Bournemouth vs Tottenham: 5 things we learned as VAR denies Callum Wilson to save Jose Mourinho’s Spurs

Bournemouth 0-0 Tottenham: Harry Kane was also denied what appeared to be a clear penalty in the first half despite the technology reviewing the incident

Callum Wilson was denied what would have been a precious winning goal by VAR as Bournemouth held on for a point in their relegation battle against a lethargic Tottenham Hotspur.

Joshua King barged into the back of Harry Kane at corner and incredibly no penalty was given, even after VAR checked, much to the disgust of Jose Mourinho.

Spurs looked to spring to life in the second half with the emergence of Tanguy Ndombele and Son Heung-min. And while Son had moments of craft in and around Harry Kane, it was never enough to snap Spurs out of their lull.

And Wilson thought he'd won it at the death, spinning away in delight, only for VAR to discover Joshua King's hand had intervened. Harry Wilson then spurned a glorious one-against-one chance as Hugo Lloris smothered his shot.

Here are five things we learned from the Vitality Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur's Erik Lamela (L) vies for the ball with Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma (AFP via Getty Images) (Getty)

Kane’s worrying retreat

Harry Kane relishes the No 10 on his back and his responsibility beyond being a goalscorer, but a worrying trend was on display during the first half at the Vitality Stadium.

Kane’s average position was so deep, as he ventured away from goal in order to influence the game, that Giovani Lo Celso and Moussa Sissoko were actually higher up the pitch.

Mourinho was upset at Paul Merson’s stinging comments about Kane’s ability to score under his guidance, but without a reliable supply, Kane’s instinct is to go looking for the ball, which only exacerbates the problem.

Alderweireld and Vertonghen in decline

At long last compatriots Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were reunited in the Spurs central defence. 

The Belgium internationals paired up at centre-back for the first time since the restart - the first time since a 2-1 defeat by London rivals Chelsea in February, in fact - and Tottenham looked... no safer for that fact.

That’s to say that Mourinho’s backline was far from convincing again; as a Bournemouth side that have been blunt in recent weeks threatened to find an edge, they tested Spurs with set-piece deliveries and high balls into the box, leading to some nervy moments for the visitors.

The general aura emanating from the centre of that defensive unit was no more calming than the one given off by the pairing of Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez. That is a worrisome sign.

Wilson is challenged by Sissoko (Getty)

VAR torments Mourinho

Tottenham were cruelly denied a goal against Sheffield United last week when VAR ruled that Moura had inadvertently touched the ball with his arm before Kane found the net

The decision was in line with the rules, but the unanimous reaction was that the rules need changing, and Mourinho in particular was left irate as his side eventually fell to a 3-1 defeat.

Well, Spurs were again on the receiving end of a tough call on Thursday evening, and this one was not just harsh but – seemingly – didn’t fall within any skewed set of rules either.

As a Tottenham corner swung into the box and towards the back post early in the first half, Joshua King shoved Kane in the back and to the deck, causing the Spurs striker to miss the ball. Stonewall.

The Portuguese was later blessed by the technology though, as the ball hitting Joshua King's hand was spotted upon reviewing what seemed to be a Callum Wilson winner. Fine margins.

Cherries losing their trademark

This was better, make no mistake, Eddie Howe's side had the right attitude here, and while keeping the goals out may ultimately cost his side in the relegation battle, it is their trademark slick, expansive football that has ground to a halt.

David Brooks struggling to hit the ground running after an injury and Callum WIlson's suspension have been disruptions for Howe, yet that ruthless edge in front of goal might be what hurts him the most if they eventually wave goodbye to the Premier League.

Bournemouth's intent on taking pride in a more expansive, yet risky style of football admirably remains, as other sides - operating with safer, less entertaining brands of football - appear set to confirm their top flight status. But it is the right combination in attack that has deserted Howe of late and he will need to quickly rectify that or their five-year stay might come to an end.

Kane and Kelly challenge for the ball (Getty)

Sluggish return for Spurs continues

Bournemouth have been one of the worst teams to watch since the restart. Tottenham have not been much easier on the eye.

It says something that Bournemouth were finally able to find an encourgaing performance from somewhere against a team that – on paper – should have proven one of their toughest opponents since the resumption of the Premier League, while Spurs looked as lethargic and aimless as they have in recent weeks.

If Tottenham had become stagnant under Pochettino, then what they are under Mourinho is regressive, and there are no clear solutions to that problem right now.

A total overhaul is an unrealistic move that is often cited by spectators, but it might just be what Tottenham need.