[스포츠한국 허행운 기자] Son Heung-min (31, Tottenham Hotspur) challenges the 5th goal of the league against the “defending champion” Manchester City (Man City from now on).
Tottenham will play a 7th round match against Manchester City in the 2022-2023 English Premier League (EPL) at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England at 5 am on the 20th (hereafter Korean time).
The match was originally due to take place in September last year, but was postponed as the day of the match was designated as a commemoration period for the death of Queen Elizabeth II. As a result, the first meeting between Tottenham and Man City this season was postponed.
Both teams played a competitive derby in the previous match and tasted bitterness. Tottenham lost 0-2 in the ‘North London Derby’ to Arsenal, and Manchester City lost 1-2 in the ‘Manchester Derby’ to Manchester United. These are two teams aiming to turn the tide while embracing their own pains.
Before the game, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte unveiled the team for the game. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris continues to guard the Tottenham goal. Eric Dier, Christian Romero and Ben Davies are in defence, with Ivan Perisic and Emerson Royal on the two wings. The midfield is protected by Pierre-Emile Hoivier and Rodrigo Bentancur. Up front, Son Heung-min, Dejan Klusevski and Harry Kane will skate as they are.
Tottenham, who have been reeling with 1 win, 1 draw and 2 losses since the World Cup break, are in desperate need of a win. It is fortunate that they have been doing well against Man City recently. I remember meeting Manchester City in the league last season and beating them all. Man City will seek revenge against Tottenham, they lost two of their three defeats last season.
Son Heung-min was criticized for his worst performance against Arsenal last time out. After that, it was not clear if he would start, but Conte trusted him constantly. He was strong enough to record 7 goals and 3 assists in 15 games against Manchester City in his career. Even in the process of winning all 2 games last season, he shone with 1 goal and 2 assists. It remains to be seen if Son Heung-min will overcome his sluggishness and score the 5th goal of the league.
The game announces the first kick shortly after, at 5:00am. The game will be broadcast live on Spotiv On and Spotiv Now.
