Premier League 2019/20: Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Bournemouth, 5 Talking Points

#2 Should Bournemouth have stopped Spurs’ first two goals?

Both of Alli's goals were set up by long balls over the top of Bournemouth's defence

Both of Dele Alli’s goals were wonderfully finished by a player who is definitely hitting a rich vein of form right now, but Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe should still be furious that his team allowed them to happen. Both of the goals were primarily set up in the same way – a long ball over the top from inside the Spurs half from Toby Alderweireld.

Sure, Alderweireld’s long passes didn’t bounce and were phenomenally weighted and delivered, but should a defence really be allowing sides to create goals like that? The second goal in particular was worrying for the Cherries, as Alli was surrounded by defenders and still managed to wriggle his way through to score.

Outside of those moments, Bournemouth defended well, with Nathan Ake looking strong and rookie Jack Stacey impressing against Harry Kane, Heung Min-son, et al, but Howe will probably have his defence drilling against long balls come Monday’s training session.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

Know More

Edited by Arvind Sriram