Son Heung-min shines on White Hart Lane bow as Tottenham beat Qarabag

17 September 2015 21:16

Son Heung-min scored a quick-fire brace on his home debut as Tottenham came from behind to beat Qarabag in their Europa League opener on Thursday night.

The big-money summer signing was deployed as the lone striker with goalless Harry Kane rested for the visit of the Azerbaijan champions - the first time in almost seven months the England international has not started a game for Spurs.

But his replacement on the night showed why he was signed for a fee in excess of £20million as he scored two predatory goals in the space of three minutes to cancel out Richard Almeida's early penalty for the visitors - with Erik Lamela also in the scoresheet in the 3-1 win.

Son almost slipped in Lamela only to see Qarabag goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic come off his line and collect as his side then set about taking the early initiative.

Kieran Trippier, making his Tottenham debut after his summer arrival from relegated Burnley, had started brightly but was caught square by Ansi Agolli and tripped the left-back to concede a penalty that was duly dispatched by Almeida to give Qarabag an unexpected lead.

The visitors were having the better of the opening exchanges as Tottenham could not settle, with Son flashing a shot well wide when given a rare sight of goal.

But the South Korea international levelled the game on 28 minutes as he turned home Andros Townend's low corner unmarked from inside the six-yard box.

His second followed just three minutes later as Dele Alli danced into the box before squaring for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man to fire past Sehic and turn the match on its head.

Alli should have had his own goal but could not beat Sehic after being played in behind by Townsend, and soon after Toby Alderweireld headed over Trippier's deep cross.

The visitors were still a threat going forward and Danny Rose was lucky to get away with a chested backpass that was intercepted by Afran Ismayilov, who could only shoot wide after latching on to the loose ball.

Reynaldo was next to come close to an equaliser as the striker met Javid Taghiyev's pinpoint cross with a header that flashed over Hugo Lloris' crossbar.

Lamela came close at the start of the second half as he hit the post after running onto Alli's through ball before Son attempted a deft finish when he could have easily completed his hat-trick.

Qarabag had settled for hitting Tottenham on the break and, after Spurs debutant Kevin Wimmer had dallied when attempting a clearance, Dani Quintana flashed a shot just wide.

Son came off to a rousing ovation with just over 20 minutes remaining as Kane replaced him, with Clinton Njie coming on for his Spurs bow in place of Townsend, but it was Quintana who again came close as his header forced Lloris into action.

Lamela then killed the game off , chipping home after Kane had chased back and won the ball back from Rashad Sadygov before feeding the Argentinian forward.

Alli could not top a fine personal display with a goal as he saw a late shot dribble past the post but Spurs saw out stoppage time to open their Group J campaign with all three points.

TWEET OF THE MATCH

"This young Spurs team is full of baby face players. The team sponsor should be Mothercare." - Tottenham fan @Lord_Sugar has a new business idea.

https://twitter.com/Lord_Sugar/status/644604453421776896

PLAYER RATINGS

Tottenham:

Hugo Lloris: 6/10

Kieran Trippier: 6

Kevin Wimmer: 7

Toby Alderweireld: 6

Danny Rose: 5

Eric Dier: 6

Tom Carroll: 6

Dele Alli: 8

Erik Lamela: 6

Andros Townsend: 6

Song Heung-min: 8

Subs:

Harry Kane: 6

Clinton Njie: 5

Harry Winks: 6

STAR PLAYER

Dele Alli: Son may have stolen the show with two goals on his home debut but former MK Dons midfielder Alli ran the show on his first appearance in European football. The 19-year-old provided a superb assist for the second goal and was constantly a thorn in the side of the Qarabag defence. Should have had his own goal when played through in the first-half but other than that he was on top form.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Son Heung-min: The South Korean scored a well-taken second goal just moments after opening his Tottenham account with a tap-in. He finished coolly having been played in by Alli and showed that he has the ability to provide plenty of goals for the White Hart Lane faithful to savour.

VIEW FROM THE BENCH

Pochettino would have been upset with his side's start to the game but, with Kane struggling for goals and rested tonight, the Argentinian would have been delighted that summer recruit Son was able to show his promise. Trippier, Wimmer and Njie all made their competitive debuts and, with Mousa Dembele, Christian Eriksen and Ryan Mason to return from injury, Pochettino has a strong squad to push on for success this season.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

A distinct lack of atmosphere seems to haunt this competition and the draw of playing the champions of Azerbaijan could not attract a bumper crowd at White Hart Lane. The majority of those in attendance were quiet for much of the contest. A long run in the tournament may change that but for now these sorts of evenings are here to stay.

WHO'S UP NEXT

Tottenham v Crystal Palace (Premier League, Sunday September 20).

Midfielder Dele Alli expected a workout against the Azerbaijan champions but was happy with Spurs' overall performance.

"I think it was unfortunate to give away the first goal but overall it was a good performance," he told BT Sport Europe.

"They definitely weren't going to come here and play down. They made us work for the win as we knew they would and they're not a bad side. They came here with a point to prove and I think they did well."

The playmaker also hailed double goalscorer Son after the South Korean changed the course of the game in two first-half minutes.

"It's always good to help the team and I'm obviously happy for Son getting his two goals and it was good to play a part in it and I'm happy with the win," Alli said.

"He's a top player and it's always good to have competition with a few players that can play up front. He put in a good performance and I'm delighted for him getting his two goals."

Source: PA