Tottenham Hotspur rode their look as they earned three potentially vital points against fellow European hopefuls Brighton.
Heung Min Son has had a disappointing campaign by his own high standards, though lit this fixture up to open the scoring with a sensational strike on 10 minutes. The South Korean found himself in space on the left, shifted onto his right foot, and curled a stunner past Jason Steele from the edge of the box.
Brighton came back at Tottenham though and saw a Kaoro Mitomo effort ruled out for a handball, while Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo both had efforts saved by Hugo Lloris.
The Seagulls did find an equaliser 11 minutes before the break, Lewis Dunk making the most of some woeful defending from a Solly March corner to head home unmarked.
Brighton then had another ruled out for handball early in the second half and later had a strong penalty shout turned down as they continued to dominate, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg appearing to bring down Mitoma inside the box.
With 11 minutes to play and having had the benefit of a number of decisions, Spurs then rubbed salt into Brighton’s wounds as they re-established their lead. Son played Hojbjerg down the right channel before the Denmark international cut the ball back to Harry Kane. The Spurs record goalscorer was afforded acres of space on the edge of the area, making no mistake as he fired home with a first-time finish.
Speaking afterwards, goalscorer Son was asked about his achievement of becoming the first Asian player to net 100 Premier League strikes, dedicating it to his late grandfather.
“This was something that I dreamed for. It is an amazing achievement which I wouldn’t have had without my team-mates,” he told Match of the Day.
“Scoring 100 goals in the Premier League is a massive thing. I was really emotional because I have had tough moments in the last few weeks. My grandad passed away and it was not easy. I want to send that goal to him.
“I hope all the Asian players – especially in South Korea – look at this achievement and believe they can do it as well. It’s a good thing for Asia and I take a big responsibility to be a good example to help the young guys. I want them to believe an Asian player can do amazing things in the Premier League.”
Son’s goal was just his seventh in the league this season, a long way short of the 23 he banged in last term to earn him the golden boot.
“Sometimes you always expect an amazing season and it will be the same [as last year] but there can be more pressure. I’m the most frustrated guy and player but I see where I can improve. I am frustrated but I’m not the perfect player so I need to look at my weaknesses. The fans are supporting me and I need to take a big responsibility to do well for the rest of the season.”
