Tottenham vs. Qarabag: Winners and Losers from Europa League Game
Son Heung-Min bagged a first-half brace as Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to defeat Azerbaijani champions Qarabag, 3-1, on Thursday night in both teams' first game in UEFA Europa League Group J.
Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in August, Son found the net in the 28th and 30th minutes to cancel out Richard Almeida's opener for Qarabag. Erik Lamela sealed the win with a late goal for Tottenham, who will now turn their attention back to the Premier League and Sunday's match at Crystal Palace.
Here, B/R selects winners and losers from Tottenham's win.
Winner: Son Heung-Min
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When he signed for Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen last month, Son Heung-Min brought Champions League experience with him, having scored five times in Europe (including qualifiers) last term for the Bundesliga side. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino must have hoped that goalscoring record would translate over to the Europa League, and on Thursday, it did.
In the 28th minute, with Tottenham facing a surprising 1-0 deficit, Son reacted quickest to sweep home a corner from close range. Admittedly, the South Korean benefited from the fact that Qarabag neglected to mark him entirely, but his scoring instincts helped him reach the ball before goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic, who stood only a few feet away.
Son struck again just two minutes later, finishing a fine team move that he started. After passing to Dele Alli on the right, Son claimed the return ball and slotted in at the far post for what turned out to be the winner.
"His performance you can see I am very pleased with him, very happy," Pochettino told BBC Sport. "His adaptation to the club has been good from the beginning."
Pochettino added: "I explained before the Sunderland game that Son can play like a striker. He can also play wider. He has the quality to play in different positions on the pitch."
Such versatility can only help Spurs in the future. And if he continues to score, Son can help take some of the load—and pressure—off Harry Kane, who has been attracting extra attention from opposing defenders this season.
It's too early to know whether Son's first season in England will be a success, but Thursday represented a solid starting point.
Loser: Danny Rose
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Danny Rose provided a consistent attacking outlet for Tottenham down the left flank, and that will have come as no surprise to those who follow the player regularly. Rose's problem wasn't in the attacking third. His problem was defending.
And as a left-back, Rose's defending has to improve.
In the 38th minute, Rose put his side under unnecessary pressure with a giveaway, chesting the ball into the path of Afran Ismayilov. Fortunately for Rose, the Qarabag man shot off target, but the sequence easily could have resulted in a goal.
Rose made another error two minutes into the second half, gifting Qarabag a chance with another giveaway. Ismayilov crossed dangerously this time, but Toby Alderweireld spared Rose's blushes with a crucial clearance.
As ever, Rose was dangerous going forward for Tottenham. But until he tightens up defensively, he won't unseat Ben Davies as the starter at left-back.
Winner: Dele Alli
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Dele Alli set up Son's second goal with a brilliant assist, and he might have had a couple more if not for wayward finishing on the part of Lamela.
The assist was an eye-catching moment. Accepting a pass from Son on the right, Alli flashed impressive skills with a Cruyff turn that took him past his marker and seemingly set up a shooting chance. Instead, he passed to Son, who had a better angle and finished easily.
That was the highlight, of course, but Alli played well throughout the 90 minutes. At just 19 years old, Alli showed maturity and unselfishness with the assist. Tottenham fans should be excited about what the future holds.
BBC Sport noted:
"Signed from MK Dons in January for an initial £5m fee, the 19-year-old showed brilliant footwork to turn in the box and create space for the pass - the high point of an excellent all-round performance.
Alli could have had a hat-trick of assists had Lamela's finishing been better, and he delighted the home fans with his trickery, determination and invention.
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Harry Kane used the Europa League as a stepping stone to greater things last season. Perhaps Alli, Son or both will do the same this time.
Winner: Harry Kane
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Kane entered the match as a 68th-minute substitute for Son, and he set up Tottenham's third goal less than 20 minutes later with a bit of admirable hustle.
After a Spurs attack broke down in Qarabag's half, Kane alertly applied pressure in midfield to win back the ball almost immediately. He then slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Lamela, whose chipped finish gave Tottenham a bit of breathing room at 3-1.
It was a nice goal for Lamela, who faces a "key season" at Tottenham, according to his manager, per talkSPORT. But it was an even nicer assist from Kane, whose hard work paid off for a team-mate.
Winner: Richard Almeida
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Qarabag took a surprising lead in the seventh minute as Richard Almeida converted from the spot. Kieran Trippier conceded the penalty, and Almeida took full advantage with a shot that was simply unstoppable.
Hugo Lloris guessed correctly, diving to his left. But Almeida hit the ball perfectly, driving it into the corner of the net past the French goalkeeper.
Tottenham eventually turned the game around, but Qarabag and Almeida deserve credit for making a game of it.
