Assist for Equalizing Goal in Comeback Match After 3 Days Injury
Expressed Dissatisfaction with 'Early Substitution' at 11th Minute of Second Half
"First Time Seeing Him Annoyed"... Also a Hot Topic Locally
Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur) has become a hot topic as foreign media focused on his unusually irritated expression. Son Heung-min showed a displeased look mixed with annoyance after an unexpected 'early substitution' in his comeback match from injury.
On the 3rd (local time), Son Heung-min started in the 10th round home match of the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) against Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, and assisted Brennan Johnson's equalizing goal in the 4th minute of the second half when they were trailing 0-1.
However, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou made the first substitution in the 11th minute of the second half by taking Son Heung-min off and bringing on Richarlison. Son appeared surprised, pointing to himself with his hand as if he did not expect to be substituted. The broadcast repeatedly showed Son sitting on the bench, biting his jersey or unable to hide his frustration.
Son Heung-min, famous as the 'Smile Boy,' showing anger became a topic locally as well. On that day, the official Premier League Instagram posted a photo of Son leaving the pitch with a stern expression after being substituted, along with the caption, "Son Heung-min did not expect to be substituted."
The post received comments expressing regret over Son's early substitution, such as "Not even 20 minutes passed. Son Heung-min's substitution is hard to understand," "He assisted but was substituted," and "Son Heung-min's expression says it all." On the other hand, some opinions stated, "He just recovered from an injury. Since there is a Europa League match on the weekend, it is right to give him rest," and "Substitution is the manager's prerogative."
Manager Postecoglou explained at the post-match press conference that the early substitution was made for 'injury management.' He said, "I never intended for Son to play more than 55 minutes," adding, "He had a recurrence of injury after 60 minutes in the West Ham match." He continued, "What is important to us is the overall (match) situation," and "There was no need to discuss the substitution timing with him."
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