Southampton 2 Tottenham 3: Adebayor ‘very happy’ for Sherwood

Emmanuel Adebayor praised Tottenham Hotspur caretaker manager Tim Sherwood after Spurs came from behind to beat Southampton at St Mary’s.

Saints skipper Adam Lallana handed the home side a 12th-minute lead before Adebayor and a Jos Hooiveld own goal put Spurs in charge in the south coast.

I want to thank all my team-mates, they have been there for me

Emmanuel Adebayor

Rickie Lambert temporarily drew Southampton level before Adebayor, who had been out-of-favour under Andre Villas-Boas, netted the winner with 26 minutes remaining.

And the Togo international admitted he has experienced a very challenging year after netting three goals in his last two Tottenham appearances.

“I have been working very hard. I want to thank all my team-mates, they have been there for me,” Adebayor told BBC Sport.

“I am very happy for the new manager. First day he told me to ‘get out there and play football, you know how to do it because of the clubs you have played for’.

“All 2013 has been very tough. My brother passed away, it was emotionally difficult.

“Everything I did today is for him and his son. My father told me to always work hard, and that paid off today.”