Heung-Min Son praised yet another Tottenham late show after his crisply struck shot, seven minutes from the end, finally broke Newcastle’s rearguard action.
Patience is a virtue that Spurs followers have grown to appreciate this year, with seven points accrued from the past three matches thanks to goals in the final 10 minutes.
That is the difference between still having a realistic interest in the title race and battling to remain in the top four.
Harry Winks waited until the 93rd minute to seal victory at Fulham last month before Watford were sunk in midweek with goals from Son, in the 80th minute, and Fernando Llorente seven minutes later.
So it came as little surprise, especially considering the constant home pressure, when Son drove a 20-yard shot between the legs of unfortunate Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to keep Tottenham firmly in the title hunt.
“We had a very good mentality, we were patient and at the right time we found the solution,” Son said. “It is very important to believe that we can score in every single moment and that was the most important factor. We did it on Wednesday and we did it again today. It shows great character.”
Character
Heung-min Son with another crucial goal for Tottenham. Fernando Llorente dud well to lay the ball off to him, as they step up in the absence of Harry Kane and Dele Alli#THFC 1-0 #NUFC #TOTNEW #PLonNBC pic.twitter.com/un54vlmFiD
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) February 2, 2019
There is no doubting Son’s character. Any fears that the South Korean would return from the UAE with an Asian Cup hangover have been firmly dispelled with two energetic displays, with a pair of crucial strikes.
On Saturday Son, stationed in a central position on the edge of the area, was perfectly placed to put away Llorente’s touch.
It meant Tottenham had claimed a Premier League record of 29 successive matches without a draw, overtaking Bolton’s run in 2011, testimony perhaps to the Londoners’ abiding refusal to settle for a share of the spoils.
Newcastle had certainly made life difficult for Tottenham. Organised, hard-working and with a five-man defence manning the barricades, the visitors’ sense of adventure was limited but the depths of their resolve beyond question.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez believes his pair of January signings – Miguel Almiron, who is expected to receive his work permit early this week, and late substitute Antonio Barreca – will help treat the long-suffering Toon faithful to a more expansive style.
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He said: “Both can produce a final ball and can go forward. They are fine on the ball and play with some pace. It is something that we needed.”