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Tottenham’s favourite Son: A look back at the South Korean’s 20 goals

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on November 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on November 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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With his decisive goal in Tottenham’s 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, Son Heung-Min became the highest scoring South Korean in Premier League history. 

Son wasn’t altogether prolific in his first season with Spurs, the 25-year-old scoring four goals in 28 league appearances. About half of his appearances in 2015-16 were as a substitute, so his goals per minute ratio wasn’t as low as first thought.

It was clear the South Korean had a knack for goals, Son’s first Tottenham tally coming in his home début versus the team he scored his 20th against, Crystal Palace. He would only go on to score three more during the 2015-16 season, one against Watford, Chelsea and Southampton.

Son, who scored 14 Premier League goals, enjoyed a breakout season in 2016-17. His 41 percent shooting accuracy was third best on the team, behind only Harry Kane (53 percent) and Dele Alli (47 percent).

Son scored on 42 percent of his shots on target last season. Everything he touched seemed to turn into gold. He has scored a wide array of goals, both instinctive and calculated in nature. Some of his goals have come close to ripping through the netting, such was the power and venom they were struck with.

One of his most important goals came against Manchester City, when Son equalized from a deft Harry Kane layoff. It was Son’s 12th Tottenham goal, and it helped his side leave City with a share of the spoils.

That goal’s importance was probably topped only by his injury time winner away to Swansea. To keep their title hopes alive, Spurs needed to leave Wales with all three points, a result which was seriously in doubt until Son saved the day.

Son enjoyed four two-goal performances last season, against Stoke, Middlesbrough, Watford and Leicester.

He has scored 20 goals in 70 Premier League appearances in just over two seasons. That’s a strike rate of .28 goals per game, a solid return from any midfielder.

Son’s an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino’s side, which he once again reinforced by scoring a brilliant winner against Palace after having an otherwise frustrating day. It hasn’t gone all Son’s way, but he’s never one to shy away from a challenge.

Next: Tottenham's top Premier League goals so far this season

There are signs the sky is once again clearing for Son this season, whose clutch performances continually endear him to Spurs faithful.

Momentous goals and crucial assists are just two of the countless reasons why he’s so beloved in North London. But it’s his tireless work rate, sunny disposition, altruistic character and boyish exuberance which make him Spurs favourite Son.