Tottenham’s emphatic 5-0 demolition of Southampton was an evening to savour for Spurs fans, yet it was the individual brilliance of three players—Djed Spence, Pape Matar Sarr, and Archie Gray—that caught Troy Deeney’s eye, earning them places in his Premier League Team of the Week.
In a season that has seen its fair share of ups and downs, Tottenham Hotspur delivered a first-half masterclass that left Southampton reeling and Spurs fans dreaming.
The 5-0 rout at St. Mary’s Stadium was a reminder of the attacking potency Ange Postecoglou’s men can unleash when everything clicks. The match began at a blistering pace, with Tottenham breaking the deadlock just 37 seconds in.
Djed Spence, finally earning a Premier League start after a long wait, made an instant impact, setting up James Maddison for a composed finish that stunned the home crowd.
What followed was an avalanche of attacking football, with goals from Maddison, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and Pape Matar Sarr ensuring the result was beyond doubt by the half-time whistle.
Southampton simply had no answers as Tottenham’s relentless pressing and clinical finishing overwhelmed them, leaving even their most loyal fans heading for the exits before the interval.
Among the standout performers in this dominant display were three players who earned special recognition from Troy Deeney in his Premier League Team of the Week.
Writing in his column on BBC Sport, Deeney singled out Djed Spence, Pape Matar Sarr, and Archie Gray for their exceptional contributions, highlighting their growth and importance to the team.
On Djed Spence, Deeney remarked: “I do not understand why he has not been playing, that is a question for Ange Postecoglou.
“It looked like it was not going to work out for him last year, but he has come back in during the summer, worked hard, and been patient. Again, he was excellent and solid and looked like he had been playing all season.”
Pape Matar Sarr also drew plaudits, with Deeney stating: “He has been good for a couple of weeks, and this was the kind of game where he gets a goal and shows his level of class and composure. This time I am going to stick him in—even if it was only against Southampton.”
Finally, Deeney praised Archie Gray for his maturity and versatility, saying: “The way he has acquitted and handled himself, I think he has done really well. He was put in at centre-back against Southampton and impressed. He also came through the game at Rangers in midweek with his head held high.”
These glowing assessments reflect the hard work and determination these players have shown, both on and off the pitch, and suggest a bright future for Tottenham under Postecoglou’s guidance.
Troy Deeney’s assessment of Djed Spence and Archie Gray raises intriguing questions about how Ange Postecoglou will continue to shape his Tottenham squad.
For Spence, who endured a challenging first season after joining from Middlesbrough, this recognition could be a turning point.
His performance against Southampton demonstrated the qualities Spurs hoped for when they signed him: pace, composure, and the ability to create chances from wide positions. If Spence can build on this momentum, he may finally cement his place in the starting XI.
As for Archie Gray, the 18-year-old has shown maturity beyond his years, adapting to roles across the defence and midfield with remarkable composure.
While it may seem unusual to deploy such a young player in a high-pressure environment, Postecoglou’s faith in Gray is paying dividends. His ability to read the game, coupled with his versatility, makes him a valuable asset for the long term.
Tottenham’s dominant display and Deeney’s recognition of these players are clear indicators of the progress being made under Postecoglou.
With Spence and Gray emerging as potential key figures, alongside established stars like Maddison and Son, Spurs fans have every reason to feel optimistic about the road ahead.
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