Tottenham skipper Son Heung-min should be highly motivated to deliver the goods against Arsenal
The international break is slowly coming to an end and one can sense the build-up to Tottenham Hotspur hosting bitter rivals Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Lilywhites were beaten at their home turf comprehensively by Mikel Arteta’s boys last season, despite those late surge of goals. As it is the North London Derby, one cannot tell what is on offer as there could be twists and turns throughout the 90 minutes on Sunday.
Tottenham welcome their arch-rivals looking to get back on track after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park before the international break. This saw Spurs pick up just four points from their opening three Premier League games, leaving head coach Ange Postecoglou already under some pressure.
-> Tottenham’s 5 best PL opening day wins
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has now dropped his verdict ahead of the exciting North London Derby. Speaking on talkSPORT, he stated that Tottenham skipper Son Heung-min could be the ‘difference’ in the game while praising Spurs’ style of play under Big Ange.
“I like what Spurs are doing,” Martin Keown said on talkSPORT. “I like the way they play. I like the unity in the stadium. I like the togetherness.
“Son is the player that might be the difference. Kulusevski. They are looking at Solanke now coming in. He has been injured. He has been out. Maybe he has had a good period for him. This is maybe a springboard for the start of his career at Spurs proper. He hasn’t hit the ground running yet, but he has had an injury.
“There is Bissouma in there. Maddison. Sarr. They have got decent players. I like their fullbacks (Porro and Udogie). I like the way that they play. Both of their fullbacks pushing up.”
Son Heung-min has tormented Arsenal over the years and he will be desperate to make an impression in the upcoming North London Derby. Being the Spurs skipper, there will be added responsibility on the South Korean superstar of marshalling the troops and keeping them highly motivated throughout the game.
The £190,000-per-week ace has a solid record against the Gunners. He has 10 goal contributions (eight goals and two assists) in 20 appearances across all competitions, including three goals in two Premier League appearances last season.
-> Tottenham Hotspur confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Going by how Son has haunted Arsenal before, coupled with a strong start to the new season with two goals in three appearances, Mikel Arteta’s men will be wary of the Spurs captain’s threat on and off the ball. Of course, the fans will want to see the South Korean score and help Tottenham get one over our bitterest rivals.
