We never give up, Heung-min hails gritty Spurs

LONDON: Son Heung-min (pic) saluted Tottenham’s fighting spirit as they shrugged off Harry Kane’s injury blow to beat Manchester City 1-0 in the first leg of their all-English Champions League quarter-final.

Heung-min was Tottenham’s hero as he netted a cool winner late in the second half to give his side a slender advantage to protect in next week’s second leg in Manchester.

It was an impressive display of resilience from Mauricio Pochettino’s men after star striker Kane limped off with his latest ankle problem early in the second half.

Hugo Lloris also deserved plaudits for saving Sergio Aguero’s first-half penalty, laying the foundations for Heung-min’s 78th-minute strike and inspiring the South Korean to hail their togetherness.

“Not just me but as a team, we never give up for 90 minutes. We fight,” Heung-min said.

“It was a very difficult game and in the end, we were more clinical than them.”

Heung-min had scored the first goal in Tottenham’s new ground in their English Premier League win over Crystal Palace last week.

Six days later, he was once again the toast of the 62,062 crowd.

“I like this stadium, it is amazing to play here, I am grateful for the opportunity to play at this stadium,” Heung-min said. While Tottenham have control of the tie, Heung-min warned that they will need another herculean effort to knock out City at the Etihad on April 17.

“It will be very tough, but we performed well, we fight well,” he said.

“We should just enjoy like we did today and fight altogether.”

City’s bid to win an unprecedented quadruple is now under threat after another tired display.

It appeared the strain of competing on four fronts might be taking its toll on City as they followed a lethargic English FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton with this tepid effort.

But City manager Pep Guardiola insisted his players had done enough to deserve a draw and are more than capable of mounting a fightback in the second leg.

“We created chances, more than the penalty. Except for a few set-pieces and some counter-attacks, we controlled the game,” Guardiola said.

“When we are not good I say so, but I don’t have that feeling.

“The result is not the best one but we have to make these kind of comebacks to go through.

“We have the second leg. It looks complicated but we will try.

“We are going to try at home, with our fans, with our families. The situation is what it is.”