Son rises to give lift-off to Tottenham’s European campaign

CSKA MOSCOW

Tottenham’s Champions League campaign is up and running after Son Heung-min scored his fifth goal in as many games to snatch a 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow.

Spurs dominated possession in the newly-built CSKA Arena but struggled to break down their resilient opponents until Son struck in the 71st minute to seal an invaluable three points.

The victory lifts Mauricio Pochettino’s men up to second in Group E and only a point behind leaders Monaco, who drew 1-1 at home to Bayer Leverkusen.

Much of the talk in the buildup to this contest surrounded Harry Kane’s return from injury but Son has now scored three goals in the two matches

0 Son Heung-min: Prolific. since Kane was carried off on a stretcher and this was arguably his most important.

Tottenham sat bottom of the standings at kick-off following their disappointing opening defeat at home to Monaco and this result puts them back in the hunt for top spot, in a group that looks unlikely to produce a runaway victor.

The hosts had an early claim for a penalty when they thought Jan Vertonghen blocked Zoran Tosic’s shot with his arm but the referee awarded nothing more than a corner. Both sides had chances at the start of the second period as first Son was sent clear by Victor Wanyama but took too long to shoot and then at the other end Lacina Traore’s cutback found Tosic, but his finish was deflected over.

Spurs took the lead when Erik Lamela drove through midfield and set free Son, whose poked finish sent the ball under Akinfeev and dribbling over the line.