Simons shown how much he is needed as Spurs stumble against Bournemouth | OneFootball

Xavi Simons was paraded on the pitch before kick-off, and the 90 minutes that followed showed how much the newly-signed Dutchman is needed as Tottenham’s bright start to the season came crashing down with a 1-0 defeat by Bournemouth.

Evanilson scored the only goal, in the fifth minute, and Andoni Iraola’s men then did enough to hold off Tottenham, who only really got going in the final half-hour.

Thomas Frank won plaudits in his opening games, victories over Burnley and Manchester City, but this was a sobering defeat for Spurs, who looked short of creativity in midfield and lacked punch up front.

With former Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke injured, Richarlison continued as number nine but could not match the away team’s physicality and defensive organisation.

And the Cherries could have had more, but for some fine saves from Guglielmo Vicario. The Italian was beaten in the fifth minute when Evanilson’s shot appeared to take a deflection off Cristian Romero and loop into the far corner of goal.

Bournemouth were good value for their lead at half-time, with Vicario saving well from the outstanding David Brooks. After the break, Antoine Semenyo forced another good save from Vicario with a first-time shot and Brooks shot against the bar after a goalmouth scramble.

It was not until the introduction of substitutes Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert that Djorde Petrovic was really tested, the former Chelsea keeper saving well from both, while fellow substitute Mathys Tel almost scored with a spectacular volley in stoppage time.

Bournemouth were clinging on in the final period, trying all sorts of tricks to wind down the clock and wind up home supporters, and they left with all three points to the delight of their travelling fans.