Son shines for Spurs

Spurs just getting started says Postecoglou after rout

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR climbed to second after their sparkling start under Ange Postecoglou continued. Burnley took the lead after just four minutes at Turf Moor through Lyle Foster.

Son Heung-min, who was moved into a more central role by Postecoglou in place of Richarlison, soon proved his manager had pulled off another masterstroke.

The Tottenham captain’s deft chip levelled before a thunderous strike from Cristian Romero put the visitors in front in first half stoppage time.

James Maddison’s curling finish from the edge of the box made it 3-1 before Son took centre stage to score twice in three minutes and complete his hattrick.

“I’m the captain, but I have great players around me,” said Son, who was handed the armband when Harry Kane departed for Bayern Munich.

“My job is really easy and I try to be an example, try to smile and try to take responsibility on and off the pitch.”

Ange Postecoglou insisted Tottenham are only just getting started after Son’s hattrick on Saturday.

Postecoglou’s side bounced back after their disappointing midweek League Cup exit at Fulham to record a third successive Premier League victory.

Asked if Son’s performance showed how Spurs can cope without Kane, Postecoglou said: “It’s not exactly why but it’s one of the reasons.

“I’ve got a picture in my head about what I want the team to look like and I keep saying we’re still at the beginning of it.

“We’re still building and there’s a lot to be done. It’s about putting all the pieces together.”

Losing Kane was a huge blow to Tottenham ahead of the new season, but Postecoglou said their record goal-scorer’s departure could allow others to shine.

Son and Maddison will be key to Postecoglou’s overhaul as the former Celtic boss tries to bring entertaining football to a fanbase staved of eye-catching performances during the dour reigns of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.

“There are some really good footballers in this club and they have the ability to play in the way this team needs to set up,” Postecoglou said.

“Sonny, whether he’s playing central or right, he’s got all the characteristics to play the way we want to play.

“I thought today was a real testament to Sonny, Madders and Romero, the way they embraced that responsibility not just with words but with actions and not just on game day but on a daily basis.

“That’s as encouraging for me as anything because as good as they are individually, they have that team spirit and that’s important for me.”