Given the competition for playing time in Tottenham's talent-laden roster, we figured we should keep a close eye on Clint Dempsey and Brad Friedel. The two Yanks are starting today but they will have to maintain a high level of play if they are to keep their spots in the Starting XI.

Spurs' four-man midfield also features Gareth Bale on the left wing, Tom Huddlestone, and Sandro. Moussa Dembele is still out, and it must be said that he and Dempsey may be competing for the same spot in the coming weeks and months.

Follow along with us, and share your thoughts in the Comments section below, as two talented Americans join the battle against Southampton.

8th Minute:Dempsey roaming around the right half of midfield, pushing to the wing on occasion but settling in to a central position.

10th Minute: With three consecutive crosses sent into the box, Dempsey gets close to two of them but never has a clear chance.

15th Minute: Gareth Bale snaps a strong header into the back of the net and Spurs go up, 1-0. It feels like they could score four or five today.

22th Minute: Not much for Friedel to do so far. Neither he nor Hugo Lloris have had much to do today.

24th Minute: Bale whips a brilliant cross into the box that is just a yard beyond Dempsey's outstretched leg. These two look like they will connect before the match is over.

33rd Minute: Southampton's Maya Yoshida slams into Dempsey from behind, sending the Texan sprawling to the turf. Dempsey has always been a foul magnet in the EPL.

39th Minute: DEMPSEY SCORES on a tap in after Jermain Defoe's strike is blocked right into his path. Dempsey has been putting himself in good positions all half, and he gets his reward here.

Halftime: Tottenham 2, Southampton 0. One-way traffic in Spurs' favor. Friedel had little to do all half, and Dempsey, playing an advanced midfield role/withdrawn striker, was around the ball constantly and deserved his tally. Will be interesting to see if Deuce can add to his account in the second half.

47th Minute: Friedel grabs a long, lazy cross to stop a Southampton push.

50th Minute: The Saints are showing more in the first few minutes of the second half than they did in the first interval. Clearly, they are gambling to get back into this one. Next goal will be telling.

61st Minute: Compelling stuff in Southampton as the Saints are doing everything they can to get back in the match while Spurs are weathering the storm.

63rd Minute: Jake Livermore comes in for Tom Huddlestone.

66th Minute: Game on as Jay Rodriguez scores off a corner. Tottenham 2, Southampton 1. Friedel made a brilliant save on his first attempt, but the rebound fell to Rodriguez and he put it away.

70th Minute: Southampton has controlled play throughout the second half. Buoyed by their home fans, they look likely to score the equalizer right now.

71th Minute: Dempsey clears away the second Southampton corner kick.

72nd Minute: Dempsey showcases smooth skills and good vision by releasing Bale down the left flank, but the winger scuffs his right-footed shot.

79th Minute: Defoe comes off, Gylfi Sigurdsson comes on, and Dempsey moves up top. As Southampton grows increasingly desperate, is there a counterattack strike in the cards for Deuce?

87th Minute: Brilliant Dempsey pass—using outside of his right foot—springs Sigurdsson down left flank; corner coming up.

88th Minute: Nothing develops from back-to-back corners for Spurs.

90th Minute: Sandro sacrifices his body to block a late Southampton strike. Right in the noggin. Ouch. Possible game saver.

93rd Minute: Michael Dawson comes in for Dempsey. Smart move, as Dempsey looks gassed.

FINAL SCORE: Tottenham 2, Southampton 1. Spurs dominated the first half but disappeared after the break. Credit to the Saints for fighting back, but Spurs take all three points.