I caught him without SON→Son Heung-min's first win in 10 years + Hambam's smile! Tottenham win 2-1 against Man City...Successfully qualified for the quarterfinals of the League Cup

Oct 31, 2024

Tottenham gave the green light to its challenge to win the League Cup by capturing Manchester City in the absence of Son Heung-min. Tottenham reached the quarterfinals of the League Cup with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City. Son Heung-min couldn't play in the aftermath of the injury, but he watched his teammates' games in plain clothes and celebrated the team with a smile when the team's victory was confirmed after the game. Son Heung-min is expected to start in the upcoming league match against Aston Villa.Photo =Twitter Capture

Despite Son Heung-min's absence, Tottenham caught Manchester City 'Big Fish' and turned on the green light for the championship.

Son Heung-min couldn't be with him on the ground, but he watched the game from the stands and smiled at his team's tremendous victory.

Tottenham won 2-1 against Manchester City in the round of 16 of the Carabao Cup (League Cup) in 2024-2025 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on the 31st (Korea time). Tottenham advanced to the quarterfinals with the victory of the match, and the opponent for the quarterfinals was decided by Manchester United. It also changed the mood that had subsided after losing 0-1 to Crystal Palace in a league match earlier.

It is a meaningful victory for Tottenham. Tottenham's last major championship was the last major championship to win the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. There hasn't been a trophy in 16 years. Captain Son Heung-min has also failed to lift the trophy for 10 years since joining Tottenham. Under these circumstances, the fact that they beat Man City, a strong favorite, to reach the quarterfinals is a factor that can give them more confidence in their future schedules.

Tottenham played in a 4-3-3 formation on the day. Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and Timo Werner built the three-top, while Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr worked together in the midfield. The four backs were Mickey van der Penn, Radu Dragusin, Christian Romero and Archie Gray. The goal was guarded by Guglielmo Vicario.

Tottenham missed the match on the day due to Son Heung-min's injury. Son Heung-min's injury problem broke out again in the previous game against Alkmaar. Son Heung-min returned to the starting lineup in the last league match against West Ham and played his first game since injury, but instead of full-time, he left the ground in 70 minutes.

Postecoglou added: "Son Heung-min has slowed down a bit of pain since the game against West Ham United. He will not play against Alkmaar. He would not have participated even if he was in a physical condition to run. After excluding Son Heung-min from tomorrow's game, he explained, "I will watch his condition later." He also said he could not play against Crystal Palace and Manchester City this time.

Manchester City also faced off with a 4-3-3 formation. Phil Foden was positioned with Savinho and Matheus Núñez at the front line, and the midfield was formed by Ilkay Gündoan, James McAtee and Nico O'Reilly. The defense was built by Rico Lewis, John Stones, Hoobeng Dias and Nathan Ake. The goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Stefan Ortega.

Tottenham scored the first goal from the beginning of the first half and succeeded in gaining the upper hand against Manchester City. Werner finished Kulusevski's low and fast cross with a right footed shot in the fifth minute of the first half, and immediately shook Manchester City's net. Werner, who showed his worst decision in the last few games, was able to be relieved by scoring an important first goal against Manchester City.

Tottenham have an injury problem. In the 11th minute of the first half, Pandepen complained of hamstring pain and was replaced by Destiny Udogi. For Tottenham, it was a big problem that the defense could falter.

Fortunately, Tottenham widened the gap with Manchester City by scoring extra points. Sarr, who received Kulusevski's pass in the 25th minute of the first half, scored an additional goal by stabbing the corner of Manchester City's goal with a mid-range shot.

Manchester City didn't just back down. In the extra time of the first half, Núñez scored Tottenham's goal by finishing Savinho's cross from the right with a volley shot. Tottenham finished with a 2-1 lead in the first half.

Tottenham continued to look for opportunities in the second half. Werner blew a golden chance. In the 6th minute of the second half, Werner received a long pass and quickly penetrated into Manchester City's camp and took a one-on-one opportunity. But Werner's left footed shot went straight off the post. In the 10th minute of the second half, Kulusevski's shot was blocked by Ortega's good defense, swallowing regret.

Both teams had injury problems. In the 14th minute of the second half, Savinho left the stadium on a stretcher complaining of pain. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Werner complained of hamstring pain and was replaced.

Man City missed the equaliser. In the 24th minute of the second half, Jacob Wright's attempt near the Tottenham box arc flew directly to the side of the net. Tottenham also had a chance to score their third goal. In the 38th minute of the second half, Hishalisson caught the ball after the opponent's mistake and had a good shot in the penalty box, but the shot flew with too weak force and Orte was hit by the body.

Tottenham endured the crisis at the end of the game. In the 43rd minute of the second half, O'Reilly attempted a strong shot at the goal where Vicario popped out, but Bissouma, who was holding out in front, barely blocked it. Later in the second half extra time, Wright once again had a chance to shoot a mid-range shot in front of the box, but it went off the goal. In the end, the match ended with Tottenham's 2-1 victory.

After the game, Son Heung-min was seen congratulating his teammates for beating Manchester City. Son Heung-min, who was unable to play until this game due to injury, is expected to start in the upcoming league match against Aston Villa.

digh1229@sportschosun.com