Son shines as Spurs go top
SON Heung-min sent Tottenham Hotspur to the top of the Premier League as the South Korean’s freekick clinched a 1-0 win against Watford yesterday.
In the late game, Manchester United moved into third place on goal difference after Mason Greenwood’s 80th minute goal earned them a 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. United have seven points from three games.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Tottenham side have made a flawless start to the new domestic season, and they sit two points clear of second placed West Ham United after a third successive victory.
Son settled a hard-fought clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when his free-kick caught Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann out of position in the 42nd minute.
After their protracted search for a manager to succeed Jose Mourinho dragged on throughout the closeseason, Tottenham were in danger of becoming a laughing stock. Nuno was far from their first choice, but the former Wolves boss has hit the ground running in north London.
Three consecutive 1-0 wins, including one against champions Manchester City, as well as progress in the Europa Conference League, suggest Tottenham could enjoy a better season than expected.
It will help that Harry Kane is still in the fold and the striker was making his first league appearance of the season after the end of his transfer saga.
The England captain’s future was resolved last week when he announced he was staying at the club after failing in his attempt to force a move to Manchester City.
Kane’s name was loudly cheered by the Tottenham fans before kickoff and he had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the opening minute.
Watford midfielder Moussa Sissoko was back at Tottenham just two days after leaving for the Hornets and he nearly laid on an early goal. Sissoko picked out Juraj Kucka and his shot was headed off the line by Eric Dier.
Bachmann made a good save to repel Japhet Tanganga’s close-range effort after the Hornets failed to clear a corner.
Son shot wide and Davinson Sanchez headed over before Spurs took the lead in the 42nd minute.
Son swung in a free-kick from the left wing and Bachmann was caught out as it sailed past him and the rest of the Watford defence into the far corner. It was Son’s second goal of the season after the forward’s winner against Manchester City on the opening weekend.
Set up by Kane’s pass, Dele Alli should have doubled the lead, but the midfielder swept just wide from close-range.
Kane was denied by Bachmann’s fine save in the closing stages but Tottenham had done enough to earn the three points.
In yesterday’s other early match, Patrick Bamford rescued a 1-1 draw for Leeds United against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Sean Dyche’s side took the lead in the 61st minute when Leeds failed to clear a corner and Matt Lowton’s shot was flicked in by Chris Wood.