HERE COMES THE SON
He’s the Tottenham forward who will be facing Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City and his goals will have a huge say in which of those three clubs lifts the League title
ONE striker could decide the destiny of the title.
And his team will be kingmakers during the run-in as one of the most exciting Premier League races comes to a climax.
It is not Erling Haaland, Mo Salah or Kai Havertz who might have the final say as to who will be crowned champions on Sunday, May 19.
Tomorrow afternoon Tottenham’s Son Heungmin will lead his team into the North London derby in one of the most important matches for Arsenal in 20 years.
The Gunners clinched the title at White Hart Lane during the Invincibles season of 2003-04, but even though Mikel Arteta’s men know it is a must-win game, nothing will be decided this weekend.
It is because Tottenham still have to go to Liverpool on Sunday week and then entertain Manchester City in a rearranged game on May 14.
That’s the huge part Spurs can play in the outcome of this season and Son says they are relishing the chance to play some of the best teams in Europe.
But he also admits that Tottenham are still a young, developing squad while Arsenal must now be classed as among the top sides in the world.
“It will be a good test for our team,” said Son.
“Obviously we’re very young and we’re still a little bit inexperienced because we’re building a young team with new experiences.
“Some of them are in their first season in the Premier League. So look, we can test ourselves against one of the biggest teams in Europe and the Premier League. But also in the world.
“So I think it’s very important the way we play. Stick to our play, stick to our game. It’s a very, very good test.
“You want to always have good competition and you always want to face the best teams in the world.”
Liverpool’s defeat at Everton on Wednesday night showed the dangers of a derby and how a rival would dearly love to spike the title ambitions of their neighbours.
It was in 2010 when Tottenham – with Danny Rose scoring a spectacular effort – beat Arsenal in April to end any of their neighbour’s lingering title ambitions.
They could do the same again this time and Son has his own impressive record against Arsenal, scoring six times in the Premier League.
He classes tomorrow as the biggest game of their season so far.
Son added: “We’re working hard. We had a massive week to prepare for this big game and we’re feeling great.
“It’s a big derby and we know what it means for the team and the club and also for the fans. We’re going to prepare well and play our style of game.
“I’m always the type of guy with full confidence going into the games, believing in myself. Every single game is the same mindset. It doesn’t motivate me even more because it’s Arsenal.
“Every single game is big for me and a chance to show how impressive I can be.
“It’s not important who scores the goals or that I scored six goals previously in this game.
“I just need to be ready for the biggest game of the season.”
For Tottenham it is also a big game for their own season.
They are desperate to make it into the Champions League and it looks like it will be between them and Aston Villa for the fourth spot.
But it will also be 15 days since Tottenham’s bruising 4-0 defeat at Newcastle duri ng which time Arsenal have played FOUR games.
However, Son was brutal in his assessment of that game at St James’ Park, including his own “unacceptable” display and it is clear they will be fired up tomorrow.
Son said: “We have to be ready. It was an unacceptable result and unacceptable performance, as well from me.
“As a group, we’re talking a lot about this game and performance and everybody knows how to step up, they’ve all been playing long enough in the Premier League or for a professional team.
“It will be a really good game to bounce back and obviously the motivation will be even higher than in other games so I think we’ve got to just work hard until the game and do our style of play.
Then there’s no doubt we can bounce back.”
Tottenham still have to go to Liverpool and then entertain Man City