Europa League: Tottenham’s Euro blushes saved as new boy Son conjures double
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 3 FK QARABAG 1
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side made life hard for themselves before £22m home debutant Son Heung-min ignited their Europa League campaign with a double against Azerbaijani champions FK Qarabag last night.
Forward Son, a close season capture from Bayer Leverkusen, turned the tide after Qarabag surged into an early lead courtesy of a Richard Almeida penalty, while Erik Lamela ensured victory with a chipped third.
“After we conceded it was difficult but I am pleased with the character and personality,” said Pochettino. “In the end we fully deserved the result. We have a good balance and a lot of competition and I’m happy with that.”
Tottenham have struggled for goals so far this season, having netted just four times in their opening five Premier League matches.
Son finding form will be a welcome boost for Pochettino, whose side face Crystal Palace and Manchester City in the Premier League and Arsenal in the Capital One Cup ahead of their next European clash, in Monaco.
“It was a very good debut for him [Son]. He’s a very nice guy and he scored which is great,” added Pochettino.
Debutant Kieran Trippier conceded a seventh minute penalty although a quick-fire double from lone striker Son saw Spurs ahead by the half-hour mark, as Lamela added a late third.