BBC pundit says Tottenham not the same without £22M player
Tottenham Hotspur faced elimination from the FA Cup after a 1-0 defeat against Manchester City in the fourth round.
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, missing key players due to international duty, experienced a setback in their pursuit of silverware for the 2023/24 season.
In the 88th minute, Nathan Ake scored, securing Pep Guardiola’s side their first victory at Tottenham’s new stadium after five unsuccessful attempts.
The goal stirred controversy as Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario failed to retain the ball while Ruben Dias backed into him.
Despite the contentious nature of City’s winning goal, Spurs struggled throughout the game and failed to display the potential for more than a replay.
Son Heung-min’s Absence Felt
BBC Sport pundit Clinton Morrison observed that Tottenham lacked their usual flair without Son Heung-min, who is captaining South Korea in the Asian Cup.
Son’s leadership has helped South Korea progress to the knockout stages, where they will face Saudi Arabia on January 30.
Tottenham’s attack appeared less dynamic in the absence of the £22 million man, and Morrison, commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, emphasized the impact of Son’s non-participation.
“Watching Tottenham today, they have missed Son badly,” he stated shortly after City scored against Spurs.
In addition to Son, two other key players, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, are currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite their commendable performances for their countries, the absence of these stars proved to be a significant setback for Spurs, who might have performed better against Manchester City at full strength.
Read Also: Five things we learned from Tottenham’s FA Cup exit
Read Also: Tottenham ratings vs Man City: Toothless attack undermines sturdy defence
Read Also: Tottenham ready stunning last gasp bid, £80m will seal deal
Read Also: Manager says Tottenham was dream of my entire life – Spurs held back by ‘economics’