Son Heung-min after Tottenham slump to European defeat: ‘It’s a big wake up call’ | OneFootball

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has said his side’s performance in their 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar was nowhere near the levels required.

An own goal from Lucas Bergvall in the first half was enough for AZ to claim victory over Ange Postecoglou’s side, with the Dutch side now holding the advantage heading into the second leg next week.

Tottenham have now won just one of their last nine first leg knockout games on the road in European competitions [D2, L6], with their last win coming in February 2021 in the Europa League Round of 32.

The win for Maarten Martens’ side sees them avenge their 1-0 defeat to the north Londoners back in the league phase and were deserved victors tonight, and should have won by a bigger margin.

Son Heung-min was disappointed with the lack of opportunities Tottenham created for themselves, with the Lilywhites managing just seven shots with only one coming on target, but is adamant the tie is not over despite trailing into the second leg.

“It’s nowhere near where we should perform,” Son said. “It was very disappointing that we performed like this, including me. It’s a big wake up call because next week is the biggest game of the season.

“I really don’t think there was too much caution. It’s always tough to play away in the Europa League. We didn’t create anything in the first half, sloppiness, not performing the way we should.

“Everyone is very disappointed about the individual performance and the team performance, we have to look at ourselves. There is no excuses, we were not good enough. It’s just 1-0, it’s still not finished, and next week we have to be much better.”

Spurs have plenty of work to do going into the second leg if they are to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League for the first time since the 2012/13 season.