Son Heung-min has apologised for his miss against Manchester City that could yet prove to be the defining moment in the Premier League title race.
Tottenham’s captain had the opportunity to equalise in the closing stages of Tuesday’s absorbing contest against the reigning champions and ensure rivals Arsenal would head into the final day of the season in pole position.
After Brenan Johnson had pounced on an error from Manuel Ajakanji, Son was presented with a clear run on goal.
With Arsenal, City and Spurs fans holding their collective breath, the usually clinical Son was unable to beat Stefan Ortega, whose outstretched leg saved the day for Pep Guardiola’s side, much to the Spaniard’s relief.
Raging Arsenal fans accused Son of ‘having blood on his hands’ and even suggested he was guilty of missing on purpose.
The miss was, however, just as damaging for Spurs who saw their hopes of Champions League qualification evaporate following a fifth defeat in six games.
‘I’m also human,’ Son told the Evening Standard, speaking about his costly error for the first time. ‘The keeper made a really good decision and made himself really big.
‘But I take the responsibility not to score that big chance for the team, because the team was working really hard and trying to get a good result.’
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, has encountered heavy criticismfrom his own fans following his passionate response to a defeat which caused him to question the ‘fragile foundations’ on which he fears Spurs are built.
‘We should understand it’s the gaffer’s first year and he brought so much positivity and different football,’ Son said in defence of his boss.
‘I know it’s early to say, but we’ve got to do so much better for next season, because I still believe he can bring so much success to the club.
‘I’m all in. I’m loving the way he wants to play. It’s the first time I’ve experienced it.
‘Everybody — the club, the players, also the fans — everybody has to step up, because we have to be all together in this. He’s definitely shown he can bring success to the club.’
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