Tottenham bounce back from early setback to sink Southampton

If it is going to be the season that Tottenham finally live up to the lofty expectations of their long-suffering supporters then this was some way to start. A superb comeback instigated by the dazzling feet of Dejan Kulusevski ensured that Antonio Conte’s side recovered from the shock of falling behind to an early strike from James Ward-Prowse to record a convincing opening day.

Goals from defenders Ryan Sessegnon and Eric Dier steadied Spurs by the break before a comical own goal from Mohammed Salisu and the outstanding Kulusevski rounded off a perfect afternoon for the hosts.

There has been plenty of anticipation in this part of north London in recent weeks after a summer of early acquisitions, although Antonio Conte opted to leave five of his signings – Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma, Clement Lenglet, Fraser Forster and Djed Spence – on the bench. They and the suspended Richarlison were paraded on the pitch before kick-off to much adulation from the home supporters, who are still riding the wave of euphoria that rounded off last season and qualification for the Champions League.

A solitary point from their last six matches in the previous campaign meant there has not been quite so much positivity among Southampton fans, although Ralph Hassenhüttl included three new faces – goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and midfielders Romeo Lavia and Joe Aribo in his starting lineup.

While a bronzed Conte looked relaxed down on the touchline in his polo shirt, his Austrian counterpart opted for the waistcoat, tie and trainers with no socks look. A nervous moment in the opening exchanges when Bazunu – a 20-year-old signed Republic of Ireland international who spent last season on a loan at Portsmouth from Manchester City – was almost caught out