"The truth is, I did it on purpose."
Tottenham drew 2-2 with Bournemouth in the 28th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League (PL) home game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on the 9th at 11 p.m. (Korean time). With this, Tottenham recorded a draw after two consecutive losses in official matches, slightly changing the atmosphere.
Son Heung-min was named on the substitute list. Not only Son Heung-min but also vice-captain James Maddison, Mathys Tel, Lucas Veribal, Archie Gray, and Destiny Udogie started on the bench. This seems to be in preparation for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar midweek.
Tottenham wobbled from the outset. They struggled under Bournemouth's strong Chonbang pressure from the back, committing consecutive passing errors. If it weren't for Vicario's spectacular saves, it wouldn't have been surprising if they had collapsed early. Ultimately, in the 42nd minute of the first half, Tavernier scored the opening goal on a counterattack.
Son Heung-min was substituted in when they were trailing 0-1. Coach Postecoglou called off Hojbjerg and Bissouma at the start of the second half, bringing in Son Heung-min and Lucas Veribal. As soon as he came on, Son Heung-min showed his presence with a sharp curling shot in the 9th minute of the second half but unfortunately hit the post.
Bournemouth extended their lead to 2-0 with a second goal from Ibanious in the 20th minute of the second half. Tottenham managed to catch up with a lucky goal. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Sar attempted a cross and inadvertently lobbed the goalkeeper, shaking the net. And Son Heung-min saved Tottenham.
Son Heung-min penetrated into the backspace with explosive speed in the 37th minute of the second half, was tripped by the opposing goalkeeper, and won a penalty kick. Taking the penalty kick himself, Son Heung-min outsmarted the goalkeeper with a Panenka, scoring his 7th league goal. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Son Heung-min activated his scoring after 10 official matches. It was his first goal in 44 days since scoring a multi-goal in the UEL league phase match against Hoffenheim in January. In league terms, it was 55 days since the match against Arsenal in January. Despite numerous criticisms locally in the UK, he proved his worth by saving the team after coming on as a substitute.
After the match, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou praised Son Heung-min. He said, "The introduction of the bench players definitely helped. It is something we haven't experienced for a long time. Particularly when Veribal and Son Heung-min came on, both made a big impact."
Facing a potential dismissal, Coach Postecoglou noted, "It was certainly a significant moment when Son Heung-min successfully scored the penalty kick. He showed he was present at that important moment. It was a crucial goal for the team, and he took on that responsibility."
The opposing coach, Iraola, also acknowledged Son Heung-min's contribution. He stated, "The first goal was a matter of luck, but the second goal should have been defended better. We gave away a cheap penalty kick," adding that "Kepa seemed frustrated. I think Son Heung-min is clever. He pressured the opponent by going one way and forced contact. Kepa gave the referee an option."
Kepa, who was completely outplayed by Son Heung-min, faced heavy criticism. Jamie Carragher, commentating on the game, exclaimed, "What is he doing!?" as he saw the moment Kepa tripped Son Heung-min. This was the second incident after already allowing Sar's equalizer due to poor positioning.
While Son Heung-min cleverly outmaneuvered Kepa, he could not smile freely. In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, he expressed, "I am still very disappointed and frustrated. When playing at home, we expect 3 points, but we couldn't achieve that. Bournemouth is a really good team. However, I still feel that it wasn't enough for us."
Son Heung-min also said, "It's hard to say, but the last match against Alkmaar was a performance that everyone could not accept. The first half today was also messy. I won't say it's due to that match, but when confidence drops a bit, mistakes happen that wouldn't normally occur. A very important match is approaching, so we need to be stronger."
Meanwhile, an amusing moment occurred during Son Heung-min's penalty kick scene. Right after Son Heung-min won the PK, Solanke, who received the ball, seemed to engage in a psychological battle with the opposing player before passing the ball back to Son Heung-min. Solanke was with Bournemouth until last season. As Solanke took the ball, the previously silent crowd erupted in cheers when he passed it back to Son Heung-min.
While it might seem that Solanke was being greedy for the PK, it was a play agreed upon by all. Having just sprinted intensely, Son Heung-min was tired, and when Solanke approached him to speak, he naturally handed over the ball. Catching the ball, Solanke engaged in a psychological battle with the opponent, allowing Son Heung-min to regain his composure.
After taking a moment to catch his breath, Son Heung-min received the pass from Solanke and quickly got into position. Ultimately, this sacrifice by Solanke for the fatigued captain Son Heung-min stood out.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (no unauthorized reproduction or redistribution), Vinyman Sports.
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