When being awarded the Man of the Match award for his performance against Newcastle United, Son Heung-min graciously said that Richarlison deserved the trophy instead.
Tottenham desperately needed to return to winning ways against Newcastle after losing three straight matches at home in extremely frustrating circumstances.
Ange Postecoglou welcomed back Pape Matar Sarr and Richarlison into the starting eleven, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso dropping to the bench.
The Australian made a bold call by moving Son back to the left wing and playing Richarlison through the middle, and the decision worked perfectly as the Spurs captain had plenty of joy down the left against his former Tottenham teammate Kieran Trippier.
Should Richarlison have been Man of the Match?
The 31-year-old created both of Tottenham’s first-half goals by leaving Trippier for dead before picking out Udogie and Richarlison respectively for the two goals.
Richardson then added a second on 60 minutes after being picked out with an exquisite pass by Pedro Porro, while Son got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot on 85 minutes to round off the scoring for the home side.
When he was offered the Man of the Match award, the South Korean told Sky Sports (10/12/23 from 18:45 onwards): “I think Richy deserved it, but thank you very much.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It is this selflessness and humility that makes Son a fantastic leader, with the South Korean always putting the team ahead of his achievements.
Some players in his position might be a little peeved at being moved out of the number nine role but the 31-year-old would have only been focussed on doing what is necessary to get three points.