SON RISES FROM THE DEPTHS
STRIKER DOUBLES UP FOR SPURS AFTER HIS DISMAY AT EVERTON
HEUNG-MIN SON scored twice against Red Star Belgrade last night, just four days after being left devastated by the ankle break suffered by Everton’s Andre Gomes.
The South Korea forward kept his celebrations muted, even appearing to make a gesture in support of Gomes, as Tottenham romped to a victory that boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
They sit in second place in Group B on seven points, five behind Bayern Munich who have already qualified. Red Star are third on three, while Olympiakos have only one point with two games to play.
Son was handed a start by Mauricio Pochettino, despite being left distressed by events at Goodison Park when his tackle during Spurs’ Premier League game with Everton led to Gomes’ horrific injury.
It was a comfortable night for Pochettino’s side who had thrashed Red Star 5-0 at home a fortnight ago, although they were grateful to Paulo Gazzaniga denying Milan Pavkov before they went ahead following an almighty scramble.
Harry Kane hit the post and Son had a shot blocked on the line and then also hit the woodwork before Giovani Lo Celso put the ball in the net. There was then drama at the other end when Rajiv van la Parra drove against the right-hand upright and Davinson Sanchez miscued his clearance against the crossbar before Spurs cleared.
Spurs took full control after the break thanks to two fine finishes into the roof of the net from Son, the first from Dele Alli’s pass and the second from Danny Rose’s assist. Christian Eriksen’s deflected strike made it 4-0 five minutes from time.