Dean Ashton claims Tottenham Hotspur skipper Son Heung-min appeared disinterested against Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has come under criticism from former Premier League striker Dean Ashton, who questioned his attitude during Spurs’ frustrating 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. The North London Derby, which saw Gabriel Magalhaes score the game’s only goal from a set piece, was a hard-fought battle, but Ashton believes that Tottenham’s reaction to going behind was concerning.

Despite enjoying over 60% possession and registering more shots on target than their rivals, Tottenham couldn’t find a way past Arsenal’s defence. Ashton, speaking on talkSPORT’s Sunday Session, expressed his surprise at the lack of urgency from Spurs after Arsenal took the lead, specifically pointing out that Son appeared disinterested during the critical moments of the game.

Ashton’s Concerns About Son’s Effort

Ashton didn’t hold back in his assessment of Tottenham’s reaction after conceding. He singled out Son Heung-min, Spurs’ skipper and talisman, as someone who seemed out of sorts following Arsenal’s goal. Ashton noted, highlighting the forward’s lack of intensity in trying to turn the game around.

“The one thing that really surprised me was, after the goal, the response. Son looked very disinterested,”

Son, who has been a key player for Tottenham for several seasons, didn’t appear to have the same impact or drive that fans have come to expect from him in high-stakes matches like the North London Derby. For Ashton, this disinterest was a glaring issue in a game where Spurs needed their captain to step up.

Maddison and Solanke Left Struggling

Ashton also criticized James Maddison, who failed to influence the game as much as Spurs fans had hoped. “Maddison not being able to get into the game,” Ashton said, emphasizing that Tottenham’s creative spark was missing when they needed it most. Maddison, known for his vision and playmaking ability, struggled to find his rhythm and link up with the attack, leaving Spurs without the creative force they needed to break down Arsenal’s defence.

Additionally, Ashton pointed out that Tottenham’s striker, Dominic Solanke, was left isolated for large periods of the match. He stated that Solanke received little support from his teammates, despite being up against two of the best center-backs in the league. “They just said we’ll leave you to it, to two of the best centre-backs in the division,” Ashton remarked, expressing his frustration at Tottenham’s lack of cohesion in attack after going behind.

Tottenham’s Dominance in Possession Not Reflected in Result

Tottenham may have dominated possession with over 60% of the ball, but it was Arsenal who left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with all three points. Despite Spurs registering more shots on target than their North London rivals, the lack of urgency and a clear game plan after falling behind ultimately cost them. Ashton’s critique highlights a larger issue of Spurs’ mentality when facing adversity, something Ange Postecoglou will need to address moving forward.

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For Tottenham, the criticism from Dean Ashton serves as a reminder that even with possession and chances, games like the North London Derby require leaders to step up when it matters most. Son, as captain, will be expected to lead by example, and both he and Maddison must find ways to exert their influence on the game when Spurs face similar challenges.

As Postecoglou continues to mold this Tottenham side, how they respond to adversity will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their season.