Following their derby day defeat, Heung-min Son reveals that Tottenham’s current plight is unlike anything he has experienced before, admitting frustrations over the team’s performance and his own role as captain.
Tottenham’s decline after Arsenal defeat
Tottenham’s recent form has been dismal, with only one victory in their last nine Premier League matches, a record that one would more commonly associate with a side battling to avoid relegation.
While Ange Postecoglou’s first season at the helm brought optimism and attacking flair, this second campaign has been marred by inconsistency and a series of damaging results.
The Tottenham boss will be quick to point out the injury crisis that has plagued Tottenham, particularly the absence of key players who have been instrumental to their success in the past.
Yet, the harsh reality is that after 21 games, Spurs are merely eight points clear of Wolverhampton Wanderers—a side that recently dismissed their manager, Gary O’Neil, for a lack of results.
The situation is precarious, and while the Australian manager has vowed to turn things around, the need for a more resilient response from the squad is undeniable.
Heung-min Son speaks on Tottenham’s struggles
In the aftermath of the defeat to Arsenal, Tottenham captain Heung-min Son delivered a stark assessment of the team’s current predicament and his personal frustrations.
Speaking to Spurs Play, the South Korean forward did not hold back in his criticism of the team’s approach, particularly during the first half against their fierce rivals.
He said: “The manager spoke to us as well [at half time]. I think we were way too passive, which we never play like this, That is why it is frustrating more.
“You just realise why, especially when you go ahead away from home, you have to practice these results. It is really frustrating. What can I say? It is just a very, very painful night.”
When asked about his role as captain and the message he conveys to his teammates, Son emphasised the importance of accountability.
He continued: “I cannot speak highly enough of the boys for the work rate and commitment. It is 100% there.
But in the game there, certain people including me had to step up, and those days are not important—what age you are, experience or inexperience, I think it is not important,” he said.
“You play for the club and the badge and have to take more responsibility. I have been here 10 years, never been in this position, so we are going to have to just make sure everybody is ready for the weekend.”
A call for unity as Tottenham face Everton
Heung-min Son’s candid reflections echo those of Ange Postecoglou, who after the Arsenal defeat criticised the team’s passive approach and emphasised the importance of collective accountability.
The Australian manager went as far as to say there were no positives to take from the derby, further highlighting the disappointment coursing through the squad.
This honesty from both Son and Postecoglou is a clear attempt to refocus the team ahead of their next challenge—a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.
With Everton also entrenched in the relegation battle, the match represents a vital opportunity for Tottenham to demonstrate their resilience and fight for survival in what has become an unexpectedly difficult season.