Premier League
Tottenham Hold Off Wolves Comeback To Go Fourth
Tottenham withstood a pulsating comeback from Wolves to earn all three points at Molineux.
Goals from Erik Lamela, Lucas Moura and Harry Kane appeared to see Spurs cruise to their eighth Premier League win of the season.
But two second half penalties from Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez set up a nervy finish.
Despite some close moments Tottenham held on to get back to winning ways in the Premier League and move up to fourth, above rivals Arsenal in the table.
Tottenham almost opened the scoring after 19 minutes. A neat through pass from Lucas Moura found Harry Kane. He hit a shot from just inside the box which was parried away by Rui Patricio in the Wolves goal.
On 27 minutes Spurs took the lead. Great link up play between Erik Lamela and Son, the Argentine continued his run and fired the ball through the legs of Rui Patricio and into the net.
Moments later, Spurs doubled their lead. Son played the ball out wide to Kieran Trippier, he floated the ball into the penalty area. It found Lucas Moura who powered his header into the net.
Wolves were struggling to create any clear cut chances but should have got back into the game just before half time.
Great build up play saw Helder Costa pull the ball back to Raul Jimenez inside the box. The Mexican slid the ball into the net but the linesman flagged for offside.
However, replays showed that he was a good foot onside.
Nightmare Premier League Debut For Juan Foyth
Wolves came out firing in the second half. First Raul Jimenez hit a shot straight at Hugo Lloris. Minutes later Ruben Neves hit a good strike from just outside the area which was parried away by the French keeper.
On 61 minutes Tottenham looked to have put the game to bed. Erik Lamela got to the by line and picked out Kane inside the box. His first shot was saved by Rui Patricio, but he got to the rebound and fired the ball high into the net.
Six minutes later Wolves got a goal back. Raul Jimenez was brought down by young Argentinian defender Juan Foyth inside the penalty box.
Up stepped Ruben Neves who sent Lloris the wrong way.
Now Wolves were well on top and with 15 minutes to go almost got another goal back. A brilliant through pass from substitute Morgan Gibbs-White found Helder Costa who only had the goalkeeper to beat.
But his shot went wide of goal when he really should have scored.
Wolves did pull another goal back once again from the penalty spot. Wolves winger Jonny was brought down by Foyth inside the box.
This time up stepped Raul Jimenez who sent Lloris the wrong way.
It was a tough second half for Juan Foyth, who showed his inexperience in giving away both penalties in his first Premier League start for Spurs.
Spurs held on despite some nervy moments for a crucial victory.
Erik Lamela Is On Fire
Erik Lamela has had a great start to the season. His opening goal was his fourth goal in his last five starts.
The Argentine also set up Harry Kane for Tottenham’s third goal. He has had a hand in 11 goals in his last 12 appearances and is turning into a key player for Spurs.
He hasn’t had the impact that many Spurs fans would have hoped during his four years at the club. Injuries have played a part especially the 2016-2017 season where a serious hip injury kept him out for the majority of the campaign.
However, his injuries seem to be behind him and he is arguably in his best form since joining Tottenham.
Often he gets overshadowed by the likes of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane. But recent injuries to Alli and Eriksen have seen Lamela step up to the plate.
His great form over the last two months have earned Lamela a call up to the Argentina squad for the double header of friendlies against Mexico.
Giving he is only 26-years-old Lamela could well be a key figure for Tottenham for years to come.
Great Spirit From Wolves
Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo would have been pleased with how his team played in the second half.
They showed great team spirit to get themselves back into the game. Substitute Morgan Gibbs-White was impressive when he came on and changed the dynamic of the game in the second half.
Despite the positives Nuno Espirito Santo will be concerned after a third Premier League defeat in a row.
Perhaps most worrying is they haven’t scored from open play in their last three Premier League games either.
They have great technicians in midfield with the likes of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves. Also, defensively they have been secure and have the best defensive record outside of the top four.
However, they are lacking a quality striker who can get you 15-20 goals a season. That could well be the difference from finishing inside the top 10 and not.
Next up for Wolves is a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal on Sunday.
For Tottenham they face a crucial Champions League tie against PSV at Wembley on Tuesday.
Photo credit to Third OP via Flickr
