Much to the forward’s frustration, Ange Postecoglou decided to start Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min on the bench against Bournemouth.
Postecoglou opted to start Wilson Odobert on the left, leaving Son watching on from sidelines for Tottenham.
Speaking after the game about Spurs’ new strength in depth, Son did admit that he’d still rather be starting games – claiming that he’s still in top shape.
But perhaps there was an element of Postecoglou holding back Son ahead of Thursday to face AZ Alkmaar, even if he was needed at half-time against Bournemouth.
The South Korean did make a big impact in his 45 minutes, including winning a penalty from Kepa Arrizabalaga late on to level the game.
Andoni Iraola claims that Son Heung-min was ‘very smart’ when winning his penalty
That being said, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola made an interesting comment about that moment when speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game.
Iraola was disappointed with his side’s defending before Kepa brought down Son hastily, but did then claim that the Spurs captain was ‘very smart’ when winning the penalty.
READ MORE: What Andoni Iraola has told Bournemouth as Tottenham consider him to replace Ange Postecoglou
The Spaniard stopped short of suggesting that Son dived in any way – there was clear contact, but he did seem to think that his side gave the Spurs forward a chance to win a penalty, so to speak.
Iraola said: “The first goal they scored is difficult to complain about but the second one we should defend better before the penalty and even the penalty.
“Son is very smart in that situation but we shouldn’t give him a chance to make the contact.”
Iraola was adamant that his side were the better team at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, something Postecoglou would unlikely disagree with.
Ange Postecoglou was happy with Lucas Bergvall’s impact
Also speaking to the BBC at full-time, Postecoglou was happy with both Lucas Bergvall and Son’s impact after being introduced at half-time.
Jamie Redknapp couldn’t believe Tottenham’s sloppiness in the first half, something those who were introduced at half-time did help with.
Explaining his half-time decisions, Postecoglou said: “We wanted some more energy in midfield and Lucas Bergvall was good when he came on in the second half and Son was bright and took the game to them.
“It was great for Pape, he’d just had a good chance before [the goal].
“The big moments are for the big players and Son certainly stood up. It is important that guys like Dom, Micky and Romero are available for us and getting minutes before Thursday is crucial.”
