Anyone expecting Rupert Lowe to challenge the Tottenham chairman to a half-time fight, or Southampton fans to burn effigies of Glenn Hoddle, was in for a shock. Talk of war turned out to be phoney, though the home supporters revelled in their visitors' third straight loss. "Rupert, what's the score?" they chimed.
That Hoddle could celebrate a first win of the season against the team he left last March was down to fine finishing by Christian Ziege and Simon Davies in the last 14 minutes. The Spurs manager will make himself more unpopular on the south coast this week by trying to complete a deal for Dean Richards.
Despite Southampton's defeat, Richards was outstanding at the centre of defence and Stuart Gray knows he will not be able to keep the 27-year-old if Spurs make a suitable offer, probably of about £7.5 million. "We have a figure in mind and that's the end of the story," the manager said.
Hoddle, who described Richards' display as "terrific", was suitably evasive when asked whether he will improve his £4million interest. "That's something for me to discuss with the board," he said. "We have lost one dominant centre-half \in Sol Campbell. We are scouring Europe and Britain for a replacement." Tottenham's approach for Richards, combined with the luring of Hoddle, has sparked animosity in Southampton towards a club Lowe described as "north London yobbos". But ill-feeling hardly scarred this contest.
Naturally, Southampton fans vented anger at Hoddle, booing when he appeared by the touchline in the second half and screaming "Judas" at him. But there were no excesses on the pitch and Hoddle shook the hands of his former players afterwards.
The former England coach was right to say that Spurs deserved this victory but it was hardly a foregone conclusion until Ziege scored. Southampton worked hard but desperately need a striker. They have not scored this season and although they caused Spurs problems down the flanks in the first half, their shooting lacked conviction.
Richards, who was well supported by Tahar El Khalej at the back, would be sorely missed, though it is easy to see why Hoddle wants the former Bradford defender, who shirked nothing against Les Ferdinand.
Richards brought a fine save out of Neil Sullivan with a header before half-time, though Tottenham had come closer by then, Ferdinand hitting the bar with one of three chances which came his way.
Not until the 75th minute did Spurs manage a shot on target and shortly afterwards the energetic Davies sent Ziege clear of Rory Delap to beat Paul Jones. Davies sealed the victory with three minutes left, taking Sheringham's pass and beating Jones impressively.
TOTTENHAM: Sullivan, Doherty, Bunjevcevic, King, Taricco, Anderton (Leonhardsen 80), Freund, Davies, Ziege, Ferdinand, Sheringham. Subs Not Used: Keller, Perry, Rebrov, Etherington. Goals: Z iege 76, Davies 87.
SOUTHAMPTON: Jones, Delap, El Khalej, Richards, Bridge, Svensson (Draper 73), Tessem (Murray 82), Oakley, Pahars (Beattie 73), Rosler, Davies. Subs Not Used: Moss, Benali.
Referee: A Wiley (Burntwood).
