Tottenham Hotspur cancel out Graziano Pelle's brace to draw 2-2 with Europa League rivals Southampton on Mauricio Pochettino's return to St Mary's Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur twice wiped out Graziano Pelle goals to draw 2-2 with Europa League rivals Southampton on Mauricio Pochettino's return to St Mary's Stadium.

Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli scored for the visitors to earn them a point which keeps them above the Saints and sees them leapfrog Liverpool in the Premier League.

Erik Lamela of Spurs celebrates scoring their first goal with Nacer Chadli and Harry Kane of Spurs during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on April 25, 2015 © Getty Images

Ryan Bertrand's cross caused havoc in the Spurs box and Morgan Schneiderlin forced Hugo Lloris into a smart reflex save as Southampton survived a bright Tottenham start to slowly take control of proceedings.

They took the lead on 29 minutes thanks in part to a pair of Tottenham mistakes. Ryan Mason slipped on the edge of his own box and Ben Davies failed to shield the midfielder's rushed back-pass, allowing Pelle to prod beyond the rooted Lloris.

Graziano Pelle of Southampton celebrates scoring the opening goal with Ryan Bertrand of Southampton during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on April 25, 2015 © Getty Images

Steven Davis squandered a chance to double Southampton's lead when he sliced wide when attempting to side-foot Bertrand's cutback, and Spurs soon went up the other end to punish his wasteful effort.

The visitors needed a slice of luck in scoring their 43rd-minute equaliser, though. Eric Dier's inviting cross into the box struck an unaware Lamela on the body and squirmed past goalkeeper Kelvin Davis at the near post.

Midfielder Davis, who is yet to open his league account this season, continued to have a poor day in front of goal as he dragged horribly wide from 18 yards and spooned high after turning his defender early in the second half.

Pelle's finish was far more emphatic when he restored Southampton's lead on 65 minutes. The lively Sadio Mane teed up substitute Shane Long for a first-time cross which the Italian powered home with his head for his third goal in three games and 11th in the league this term.

Southampton's Italian striker Graziano Pelle heads the ball to score his second goal past Tottenham Hotspur's French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium in © Getty Images

However, Spurs were soon level again as Southampton's division-best defence let them down. Dier slipped a simple ball through for Chadli, who held off the challenge of Maya Yoshida to beat Davis from a tight angle.

Nacer Chadli of Spurs celebrates as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on April 25, 2015 © Getty Images

Ronald Koeman's side looked the most likely to snatch all three points in the final minutes and Jose Fonte was their man threat. His first header was blocked by Federico Fazio in front of the line and his second, in the last of seven added minutes, went just over the crossbar.

Although the result sees them remain behind fifth-placed Spurs, the point takes the Saints to their best ever Premier League points total with four games still left to play.