At one point, it felt as if Tottenham could be on course to deliver another 9-0 defeat for the Saints in the top flight, only for Ange Postecoglou’s team to show some humility in the second half.

Postecoglou made a couple of changes to his starting team for the away trip, which came just three days after a visit to Scotland.

Lucas Bergvall was also a surprise starter in the middle, and both of Postecoglou’s decisions quickly justified themselves.

Spence provided an assist for James Maddison’s opener, and the duo thrived in Spurs’ first half mauling.

That being said, there was almost an equal measure of frustration and good feeling among Tottenham fans who took to X to discuss Spence’s performance.

Spurs fans were unanimous in their brilliant reviews of the 24-year-old’s performance, but many were then frustrated that Postecoglou then hasn’t used the full-back more.

Spence thrived at right-back in place of Pedro Porro, and fans expressed their bemusement towards their manager.

One wrote: “In 20 mins Djed Spence already showing he works better then Porro in Ange’s system.”

Another noticed that Spence was thriving in a role that was better-suited to his skillset, overlapping down the right rather than constantly inverting.

Spence played a similar role on the right and left, a versatile full-back who was allowed to show his strengths.

Another supporter seemed to angle a message toward Postecoglou too, saying: “Spence is a powerful right-back, utilise his running, utilise his explosiveness.”

Spurs fans were so impressed with the full-back, who really would have been an asset were he registered for the Europa League.

At full-time, one fan then concluded: “Spence has brought some much needed energy into a team that looked knackered at Ibrox. Please keep playing him Ange (and put him in the Europa squad).”

Djed Spence stars against Southampton

Given that Real Madrid want Porro, a player they will seemingly chase in the coming transfer windows, perhaps Spence’s display could provide some reassurance.

It’s fair to conclude that Postecoglou now doesn’t have too many excuses to keep holding the full-back back.

Perhaps in the absence of Destiny Udogie, should his knock prove to be significant, Spence could get an extended chance.

However, there seems to be some reluctance from the Tottenham manager to use Spence regularly, someone who has been close to leaving in the past.