Tottenham boss finally explains why they did not sign Harry Kane replacement

02 September 2023 , 19:36

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Son Heung-min scored a hat-trick for Tottenham at Burnley (Image: Getty Images)

Ange Postecoglou admits that Son Heung-min was the reason behind why Tottenham did not sign a replacement for Harry Kane.

New Spurs skipper Son started down the middle for Spurs' 5-2 win over Burnley on Saturday. Despite falling behind to an early Lyle Foster strike, Tottenham dominated and Son spearheaded an impressive performance from Postecoglou's side, helping himself to a hat-trick.

Son equalised with an excellent curling effort, before Cristian Romero completed the turnaround just before half-time. Spurs added three more goals after the break with James Maddison getting in on the act as Son scored two more to complete his hat-trick. Son's third was a trademark finish after he ran in behind the Burnley back-line before finishing low beyond James Trafford.

Josh Brownhill scored late on for Burnley, but Tottenham continued their unbeaten start to the season with a third win from four Premier League matches. Certainly, Postecoglou was pleased with Son's display after the match.

When asked about Son's performance, Postecoglou said: "One of the reasons we didn't buy (a number nine) is that Sonny, central or wide, has all the characteristics to play in any system.

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"I have a picture in my head of what want the team to look like and we are still building. There is lots to be done."

Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammate Cristian Romero

Spurs lost Kane to Bayern Munich on the eve of their Premier League opener at Brentford last month. Kane, who scored 30 top-flight goals last season, made the £86.4million move to the Allianz Arena as he swapped north London for Bavaria.

However, Spurs have now won their last three matches after drawing against Brentford on opening day, beating Manchester United, Bournemouth and now Burnley.

Spurs also have Brennan Johnson to come into the squad following his Deadline Day swoop from Nottingham Forest. Johnson, 22, joined in a deal worth around £47.5m to bolster Tottenham's attacking ranks. The Wales international, who predominately operates on the right side, can also fill in down the middle and adds versatility and quality to Spurs' forward line.

Speaking on Johnson, who scored eight Premier League goals last season, Postecoglou said: "He is young and ambitious and that has been the model for me wherever I've been. Looking at him he will fit in. He's hungry and wants to take his game to another level."

Tottenham have signed a striker this summer. Alejo Veliz arrived in a £12m deal from Rosario Central but he has not made an appearance yet.

Kieran King