The Cherries beat Spurs and move into the top half

Bournemouth secured a deserved 1-0 win over lackluster Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium.

Dean Huysen's 17th-minute header was enough to separate the sides, with the Cherries creating numerous chances to extend their lead.

For Spurs, it was another night to forget as they struggled to break down a disciplined Bournemouth defence.

The game began with Tottenham dominating possession in typical Ange Postecoglou fashion, but they failed to convert their early territorial advantage into meaningful chances.

Their best opportunity in the opening exchanges fell to former Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, who fired a shot over the bar after Huysen misjudged a long ball.

Moments later, Bournemouth punished Spurs for their wastefulness.

Full time in Bournemouth. pic.twitter.com/pFrpQz0mAS

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 5, 2024

A well-taken corner from Marcus Tavernier found Huysen at the back post, and the defender made amends for his earlier error with a powerful header past Fraser Forster to give the home side the lead.

The goal marked a turnaround as Bournemouth began to grow in confidence while Tottenham looked disjointed and frustrated.

The Cherries could have doubled their lead before half-time.

Tavernier had a header from close range brilliantly saved by Forster and also had a goal ruled out for offside.

At the other end, Spurs' attack lacked creativity, and the only bright spark was Dejan Kulusevski.

James Maddison's curling effort came close but Kepa Arrizabalaga was largely overlooked in Bournemouth's goal during the first half.

Tottenham introduced Heung-Min Son after the break, hoping to inject some urgency, and thought they had leveled when Son found the back of the net.

Only a few cool guys got three points 😇 pic.twitter.com/dzZRg2x0Xn

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 5, 2024

However, the offside flag was immediately raised, and VAR upheld the decision.

Despite increasing possession, Spurs struggled to create clear-cut chances and their final ball often let them down.

Bournemouth continued to threaten on the counter-attack, with Dango Ouattara wasting several glorious opportunities to put the game to bed.

Evanilsson had a goal ruled out for offside after his deflected shot fell kindly, but VAR intervened to deny the Brazilian.

As the clock ticked into extra time, Tottenham looked resigned to defeat.

Their six extra minutes yielded little and Bournemouth's defense held firm to secure a valuable three points.

The Cherries have now leapfrogged Spurs into the top half of the table.

Postecoglou's side have lost six of their 14 games so far this season, the same as Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace.