Opinion: Five things we learned from Tottenham's 2-1 win over Brighton

Tottenham Hotspur finally managed to secure all three points in the Premier League this afternoon with a 2-1 win over Brighton. Let’s take a look at five things we learned: 

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

No Stellini – 

First Antonio Conte left. Then Stellini got sent off today for failing to control his staff during a bench altercation. Now Ryan Mason is back in charge on the touchline for the first time since the end of the Jose Mourinho era. What happens if Ryan sees red against Bournemouth? Does Ledley dust off the old knee brace?

Fans make themselves heard – 

For the second game in a row, we could hear the Tottenham fans singing for Daniel Levy to leave the club and for Mauricio Pochettino to return as manager. It appears, on paper, that the easiest way for the chairman to buy himself some credit with the supporters would be to listen to them and give the Argentine a ring. But will he swallow his pride?

Danjuma off the bench – 

Even with all the injuries and Lucas Moura’s red card, Danjuma was still only handed a 15-20 minute cameo off the bench today when Spurs were defending a lead. With Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevki not exactly playing awfully but also not in top form, surely it’s only a matter of time before the on-loan forward gets a chance from the start. Although, Richarlison’s return may work against him.

Lucky Tottenham – 

A 2-1 win over an in-form and impressive Brighton will likely only paper over the North London cracks. Anyone watching the game will know how lucky the Lilywhites really were. Two goals ruled out by VAR, one of them perhaps a little harsh for the ball striking Mac Allister when his arms were tucked in. Then a clear penalty was also ignored by VAR when Hojbjerg stepped on Mitoma’s foot. A huge three points for Spurs, but maybe gifted rather than completely earned.

Top four race –

Are Spurs in the top-four race? You would have to say outsiders at best. The fact that Tottenham have to play Newcastle and Man United still this season gives them a chance to make up the gap, but they will have to show consistency between those big games, which is where they have fallen short. Ultimately, fourth position will be won by the best of a bad bunch, but are Spurs even good enough to win that accolade?