2-2 v AFC Bournemouth - 9 March 2025 - Home

Substitute Son Heung-min scored a late penalty as Tottenham came from two goals down to secure a draw against Bournemouth.

Bournemouth were heading for a routine away win after getting the better of exchanges in a wide-open game.

Marcus Tavernier latched on to Milos Kerkez's inviting cross to set Bournemouth on their way before Evanilson's lifted finish put the visitors firmly in control after half-time.

Spurs hit back in unorthodox circumstances when Pape Sarr's intended cross looped towards goals and left Kepa Arrizabalaga clutching at thin air.

Son, who came on at half-time, proved to be Tottenham's hero from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Kepa.

Both sides saw efforts hit the woodwork in the second period with Son's curling shot nicking the post and going wide, while Justin Kluivert's low-driven shot cannoned back into play.

The draw keeps Tottenham sitting 13th with Bournemouth climbing up one place to eighth and leaving them two points shy of sixth-placed Brighton.

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.

Bournemouth are still chasing the dream of securing a place in Europe next season and dropping two points will feel like a major blow.

The Cherries were in complete control when Kluivert's reverse pass fell neatly to Evanilson with the Brazilian chipping beyond a despairing Vicario.

There was no blame to lay on the shoulders of Kepa for conceding the first goal as Sarr's deliver was undoubtedly intended as a cross rather than a shot.

However, he keeper was at fault for the second after rushing out and sliding into the legs of Son to give away a penalty.

Victory would have pushed Bournemouth up to sixth and above Brighton to add further strength to their hopes of sealing a historic first-ever campaign in Europe.

There is still just a two-point gap to the Seagulls, but Bournemouth have now won just one of their past five league fixtures.

Andoni Iraola will be keen to see them turn the tide back in their direction swiftly with only 10 games remaining, starting with the visit of Brentford next weekend.