Son Heung-min vows Tottenham will do everything they can to ‘bounce back’ in their clash against rivals Arsenal… as Spurs captain insists his side are ready to ‘step up’ in their north London derby
- Son Heung-min urged his Spurs teammates to ‘step up’ against rivals Arsenal
- Ange Postecoglou’s side suffered a 4-0 defeat to Newcastle last time out.
- Tottenham look to torpedo Arsenal’s title chances… but which Spurs team will show up in this massive derby? Listen to It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Son Heung-min has vowed Tottenham will do everything they can to bounce back in the north London derby after an “unacceptable performance” in their last outing.
Spurs face Arsenal at home on Sunday in their first match since a 4-0 defeat at Newcastle almost a fortnight ago.
“An unacceptable result and performance, also from me,” said captain Son. “As a group we talk a lot about this game and this performance, and everyone knows how to step up.
“There is no doubt that we can bounce back. We are working very hard to bounce back. It will be a very good match to bounce back from.
“The motivation will be even higher than in other games. It’s a big derby and we know what it means for the team and the club but also for the supporters.
Son Heung-min called on Tottenham to ‘step up’ against local rivals Arsenal on Sunday
Spurs suffered a heartbreaking 4-0 defeat to Newcastle in their last Premier League outing.
“We’ve had a busy week preparing for this big game and we feel good. We’re going to prepare well and play in style. We have to be ready.
Arsenal are traveling the Seven Sisters Road in search of the victory they need to keep their title quest on track.
Son admits closest rivals Tottenham have become one of the best teams in the world and there is a daunting run of matches ahead for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
After the derby, they still have to face Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City to try to qualify for the Champions League next season.
“It will be a good test for our team,” Son said. “We are very young and we still lack a bit of experience because we are building a young team. Some of them are in their first season in the Premier League.
“So we can compete against one of the biggest teams in Europe and the Premier League, but also in the world.
“The way we play is very important. Stay true to our game, stay true to our game. I think it’s a very good test against one of the best teams in the world so it’s perfect. You always want have good competition and you always want to compete against the best teams in the world.
South Korean has 15 top-flight goals as Spurs fight for Champions League place
The Gunners, meanwhile, have been in excellent form during their Premier League title run.
Son, with 15 Premier League goals this season, scored twice in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September, taking his tally to six against nearest rivals Tottenham.
“I’m always the kind of guy who’s full of confidence before games, who believes in myself,” he said. “Every game is the same state of mind.
“It doesn’t motivate me even more because it’s Arsenal. Every game is important to me and it’s a chance to show how impressive I can be.
“It doesn’t matter who scores the goals or whether I’ve scored six goals before in this game. I just have to be ready for the biggest game of the season.
