Tottenham had to survive some nervy moments but ended 2023 on a high as they battled to a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Boosted by Rodrigo Bentancur's unexpected return to the starting lineup, six weeks ahead of schedule in his recovery from an ankle injury, Spurs started well and took the lead through Pape Matar Sarr, as Bournemouth paid the price for a poor pass out from goalkeeper Neto.
Sarr was forced off shortly after with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, leaving the pitch in tears as his participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations appeared to be thrown into major doubt.
The Cherries became utterly dominant by the end of the opening period, Spurs unable to keep hold of the ball or leave their own half. The hosts somehow survived a constant stream of Bournemouth attacks, with Dominic Solanke coming as close as anyone to equalising as his deflected effort bounced off the top of the bar.
The pattern did not change straight after the break either, as Bournemouth continued to press and Guglielmo Vicario produced an important save to keep out Solanke's header.
Spurs' ruthless edge kicked in though as they struck twice in nine minutes to take complete control. Heung-min Son doubled the lead for the hosts, as he finished brilliantly with his left foot after a glorious pass from Giovani Lo Celso.
And Richarlison put Spurs in complete control with ten minutes remaining, as he swept home from Brennan Johnson's low cross into the middle.
Bournemouth pulled one goal back, Alex Scott putting the finishing touch on a lovely move from the visitors, but there was to be no further drama as Spurs closed to within a point of Arsenal in fourth place.
