Tottenham conceded two near-identical goals in as many second-half minutes to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against Southampton.
Spurs were leading 2-1 heading into the final 10 minutes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, only to lose the match 3-2 in what is a highly damaging result for their Champions League hopes.
Antonio Conte’s side took the lead after 18 minutes when Southampton defender Jan Bednarek turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Heung-min Son.
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But the Saints drew level five minutes later, Chelsea loanee Armando Broja capitalising on a defensive howler from Ben Davies to even the score.
Tottenham retook the lead on 70 minutes, Son finishing off a superb flowing move from the home side to put them on course for victory.
But the match was turned on its head in the space of two minutes in the closing stages.
Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse produced an inch-perfect cross to the back post to find Mohamed Elyounoussi, who put his side level with a superb header.
It was a case of déjà vu moments later, when Ward-Prowse produced a similar cross for Che Adams to score with his head.
Tottenham pushed hard for an equaliser and thought they had it when second-half substitute Steven Bergwijn turned the ball home from close range.
However, replays showed the Netherlands international was in an offside position, with VAR ruling out the goal.
Spurs miss the chance to move above rivals Arsenal and remain seventh in the Premier League – four points adrift of the Champions League places.
Southampton, meanwhile, are up to tenth.
Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, Football, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan