season, then they need to start games as they mean to go on.
Depth and goals around
Might sound surprising but Spurs actually scored 4 goals without Kane and Son registering their names on the scoresheet.
And while Conte would have wished that his two star men would have been on the scoresheet, he certainly will welcome other players chipping in with goals occasionally.
In fact, it could become a key weapon which could make Spurs even more versatile and unpredictable.
