Theo Walcott has stated that Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-1 lead during their 3-3 draw at Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday was ‘flattering’ for Antonio Conte’s men.
The former Arsenal star also added that it was a ‘really difficult’ moment for James Ward-Prowse and Fraser Forster when the Southampton captain stepped up to take a stoppage-time penalty because the duo are ‘really close’ and ‘best mates’, as he told Saints’ official Twitter account.
With all the pressure of the world on Ward-Prowse, given that they are sitting in the Premier League’s relegation zone, he stepped up and dispatched his spot-kick with pure brilliance and earn his side a much-needed point.
Not only could that moment and come back from Southampton prove to be defining in the relegation battle, but also for Spurs in the race for the Champions League.
Of course, the game itself couldn’t be talked about much because Antonio Conte went off on one during his post-match presser.
But Walcott shared his thoughts on the weekend’s action, which included a goal from the 34-year-old himself, and how well Ward-Prowse did to score against Forster.
“I thought 3-1 was flattering for Tottenham, to be honest,” said Walcott. “When they went 3-1 up we got together and we said a few things and maybe that one moment changed the whole dynamic of the team, which was to make sure we didn’t change our identity and how we played.
“We were actually playing pretty well up to that point even though we were losing. It shows that there’s character in this team at the moment and learning on the job, to be fair, because there’s a lot of young guys, but today was a different sort of team.”
On Ward-Prowse and Forster: “Prowsey’s (Ward-Prowse) best mate in football as well (Forster). The way he put that aside and thought ‘he’s not my mate right now’ and just put it in the top corner. I just think fantastic. I was just saying earlier that Prowsey’s son knew which way his dad was going, so Oscar knew, which was really nice.
“But that was a really difficult moment for Prowsey, because against Fraser. Really close. I am really close to Fraser as well, but not as close as him. I think he practised penalties in his garden with him, that’s how close they were, so really pleased for him.”
WARD-PROWSE PROVING HIS WORTH
An outstanding technician and an underrated talent that will probably be playing in Europe next season, regardless of what happens to Southampton.
Ward-Prowse can count himself unlucky that he wasn’t called up by Gareth Southgate for England’s upcoming matches because he deserves to join his best mate at St Geroge’s Park, after his own recall.
But whilst Forster will join up with England for these next ten or so days, Ward-Prowse will rest his engine because, upon domestic football’s return, that bonkers relegation battle will have a conclusion.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
