Southampton’s stay in the Premier League officially came to an end in record-breaking fashion, as a brace from Brennan Johnson powered Tottenham to a comfortable 3-1 win in North London.
Johnson opened the scoring in the 13th minute, slotting home after Djed Spence’s clever cut-back.
He added a second just before half-time, latching onto James Maddison’s perfectly weighted header to double the lead with a neat flick past Aaron Ramsdale.
Mateus Fernandes netted a late consolation in the 90th minute, but Spurs wrapped things up in stoppage time when Mathys Tel converted a penalty after Johnson was brought down by Welington.
With the loss, Southampton became the earliest club in Premier League history to be relegated — with seven games still to play — surpassing Derby County’s previous record of six games in 2008.
They remain rooted to the bottom with just 10 points and now need two more to avoid setting a new low points record.
Tense Atmosphere, Bright Start
The mood at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was tense from the outset, with fan protests once again directed at chairman Daniel Levy and lingering dissatisfaction toward manager Ange Postecoglou.
Yet despite just one win in their last 10 home league games before this match, Spurs came out firing.
Johnson and Lucas Bergvall caused early problems for the Saints defence, while Cristian Romero’s powerful header forced Ramsdale into a sharp save.
Southampton nearly struck first through Kamaldeen Sulemana, but his shot was deflected onto the post by Pedro Porro in a rare attacking move.
Tottenham quickly regained control, and Johnson’s composed finish settled early nerves.
Romero came close again with another header, denied once more by Ramsdale, and Bergvall had a goal chalked off following a lengthy VAR review that found Romero offside.
Postecoglou’s frustration turned to relief when Johnson pounced again, catching the Saints flat-footed and calmly tucking away his second of the day.
Southampton Rally, But It's Too Late
The second half saw a more assertive Southampton performance, as they enjoyed longer spells of possession.
Fernandes eventually got on the scoresheet, chesting down Sulemana’s cross and firing between Guglielmo Vicario’s legs. It was a well-taken goal — his third of the season — but by then, the result was beyond doubt.
Spurs sealed the win in added time, as Tel confidently scored from the spot following Welington’s clumsy foul on Johnson. It was the 18-year-old’s first Premier League goal.
Ramsdale kept the scoreline respectable with five strong saves, including efforts from Spence and Dominic Solanke. But despite flashes of fight, the Saints’ fate was sealed.
Southampton's Slide Confirmed
The writing had been on the wall for Southampton for some time, and the lack of firepower up front — they’re the league’s lowest scorers — has plagued them all season.
Though they showed greater urgency in the second half, the damage was already done. Manager Ivan Juric will now look ahead to the Championship and focus on building for a promotion push.
Juric had stated pre-match that beating Derby’s 11-point tally was the immediate goal.
If they replicate their second-half spirit, they might just achieve that small consolation.
Johnson Stars in Much-Needed Spurs Win
For Tottenham, this was a welcome result after a difficult spell. While frustrations remain among supporters, this win — their second at home in the league in 2025 — lifts them to 13th in the table on 37 points.
Johnson, with two goals and a drawn penalty, was the standout performer.
“He was outstanding and earned the penalty,” Postecoglou said. “His general play was really good, not just the goals, so really pleased for him.”
But the Spurs boss was less satisfied with the second-half drop-off.
“First half, very good. We looked threatening every time we attacked. But second half, we were a bit sloppy. There’s still stuff to work on, but scoring three and getting the win is definitely a positive.”
Despite Son Heung-min’s 450th appearance for the club, it was Johnson who stole the show — and ensured Tottenham fans had something to cheer, at least for now.