Tottenham may have found themselves a new superstar in the shape of Heung-Min Son.
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Richard Almeida put the visitors ahead from the spot in just the seventh minute, only for Son to turn the tables with his first goals for Tottenham.
Kane is yet to score in the Premier League this season, and with the departures of Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor this summer, the pressure is on the South Korean to deliver.
Returning to action fewer than 72 hours after facing Qarabag in Europe is hardly ideal and Palace boss Alan Pardew says his side will hold an advantage having not been in action since their defeat by Manchester City eight days ago.
“I think that Tottenham is a big club and the players want to play for Tottenham and all players are happy”. The Spurs faithful have been quick to take to Alli, chanting his name throughout, which is proof of the impact he has made in such a short time at the club.
“I think I explained before the Sunderland game that Son can play like a striker”. We conceded an early goal.
“Obviously we were disappointed to go behind – we didn’t start too well – but I thought we played quite well”. This is a team that won at Dnipro at this Stage which looks a great result considering the Ukrainian team readmed the Final and Qarabag have only lost 2 of their last 7 European away games, although one of those was at Celtic in the Champions League last month.
“I’m delighted for him – he played very well”.
“In pre-season Alli started to show that he can play like an experienced player”. “He showed personality, character and quality”. Son could also have made the win more emphatic for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but chipped the ball straight into the opposition goalkeeper’s hands when he had a hat-trick in his sights. “But you have to be careful with a 19-year-old – it is important to care for him to keep the level for the season”.
“If we win our home matches we can get out of the group, we’ve done it before”, he added. “They can fight to go to the next round”. Briefly forget the three points and the race to win Group J. If these two goals catalyse Son’s form they will be worth their weight in Premier League points.
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Though the Europa League has proven to be an unwanted distraction during previous seasons, the additional carrot of a Champions League place being on offer for the victorious team means Tottenham would be well advised to take the continent’s second-tier competition more seriously.
