Son returns to form with a treble as Tottenham thrash Leicester
Son Heung-min broke his goalless streak with a magnificent hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur defeated Leicester City 6-2 on Saturday to move into a tie for first place in the Premier League.
Son, who began on the bench, stormed back to form with three goals in 14 minutes, erasing Rodrigo Bentancur’s opener for Tottenham in an enthralling match.
The South Korean, who scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season, did not score in Tottenham’s opening eight games and was replaced by Dejan Kulusevski.
He subsequently completed his hat-trick with a first disallowed goal for offside.
Son’s relief was evident as he walked away with the match ball as delighted home supporters sang his name.
Tottenham is now tied with champion Manchester City on 17 points, although Arsenal can reclaim first place if they defeat Brentford away on Sunday.
Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Leicester, is under increasing pressure as his team’s record of one point in seven games keeps them at the bottom of the table.
Youri Tielemans scored twice from the penalty spot for the visitors after Hugo Lloris saved his first attempt.
James Justin was fouled by Davinson Sanchez, and while Lloris stopped Tielemans’ first penalty effort, he was judged offside following a VAR review.
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Kane headed in Kulusevski’s perfect cross in the eighth minute, reducing Tottenham’s deficit.
Eric Dier celebrated his comeback to the England team with a header from Ivan Perisic’s corner kick to give Tottenham the lead in the twenty-first minute.
James Maddison’s brilliant clipped finish before the halftime whistle levelled the score for Leicester, who displayed a vigorous forward effort.
Bentancur capitalised on a mistake by Wilfred Ndidi to restore Tottenham’s lead with a shot off the post in the 47th minute, but Son ultimately stole the show.
He replaced Richarlison in the 59th minute, and 14 minutes later, after cutting onto his right foot, he blasted a shot past Danny Ward, sparking frenzied celebrations.
He was not entirely done, though. Son had just one thought as he went inside and curled a shot past Ward from beyond the area after being singled out by Kane.
Then, when Leicester disintegrated, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg played him in and he defeated Ward.
There was a tense wait for the VAR review and a tremendous cheer as the first offside call was reversed.
Spurs will enter the international break on a high note, having not been defeated in their last 13 Premier League contests.
