Late Bentancur winner seals Spurs comeback at Bournemouth

Antonio Conte’s side have been underwhelming on the road of late, winning just one of their last six away assignments in all competitions, scoring just three goals in that run.

While they may have settled into a controlling rhythm of possession early on the south coast, there was very little for Mark Travers to do in the Cherries net in the early going.

Kieffer Moore had an early sight at goal for the hosts and the Welshman was on hand to dispatch a lethal Bournemouth transition and give his side the lead. Dominic Solanke’s brilliant hold-up play allowed him to slot a pinpoint reverse pass to Marcus Tavernier on the right, and the winger made no mistake finding Moore to drill his effort past a helpless Hugo Lloris.

The omens were not good for Tottenham, having failed to score on their previous two visits to the Vitality Stadium and facing a Bournemouth side that have avoided defeat in their 34 previous home league games in which they’ve scored the opening goal (W27, D7).

A positive end to the first half failed to inspire Conte’s side as their deficit was doubled within five minutes of the restart. Adam Smith’s cross from the right was met by a brutally powerful header from Moore that proved far too strong for Lloris.

This time, Spurs were able to find a response and reduce the arrears through Ryan Sessegnon, brilliantly slotting home from an acute angle to change the complexion of the contest.

The pressure was mounting and eventually told on the Bournemouth rearguard as Travers, standing in for the injured Norberto Neto, failed to deal with a corner and gifted Tottenham an equaliser. The goalkeeper rushed out but failed to claim Heung-min Son’s delivery, allowing Ben Davies to steer home his second goal in five years.

After relentlessly banging on the Bournemouth door, Spurs completed a sensational comeback to seal all three points in stoppage time. After failing to clear a delivery into their area, Bentancur punished the Cherries with a brilliantly controlled volley which left Travers very little chance to keep it out.

That dramatic winner keeps Tottenham above Newcastle United in third, subjecting Bournemouth to a third consecutive league loss in heartbreaking fashion.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth)