Sunderland AFC’s survival battle was dealt a huge blow on Saturday lunchtime when they were humbled 4-1 by Tottenham Hotspur.

Harry Kane and Dele Alli had great opportunities, though it was Sam Allardyce’s side that took the lead through Patrick Van Aanholt. An instant reply from Christian Eriksen saw them go into break level, however.

The visitors capitulated in the second period as strikes from Mousa Dembele, Eriksen and a Kane penalty secured the victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Scintillating Spurs

It was the home side that started the brightest as they forced Premier League debutant Jordan Pickford into a great save five minutes in. Kane looked destined to give the hosts the lead with his effort from the edge of the area only for Pickford to brilliantly tip it around the post.

They had an even better chance four minutes later when a deflected corner fell to Alli. It looked like an easy finish from eight yards out but the youngster blazed it over.

Back-to-back

Despite being under the quash it was the Black Cats who took the lead five minutes from the break as Adam Johnson’s perfect through-ball came to the inform Van Aanholt who fired home his third goal for the campaign at Hugo Lloris’ near post.

Their lead only lasted 90 seconds, however, as the home side equalised almost immediately. Pickford continued to impress as he rushed off his line to block Kane’s effort but the deflection fell straight to Eriksen, and the Danish international did well to get the ball beyond Lee Cattermole and into the net.

Sunderland watch on as Spurs celebrate another goal. (Image credit: Getty Images - Daily Mail)
Sunderland watch on as Spurs celebrate another goal. (Image credit: Getty Images - Daily Mail)

Taking over

Sunderland couldn’t find their recent inspired form in the second period as Spurs took over and the lead just before the hour mark.

Pickford made another important save by turning Kane’s effort behind for a corner. He managed to get Danny Rose's resulting drive away with another good stop but it came out to Dembele and the 19-year-old couldn’t prevent the low shot beating him at his near post.

Eriksen added his second and Tottenham’s third in the 67th minute when he strode down the pitch with the defence backtracking, before he released a well-struck effort with the deflection off new signing Jan Kirchoff giving Pickford no chance.

They almost had a fourth when Kane tried a thumping shot from the side of penalty area but Pickford got his body behind it to beat the ball away.

Victory sealed

The three points were sealed ten minutes from end when Kirchoff tripped Danny Rose in the area, which gave Mike Dean no option to point to the spot. Kane stepped up and made no mistake. The spot kick went past the right hand of Pickford as he scored his 15th goal of the season.

Sunderland had one more crack at trying to get back into the match towards the end with Billy Jones attempting a shot from right side of the area but the deflection took the ball just past Lloris’ post and the defeat was sealed.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.