Rising Son is the real deal and other things learned as Spurs win 4-1

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  • Tottenham leapfrogged Liverpool to climb into third place in the Premier League with a 4-1 win at Bournemouth on Sunday.

    The victory was however soured as Harry Kane limped off with just over half an hour played.

    Spurs were 1-0 down at that point, following Junior Stanislas’ early opener, but a Dele Alli goal, Son Heung-min’s brace and Serge Aurier’s late strike turned the game in their favour.

    Here’s what we learned as Spurs recovered from their Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Juventus.

    ROSE FAILS TO TAKE HIS CHANCE

    Ben Davies has clearly moved ahead of Danny Rose as Tottenham’s first-choice left-back in Mauricio Pochettino’s eyes. The Welshman’s consistent selection over the last couple of months is proof of that.

    Having been omitted from the team that faced Bournemouth due to ‘general fatigue’, Rose was afforded an opportunity to shine and make a comeback as a first team regular, one that he squandered over the 90 minutes at the Vitality Stadium.

    The Englishman never looked comfortable and was at fault for the opening goal as he was beaten far too easily by Adam Smith who delivered the ball into the box for Stanislas’s opening strike.

    His own crossing was wayward as well with only one of his nine attempts finding a team-mate while failing to make a single tackle in the game.

    Rose was also guilty of vacating his post and on one occasion, raced back and hacked down Callum Wilson in a desperate attempt to recover, receiving a booking for his troubles.

    Danny Rose disappointed

    Danny Rose disappointed.

    RISING SON IS THE REAL DEAL

    South Korea’s favourite Son is quickly becoming one of the standout players in the Premier League and it’s time to recognise him for it. In terms of goal contributions in the league – 12 goals and five assists – and indeed performances, he’s in the same bracket as the likes of celebrated attackers Eden Hazard and Leroy Sane.

    Having been afforded a run in the side by Mauricio Pochettino, Son has responded with seven goals and an assist in his last four appearances in all competitions. His form this season has eclipsed that of more high-profile wingers like Alexis Sanchez.

    While the strike for his first goal against the Cherries was scuffed into the ground, his second was brilliantly taken, rounding the keeper in a tight space before slotting the ball into an empty net. The cheeky finish was befitting of a player clearly swelling with confidence.

    At only 25, there’s plenty to come still from Son as he reaches his prime and there aren’t many better clubs or managers other than Spurs and Pochettino that would facilitate his development and help him unlock his full potential.

    Son Heung-Min on the up

    Son Heung-Min on the up.

    THREE LIONS INJURED

    Spurs’ treatment table was fairly light going into this fixture, so much so that Pochettino had the luxury of resting Davies, leaving him out of the squad entirely. His replacement Rose, however, ended up capping a poor performance by hobbling off with 10 minutes to go.

    That was after main man Kane went down injured in the first half and had to be substituted. Early reports suggest he hurt his right ankle although the extent of the damage is unclear. Spurs will hope that the injury isn’t too serious as they look to secure a top four spot.

    Fortunately, an in-form Son was on hand to gleefully accept the goal-scoring responsibility. England, on the other hand, will be waiting on Kane’s medical report with bated breath ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

    To add to Gareth Southgate’s concerns, a third England World Cup hopeful, Dele Alli, also limped off in the closing stages. Even if the attacking midfielder’s injury isn’t too serious, it hasn’t come at the best time with the 21-year-old finally ending his 15-match goal drought against the Cherries.

    Harry Kane injury scare

    Harry Kane injury scare.

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