Express & Star

Aurier and Son goals see Tottenham move back into top four

Mauricio Pochettino’s side needed a little luck to see off the Seagulls

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Tottenham climbed back into the Premier League’s top four as Serge Aurier’s fluke-goal and a header from Son Heung-min sealed a 2-0 victory over Brighton.

Spurs dominated another uninspiring contest at Wembley and needed a hefty slice of luck to take the lead as Aurier’s cross dropped into the top corner. Son added a second late on.

Tomer Hemed could have pulled Brighton level with a rare second-half chance but Tottenham were worthy winners and move back into the Champions League spots after Liverpool slipped up against West Brom. Brighton stay 13th, three points above the relegation zone.

What they said

Tweet of the match

Star man – Eric Dier

Eric Dier had a fine game filling in at centre-half
Eric Dier had a fine game filling in at centre-half (Mike Egerton/PA)

In the absence of the injured Toby Alderweireld, the England international provided a composed presence in the centre of a defence that rarely looked likely to concede and which played behind an unbalanced midfield.

Data point

This represented Erik Lamela’s first competitive start since 22 October 2016, when Spurs drew 0-0 at Bournemouth. The Argentinian had since made four substitute appearances.

Moment of the match

When a largely uninspiring affair is essentially settled by such a fine finish that was so obviously unintended, there cannot even be a debate – Aurier’s 40th-minute goal.

There is little question he had attempted a cross, but the last time a player unintentionally found the top corner with such grace may have been when Ronaldinho did similarly for Brazil against England at the 2002 World Cup.

Aurier’s footwork before striking the ball was equally eye-catching.

Player ratings

Who’s up next?

Tottenham drew 2-2 with Manchester City the last time they visited the Etihad Stadium
Tottenham drew 2-2 with Manchester City the last time they visited the Etihad Stadium (Dave Howarth/EMPICS Sport)

Manchester City v Tottenham, Premier League, December 16

Brighton v Burnley, Premier League, December 16

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