There was no player to stop Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), said Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham's manager. It's high praise.

On the 23rd (Korea time), Son Heung-min started as the left winger in the away match against Ipswich Town at Portman Road Stadium in Ipswich, England, for the 26th round of the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL). He assisted Brennan Johnson's consecutive goals in the 18th and 26th minutes of the first half. The team achieved a 4-1 victory, marking their third consecutive win.

With this victory, Tottenham recorded 10 wins, 3 draws, and 13 losses (33 points), maintaining 12th place in the league. In contrast, Ipswich, which has not won in the last seven games, remained in 18th place with 3 wins, 8 draws, and 15 losses (17 points). They have not escaped the relegation zone.

Tottenham operated in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Matthijs de Ligt was positioned at the forefront. Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, and Johnson supported him from the second line.

Son Heung-min recorded his first assist in the 18th minute of the first half, when it was 0-0. Center-back Arch Gray sent a long pass of over 50 meters to the left side, and after receiving it, Son Heung-min broke through and assisted Johnson's opening goal with a low and quick cross. Johnson received the pass from Son Heung-min and successfully scored with a right-foot shot.

Eight minutes later, Son Heung-min assisted Johnson's goal again. He connected an accurate pass while facing the opposing defense on the left side, and Johnson calmly finished it off with a goal.

Tottenham conceded a goal in the 36th minute of the first half but continued to attack without hesitation.

Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham's manager, opted for a stable operation by substituting Johnson for James Maddison in the 19th minute of the second half. Pedro Porro also replaced Destiny Udogie. In the 29th minute of the second half, Son Heung-min and de Ligt left the bench, and Wilson Odobert and Dane Scarlett came on. Later, Tottenham secured the victory with an additional goal from Jed Spence in the 32nd minute of the second half and Kulusevski's fourth goal in the 39th minute.

After the match, manager Postecoglou praised Son Heung-min in an interview with Sky Sports.

In this match, Son Heung-min added two assists, bringing his season total to 10 goals and 10 assists (6 goals and 9 assists in the league). This marks the fifth time he has recorded double digits in both goals and assists in a single season.

Additionally, he has achieved 20 attacking points for nine consecutive seasons since the 2016-2017 season.

Manager Postecoglou noted, "We gave Ipswich a few chances, but we showed our stamina in the second half. Thanks to that, we were able to play the football we wanted." He continued, "There was no player in the opposing team who could stop Son Heung-min in the first half," praising the captain.

Hotspur HQ, which primarily reports on Tottenham news, conveyed the contents of Postecoglou's interview, stating, "Reports surrounding Son Heung-min's status have been unceasing for the past few months. Some claim he will move to Saudi Arabia, but it remains uncertain what decision Tottenham will make regarding him." While reporting the current situation, they added, "Son Heung-min is a symbol of dedication and perseverance and deserves better treatment at the club (Tottenham) that he has devoted himself to. His contract is set to expire next June, and attention is drawn to how Tottenham will decide his future."

/jinju217@osen.co.kr

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