Tottenham Hotspur have moved into the top four of the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Southampton.

A below-par display from Southampton allowed Gareth Bale and Clint Dempsey to give Spurs a comfortable lead at half-time.

Despite Jay Rodriguez pulling a goal back for the hosts in the second period, Andre Villas-Boas's side managed to hold on to claim the three points.

Sports Mole takes a look at how the game was won and lost at St Mary's Stadium.

Match statistics

Southampton
Shots: 11
On target: 6
Possession: 48%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 14

Spurs
Shots: 11
On target 4
Possession 52%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 8

Was the result fair?

The match statistics would suggest that Southampton deserved a draw and on balance, the hosts probably should have taken a point. However, Spurs were by far the better side in the first half and should have killed the game off by half-time.

Southampton's performance

It seems to be the same old story for Nigel Adkins and his team. In the first 45 minutes the Saints looked fragile in defence and were lucky not to concede more goals. However, they settled much better in the second period and showed why they are winning many fans for their passing game. Adkins must solve his defensive problems soon if they are to find the first win of their Premier League campaign.

Tottenham's performance

Spurs played some excellent football in the first half and looked as though they would cruise to a comfortable victory. A frustrating day in front of goal for Defoe meant that the visitors didn't have the lead their play deserved at the break. However, Villas-Boas will be proud of the way his team defended under severe pressure in the latter stages.

Sports Mole's man of the match

William Gallas: The French defender didn't enjoy the best of games against Chelsea at White Hart Lane last Saturday. The inclusion of Rickie Lambert in the Southampton team meant that Gallas was in for a tough afternoon on the south coast but he coped superbly to nullify the threat posed by the Saints talisman.

Referee's performance

In truth, Lee Mason had very little to do this afternoon in a match that didn't offer up many controversial moments. The man in the middle awarded three yellow cards, all to Spurs players, but he will escape any headlines in tomorrow's newspapers.

What next?

Southampton: The Saints are also in cup action in midweek as they travel to Leeds United on Tuesday evening but the club's ongoing search for a first league win of the season will have to wait until the following Monday against West Bromwich Albion.

Spurs: Villas-Boas takes his side to Carrow Road to face Norwich City in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday before welcoming Wigan Athletic to White Hart Lane in the league on Saturday.