Son Heung-min returns to star in dominant 4-1 performance against West Ham

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Son Heung-min returns to star in dominant 4-1 performance against West Ham

Published: 20 Oct. 2024, 14:32 Updated: 20 Oct. 2024, 16:12

PAIK JI-HWAN
paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min celebrates scoring during a Premier League match against West Ham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday. [AFP/YONHAP]

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min put on a standout display during his team's 4-1 win against West Ham on Saturday, with the player saying his time out with injury helped him “recharge.”

Son, who missed nearly three weeks of action for Spurs and the Korean national team through an injury sustained on Sept. 26, returned to the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and scored in style.

The winger broke through the defense from the left flank and showed some flashy footwork to make it 4-1 in the 60th minute.

The goal marked his third of the 2024-25 Premier League season and his first since his double against Everton on Aug. 24.

The Spurs captain failed to score in the following games, although he did pick up two assists against Brentford on Sept. 21.

Speaking after Saturday’s fixture, he said, “Sometimes injury time can be good. We have such a busy time. That two or three weeks was perfect to recharge myself and today I was feeling really, really good.”

Despite Tottenham’s 4-1 victory, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was not pleased about failing to keep a clean sheet.

“When we conceded the first goal, he [Postecoglou] wasn't very happy,” Son said. “He talked about protecting our goal like a home. But generally, the performance, I am very happy.”

While Son was out with his injury, he missed two 2026 World Cup qualifiers with the Korean national team.

Despite his absence, however, Korea won the two games against Jordan and Iraq with visible improvements from their performance last month, when the squad struggled to play with cohesion and relied on Son, Hwang Hee-chan and other key players.

Korea play their next qualifiers in November. Until then, Son will continue to be in action with Spurs who face AZ Alkmaar in a Europa League match at home on Friday.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]