As a battle of the Premier League’s most idealistic managers, it registered as no-contest. Such was the dominance of Ange Postecoglou’s version of the glory game over Southampton’s it led to Russell Martin’s misguided evangelism being discontinued. Saints’ main contribution to any free-flowing football was letting Spurs play as they liked.
Two seasons ago, on Tottenham’s previous Premier League visit to St Mary’s, a rancorous 3-3 draw had preceded Antonio Conte’s post-match rant for the ages, leaving Daniel Levy and the club’s exec class’s ears burning, the Italian’s last act at Spurs. This time, Martin became the casualty, Saints fans making their feelings clear.
