Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) scored a goal that saved the team from the brink of defeat, but he could not smile. This is because he wants to become a stronger, winning team.
Tottenham drew 2-2 with Bournemouth in the 28th round of the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on Nov. 9 at 11 p.m. (Korean time).
Having escaped a two-game losing streak, Tottenham maintained the 13th place with 34 points (10 wins, 4 draws, 14 losses). Bournemouth recorded 44 points (12 wins, 8 draws, 8 losses) and remained in 9th place.
Tottenham fielded a 4-3-3 formation. The attack consisted of Wilson Odoebe, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson, while Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma, and Rodrigo Bentancur manned the midfield. The defense included Jed Spence, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso, and Pedro Porro, and the goalkeeper was Guglielmo Vicario.
Son Heung-min was named on the substitute bench. James Maddison, Matheus Vital, Lucas Verival, Archie Gray, and Destiny Udogie also sat on the bench. This seemed to be a decision to prepare for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 against Alkmaar taking place midweek.
Bournemouth opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ivañiuisong led the front line, while Antoine Semenyo, Justin Cluivert, and Marcus Tavernier filled the second line. Tyler Adams and Ryan Christie coordinated in the midfield, and the defense was composed of Miloš Kerkéz, Dean Huwison, James Hill, and Lewis Cook. The goalkeeper's gloves were donned by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Tottenham was immediately in danger of conceding as the match started. Romero lost possession in the defensive area, and Ivañiuisong seized the opportunity and attempted a shot. However, Vicario managed to dive and save it just in time.
From the early part of the first half, Tottenham kept making mistakes under Bournemouth's strong pressing. In the 4th minute, Bissouma mishandled a pass, giving Cluivert a shooting opportunity. But once again, Vicario made a save to prevent a goal.
With Bournemouth's strong pressing, Tottenham struggled to develop proper attacks. The passing flow was interrupted, forcing them to rely on long balls, and they were unable to capitalize on counterattack opportunities. While they maintained possession, their performance was poor.
Ultimately, the opening goal was scored by Bournemouth. In the 42nd minute, Kerkéz intercepted a pass from Porro and quickly broke through, delivering an early cross from the opposite side. Tavernier, surging in, finished it off to put Bournemouth ahead 1-0. The first half ended as is.
Son Heung-min was substituted in at the start of the second half. Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou made changes by substituting Johnson and Bissouma for Son Heung-min and Lucas Verival. Son Heung-min positioned himself as a left winger, while Odoebe moved to the right.
Bournemouth seemed poised to add a goal early in the second half, but an offside was called. In the 6th minute, Cluivert shook the net, but Semenyo was in an offside position in the preceding play.
Son Heung-min attempted a decisive shot in the 9th minute of the second half, but it hit the post. He evaded an opponent's defender inside the box and launched a right-footed curling shot. The ball deflected slightly off the defender and struck the post.
Tottenham enhanced their attack by bringing in Mickey van de Ven and James Maddison in the 16th minute of the second half.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Bournemouth added another goal. Cluivert provided an exquisite through pass, and Ivañiuisong received it and finished with a chip shot, making it 2-0.
Tottenham also launched a counterattack and managed to score a goal back. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Sarr attempted a cross from the right, and the ball went straight into the goal. It turned out to be a fortunate goal due to the goalkeeper being positioned too far forward.
Son Heung-min brought the match back to level terms. In the 37th minute, he made a quick run and created a one-on-one situation with the opposing goalkeeper, earning a foul and securing a penalty kick. Bournemouth players protested vigorously, but the decision was not overturned.
As the penalty kick taker, Son Heung-min attempted a Panenka kick, shaking the net. It marked his 7th goal of the season and his first goal in official matches in 10 games.
The match concluded in a 2-2 draw without any further goals. Both teams finished the match with 1 point each.
Despite tasting a goal after a long time, Son Heung-min could not smile. In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, he said, "I am still very disappointed and frustrated. When playing at home, I expect 3 points, but we did not achieve that. Bournemouth is a really good team. However, I still feel that it is not enough for us."
Son Heung-min also noted, "It is hard to say, but the last match against Alkmaar was a performance that everyone could not accept. The first half today was also sloppy. I won't say it's the aftermath. However, when confidence drops slightly, we tend to make mistakes we wouldn't normally make. A very important game is approaching, so we need to become stronger."
Son Heung-min encouraged the players, stating they could overcome the challenges if they remained mentally strong. He said, "In the EPL, everyone is skilled, and confidence makes a huge difference. Especially after the Alkmaar match, we start to think that 'we need to do more, better' and naturally feel a bit stressed. But we need to remain calm and focus on simple things. If we do that, we will come out of this tunnel."
[Photo] Son Heung-min ⓒGettyimages (no unauthorized reproduction or redistribution)
[OSEN = No Jin-ju, reporter]