Jurgen Klinsmann signed off for the second time at Tottenham with a super strike and Gary Mabbutt ended 16 years at White Hart Lane with a brief emotional substitute appearance.

But Spurs, who have suffered the indignities of a relegation fight in mostly a tormenting season, finished by underachieving again in their bid to end the campaign with a third consecutive win.

Klinsmann answered a 21st-minute freekick special by Southampton's World Cup hopeful Matthew Le Tissier with a wonderful volley six minutes later.

But Germany's captain huffed and puffed with as little effect as his Tottenham colleagues in search of a second half decider.

Saints, with the unfamiliar security of a mid-table place already confirmed, settled for a share of the points long before the end and although David Ginola's chinking runs and determination to find the target pushed them close to the brink they never quite managed it.

Tottenham's earlier pressure was turned back by Le Tissier's 13th goal of the season after Colin Calderwood brought down Matthew Oakley just outside the Spurs area.

Le Tissier and John Beresford both dummied over the set-piece before Le Tissier eventually curled it around a defensive wall that was now broken up by confusion and the ball flashed low beyond goalkeeper Ian Walker's grasp.

Six minutes later however Walker's long clearance was superbly chested down by Les Ferdinand right into the path of Klinsmann who hit it first time with his right foot and left Southampton keeper Jones helpless as he directed it like an arrow into the top corner.

But that was as good as it got for Spurs as they tried to build on consecutive victories against Newcastle and Wimbledon to finish the season with a flourish.

Klinsmann, who notched four against Wimbledon a week ago, was twice off target with flying headers and six minutes before the end his deflected shot left Ferdinand facing an open goal, totally unmarked, only to miss his kick completely.

Southampton were rarely a threat and Spurs manager Christian Gross could comfortably afford the sentimental gesture which brought 36-year-old Mabbutt off the bench and into the Tottenham back four for the last nine minutes.

Earlier he and David Howells, who is also being given a free transfer by the club, had earned the biggest home cheers of the day when presented with silver trophies by chairman Alan Sugar to mark their long service at White Hart Lane.

And it was Mabbutt who received an even bigger reception from the home supporters than Klinsmann on a lap of honour after the final whistle.

Tottenham: Walker, Calderwood (Mabbutt 81), Fox, Nielsen, Anderton, Ferdinand, Carr, Ginola, Campbell, Klinsmann, Berti (Saib 57).

Subs Not Used: Grodas, Armstrong, Scales.

Booked: Campbell.

Goals: Klinsmann 27.

Southampton: Jones, Dodd (Warner 39), Palmer, Lundekvam, Le Tissier, Oakley, Ostenstad, Dryden, Beresford (Richardson 79), Benali, Hirst (Basham 82).

Subs Not Used: Moss, Gibbens.

Booked: Palmer.

Goals: Le Tissier 21.

Att: 35,995

Ref: P Jones (Loughborough).