Ryan Mason’s first game

Tottenham enter a new era as they host Southampton in Ryan Mason’s first match as interim manager.

Following the departure of Jose Mourinho, we can now confirm that Ryan Mason will take charge as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season.#THFC ⚪️ #COYS

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 20, 2021

Eventful week off the pitch

It has been a tumultuous week for Spurs, who remarkably sacked Jose Mourinho on Monday, six days before the Carabao Cup final. The sacking has however been overshadowed by the breakaway Super League which has been destroyed in two days.

Tottenham were among the 12 clubs who shockingly planned to break from their traditions, but Tuesday night’s announcement has quashed the idea.

Ryan Mason has had limited time to work with the players but as a former player and academy coach, he will know a great number of the players.

The 29-year-old is the youngest manager to ever manage in the Premier League and now has six games to try and push Spurs up the table. They are currently seventh, five points off the top four.

Harry Kane suffered an ankle injury in the 2-2 draw against Everton and he is out of the game. There is a hope that he can be fit for the final on Sunday.

Southampton form

Southampton were beaten 1-0 by Leicester in the FA Cup semi final last weekend to kill off hopes of a great ending to the season.

Southampton sit 14th in the table with 36 points, nine points clear of the bottom three and seemingly safe.

It has been a grim 2021 for Southampton, who were in the top four in December but have won just three times from 15 games, losing 11. They have picked up just 10 points in 2021 – the fewest amount of points from any side.

Head-to-head

Tottenham have won eight of their last nine Premier League home games against Southampton. The most recent meeting between the sides came in September, when Spurs hammered Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side 5-2.

Son Heung-Min scored four with his strike partner Harry Kane assisting all four in a devastating spell.

The Saints have scored in each of their last 10 Premier League meetings with Spurs.

Featured image: Ryan Mason, Interim Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur gives his team instructions during a Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)