Even though Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea is perhaps the ‘glamour tie’ of the weekend, Southampton and Spurs dealt up a tie that lived up to it’s billing as the one that mattered. Both sides are firmly in the hunt for European qualification, and with Mauricio Pochettino returning to St. Mary’s Stadium there was plenty for the narrative lover to enjoy.

It appears both teams have their beach towels and flip flops firmly locked away after serving up a decent spectacle, which may have major connotations by the time the final whistle ends game 38. But what did we learn on the Hampshire coast? Here are THREE lessons

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The Europa League battle will go to the wire

Saints

Although the Europa League is often seen as a poison chalice, both Southampton and Spurs seem pretty keen to book a spot in it. Champions League qualification is realistically gone for both sides, and Liverpool look more likely to finish in fifth, so the pair could well be fighting for the last remaining qualification spot with Aston Villa in the FA Cup Final. Spurs sit on 58 points with Southampton on 57 with four games to go… it’ll be tight!

Spurs need a commanding defender

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Spurs are believed to be looking for a new centre-back this summer, and today summed up why. Both of Southampton’s goals were avoidable, with a lack communication at the back the difference between one and three points. Ben Davies, a left-back, was at fault at first, but Graziano Pelle’s header was perhaps avoidable had the Italian been rivalled in the air.

Pelle is back!

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After netting just once in the last four months of action, Pelle officially announced his comeback this afternoon. The big Italian was prolific for the Saints before Christmas, but as the club’s rampaging form dried up, so to did his ability in front of goal – or perhaps the other way around! Two goals today against Spurs will fill him with confidence, and while the first was a little on the fortunate side, his second was a vintage header.