EPL: Tottenham Come from Behind to Deny Bournemouth Victory

Bournemouth's hopes of European qualification suffered a setback as Tottenham Hotspur fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Bournemouth's ambitions of European qualification suffered a setback as Tottenham Hotspur salvaged an undeserved 2-2 draw in the Premier League, denying the Cherries a historic first league double over their north London opponents.

Cristian Romero made a highly anticipated return to the Tottenham lineup after a three-month absence due to a thigh injury. However, his comeback was almost marred by a disastrous start, as he gifted possession to Evanilson within the opening 20 seconds. Fortunately for Romero, Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario came to his rescue with an exceptional save.

The match began nervously for Tottenham, with Vicario again proving instrumental in maintaining parity. He produced another outstanding stop to deny Justin Kluivert, as Bournemouth's intensity and pressure began to take its toll on the visitors. Tottenham eventually created their first scoring opportunity, but Kepa Arrizabalaga comfortably gathered Dominic Solanke's header from Pedro Porro's cross.

As the match progressed, Tottenham gradually gained momentum under Ange Postecoglou's guidance. Nevertheless, it was Bournemouth who seized the initiative with a beautifully crafted opening goal. Milos Kerkez intercepted Porro's pass and embarked on a powerful run down the left flank before delivering an exquisite cross to Marcus Tavernier, who clinically slotted the ball home.

Bournemouth thought they had extended their lead six minutes into the second half, following a stunning passage of play that culminated in a Justin Kluivert goal. However, the strike was disallowed due to offside, denying the Cherries a potentially decisive two-goal cushion.

A spirited comeback from two goals down by @SpursOfficial to draw 2-2 ⚪

What a match!#TOTBOU pic.twitter.com/VDchSu8JVx

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 9, 2025

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou introduced Son Heung-min at halftime, and the South Korean forward almost made an instant impact. Son's trademark run from the left flank ended with a deflected strike that hit the post, narrowly missing the equalizing goal. Despite this close call, Bournemouth continued to threaten, with Guglielmo Vicario producing a solid save to deny Milos Kerkez's speculative effort.

Tottenham should have equalized soon after, but Pape Matar Sarr squandered a gilt-edged opportunity, miscuing his close-range effort. This wastefulness proved costly, as Bournemouth doubled their lead through Evanilson's delightful lobbed finish over Vicario. Kluivert's clever movement and pass had set up the Brazilian striker for the goal.

However, Tottenham found a lifeline when Sarr's cross-shot clipped in off the post, reducing the deficit and sparking hopes of an unlikely comeback. Bournemouth almost immediately restored their two-goal lead, but Kluivert's angled strike hit the post, denying the Cherries a potentially decisive third goal.

As the match entered its closing stages, Tottenham appeared sluggish, and it seemed Bournemouth would cruise to a 2-1 victory. However, Kepa Arrizabalaga's inexplicable foul on Son Heung-min inside the box handed Tottenham a penalty. Son coolly converted the spot-kick, securing a dramatic equalizer and earning the hosts a share of the spoils.

The 2-2 draw leaves Bournemouth winless in their last three Premier League matches, but they still managed to climb one spot in the table to eighth position.

Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, avoided setting an unwanted club record for most home defeats in a 38-game season. They remain at seven home losses for now. Despite earning a point, Spurs stay in 13th place, trailing the top half of the table by eight points.