Tottenham Hotspur suffered a frustrating defeat against Arsenal in the North London derby last weekend, and Spurs captain Heung-Min Son has been vocal about the disappointing result.
It was a game of patience and determination for the Gunners as they defended Spurs threat magnificently while taking advantage of transitions and set-piece situations. Mikel Arteta had to coach a compact mid-low block as he missed Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice in the middle of the park, the former due to an ankle injury while the latter serving suspension for his red card.
Arsenal finish on top with Gabriel goal
Despite a depleted starting eleven, the visitors came out with all three points, thanks to Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhães. The former Lille defender headed in the game’s only goal from Bukayo Saka’s corner in the 64th minute.
Spurs performance had a trend that the Lilywhites supporters have seen ample of times. Dominant in possession and creating a few chances, albeit the missing chances, and leaving the game with no points whatsoever.
Spurs captain Son frustrated by missed chances in North London Derby
Following the loss, Heung-Min Son spoke about the frustration at the loss. He acknowledged that players need to take responsibility to score in the chances coming their way.
Speaking in a postgame interview with Sky Sports, the South Korean said:
“We dominated the game, the football was there we just conceded from a set-piece again. We did it last season and it is really frustrating. I am sure the fans are also very disappointed. We have to improve, 100%, it’s a tough moment and we have to stick together.
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“We are getting into the final third but the players have to take the responsibility to score. It is the hardest part of football, making the right decision and being clinical.
“We will bounce back strong, there is a long way to go.”
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While Son has spoken about dominating the game and controlling the possession, Tottenham only managed to create a 0.74xG against Arsenal with a lack of creativity on his part as well. While the hosts had all the possession in the world, they managed to only test David Raya in halfhearted efforts from low xG spots. It could also be a reason why Ange Postecoglou scuffed James Madison.
Spurs will now face Coventry in the third round of the League Cup, which should give them an opportunity to get back to winning ways.
