27 October 2023 , 21:03
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Son Heung-min wasted little time showing why Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou compared him to Cristiano Ronaldo.
South Korea international Son was made captain by Postecoglou shortly after the former Celtic boss took over in North London. He has justified the extra responsibility, providing goals and assists to help his team top the Premier League table despite losing last season's top scorer Harry Kane.
The ex-Leverkusen man was on target again at Crystal Palace, turning a Brennan Johnson pull-back beyond Eagles keeper Sam Johnstone to put Spurs 2-0 in front before Jordan Ayew scored a late consolation. And his movement for that goal spoke to the praise sent his way be Postecoglou before kick-off.
Postecoglou admitted he was reluctant to compare Son to Ronaldo but still went ahead with the likeness. "It is similar to Cristiano at Manchester United, he started out as a winger," the Australian told Sky Sports.
"I have always felt that Sonny is such a good finisher, his movement is outstanding. I think he is clever enough to play centrally as it gets a bit more congested than when you are out wide.
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"I always like his work ethic. His press initiates everything for us from a defensive point of view. It was an idea I had in my mind and thankfully it has worked out."
After a frustrating first 45 minutes, during which neither side posed much of a threat, Spurs went in front early in the second period as Joel Ward turned a James Maddison ball into his own net. Midway through the second half it was two, with Son peeling off his marker to take advantage of good work from newly-introduced sub Johnson.
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Son scored Spurs' second goal against Crystal Palace (PA)Before the game, pundit Jamie Carragher spoke about how impressed he was by Spurs under Postecoglou - especially after Kane's departure. The victory at Selhurst Park ensures they will end the weekend top of the league, while preserving their unbeaten record through 10 games.
"It’s not just starting well without Harry Kane, it’s for any manager coming in and trying to change the style of football completely," Carragher said. "It wasn’t just the last manager, it was almost engrained in Tottenham when you go back to the last few managers, starting with Jose Mourinho and even Nuno (Espirito Santo) and then (Antonio) Conte.
"To change it so quickly and have the impact the manager has had on the team and for them to be fully in tune with what they are doing, it is really big right now. It’s not just about the results, I think Tottenham supporters are enjoying watching their team play. In the past, they have been in this position at the top of the league but not actually enjoyed watching their team play. It’s been a big shift."