Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min delivered a stellar performance, scoring the opening goal in the North London Derby against Arsenal, but his visible disappointment after the match told a deeper story. The Spurs suffered a 2-1 comeback defeat at Emirates Stadium on January 16 (KST), extending their 15-year winless streak at the venue in the Premier League (EPL).
In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, Son candidly reflected on the team’s performance: “We were too passive from the start, and we let Arsenal dictate the game. We need to improve in every aspect.” Son’s frustration was evident as he emphasized the need for greater intensity and focus to break out of their current slump.
A Promising Start, a Painful End
Son Heung-min gave Tottenham fans hope when he scored a brilliant goal in the 25th minute, marking his eighth across all competitions this season and his sixth in the EPL. However, Tottenham’s lead was short-lived. Arsenal equalized 15 minutes later through an own goal by Dominic Solanke, and Leandro Trossard sealed the comeback with a decisive strike in the 44th minute.
Despite the close scoreline, Tottenham struggled to find momentum, rarely advancing beyond the halfway line for extended periods. The lackluster performance visibly frustrated Son, who has been one of the few consistent bright spots for the team this season.
EPL Struggles Continue
Tottenham’s recent form paints a grim picture. While the team secured victories against Liverpool in the League Cup semifinals (1-0) and Tamworth in the FA Cup third round (3-0), their Premier League record tells a different story. The team is winless in their last five EPL matches (1 draw, 4 losses), sitting 13th on the table with 24 points (7 wins, 3 draws, 11 losses).
Manager Ange Postecoglou echoed Son’s sentiments, saying, “We played too passively and allowed Arsenal to dominate. While there were slight improvements in the second half, it wasn’t enough to turn the game around.”
A Rivalry and a Curse
The defeat is even more bitter as it comes against archrival Arsenal. Tottenham has struggled in recent North London Derbies, with 1 draw and 5 losses in their last six meetings. This season, Arsenal has bested Tottenham twice, winning 1-0 and 2-1.
Adding to the sting is Tottenham’s dismal away record at Emirates Stadium. In EPL history, Spurs have managed just 1 win, 12 draws, and 19 losses. Their last away victory against Arsenal came in November 2010 when they staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback.
Missed Opportunity
Heading into the match, Arsenal was on shaky ground, losing two consecutive home games. This raised hopes among Tottenham fans that the long-standing Emirates curse might finally be broken. However, the team’s inability to capitalize on Son’s early goal left fans disappointed yet again.
For Tottenham fans, the wait for an away victory at Emirates continues, but Son Heung-min’s leadership and transparency may provide a rallying point for the team to regroup and move forward.
