Ange Postecoglou has set a new EPL record as he guided Tottenham to a 2-0 victory over Fulham, securing the most points earned by an EPL manager in their first nine games at the helm.
With a precise finish and a well-executed assist, Son Heung-min showcased his prowess, stepping into Harry Kane’s shoes and propelling Spurs to the Premier League summit.
This victory yet again demonstrated Tottenham’s ability to excel even in the absence of Kane this season, especially with Son, who has seamlessly taken up the mantle as the team’s central forward, in such outstanding form.
Both of Tottenham’s goals originated from a common source – Fulham’s defender, Calvin Bassey, surrendering possession under pressure when distributing from the back. Son played a pivotal role in both scoring plays.
In the 36th minute, the South Korean captain received a pass from Richarlison after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg intercepted Bassey’s clearance. Son displayed exceptional footwork, cutting inside and evading covering defender Tim Ream, before curling a shot into the far corner from the edge of the area.
The second goal, scored by playmaker James Maddison in the 54th minute, bore similarities, as Hojbjerg once again disrupted a pass from Bassey. Bassey, a left-footed player deployed as a right-sided center back on the night, misplaced both passes with his right foot.
Hojbjerg swiftly delivered the ball to Son, whose deft lay-off found Maddison, the English playmaker, who calmly slotted the ball home beneath former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
“That was the key to our victory tonight – our defensive work,” Postecoglou commented. “Both our goals stemmed from that.”
Tottenham reclaimed their two-point lead at the top of the league table and maintained their unbeaten status after nine games, matching their North London rivals, Arsenal. Under Postecoglou’s guidance, they’ve accumulated 23 points since the start of the season.
While Kane continues to impress in Germany with Bayern Munich, Son has equally dazzled for Tottenham after being moved to the forward position by Postecoglou, following a stint on the left wing. Son has netted seven goals, putting him on par with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and just two goals behind Manchester City’s top scorer, Erling Haaland.
Maddison has seamlessly integrated into the squad since his off-season transfer from relegated Leicester. His goal marked his first at home after scoring twice on away fixtures, and he celebrated the achievement with a darts-inspired pose alongside Son.
“Joining a club of Tottenham’s stature, which is undoubtedly larger than Leicester, brings an increased level of scrutiny, responsibility, and pressure,” Maddison remarked. “I thrive on that challenge – there were 60,000 fans here today, and I relish these moments.”
Fulham remains in 13th place with 11 points.
“At the end of the day, the goals we conceded were identical,” Fulham’s captain, Ream, observed. “At this level, players will punish you if you give the ball away in those areas.”
