Tottenham, Stoke post thrilling comeback wins

Tottenham Hotspur FC fought back from two goals down to defeat Southampton FC 3-2 on a day when Stoke City FC continued their fine form at Aston Villa FC.

The early signs were ominous for Spurs as Jay Rodriguez capitalised on a slip from Kyle Naughton and slotted in. England team-mate Adam Lallana doubled the lead shortly after, cutting in from the right and sliding the ball into the corner. There was relief for the hosts before half-time, however, as Christian Eriksen executed an opportunist finish at the back post.

Roberto Soldado then pickpocketed Dejan Lovren and centred for Eriksen, who tapped in a minute after the interval. Tim Sherwood's charges did most of the running from then on, yet Southampton looked in little danger of conceding until two minutes into added time as Gylfi Sigurdsson's sweetly struck shot flew beyond Artur Boruc. The result moved Tottenham within six points of fourth-placed Arsenal FC.

In the late kick-off, Christian Benteke gave Villa an early lead with a tidy finish. The visitors responded with conviction, though, quickfire strikes from Peter Odemwingie, Peter Crouch and Steven N'Zonzi turning the tables. Marko Arnautovic supplied Geoff Cameron for the fourth in the final minute as Mark Hughes' side climbed above their Midlands counterparts into tenth.