Tottenham Hotspur v Bournemouth: Spurs come from two goals down to secure draw

There was a sense of positivity that has been scarce at Tottenham prior to kick-off with several key figures back in the squad after long-term injury.

Striker Dominic Solanke and defender Cristian Romero were both named in the starting line-up for the first time in a Premier League game since early January, while defender Micky van de Ven, who has also been sidelined for the past two months, was among the substitutes.

But it felt like the same old story on the field as Spurs were careless in possession and almost gifted Bournemouth the opener after 14 seconds when Romero passed the ball straight to Evanilson but goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario had to come to his team-mates rescue.

Both sides are known for playing boldly and committing bodies high up the field but it was Spurs coming off second best in the exchanges.

After falling a goal behind and registering just one shot on target in the first half, Ange Postecoglou made two substitutions at the break with Son and Lucas Bergvall coming on.

Son immediately breathed fresh life into their attack and was unlucky not to level when his curling shot kissed the outside of the post.

Tottenham looked down and out after Evanilson registered Bournemouth’s second but a shade of luck with Sarr’s cross nestling in the far corner two minutes later shifted the momentum.

The equaliser never looked in doubt when Son stood over the penalty spot and the South Korean’s chipped effort down the middle was extremely well executed.

There is still a long way to go for Tottenham, who are chasing a 1-0 deficit against AZ Alkmaar in last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday, to get back to the highs of previous seasons. However they will feel at least somewhat buoyed by the manner of the fightback to earn a result and also the sight of the returning faces.