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| ReutersYonhap News |
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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The 'Korean Derby' between Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur) and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) was canceled.
Tottenham manager Enze Postecoglou excluded Son Heung-min from the 32nd round of the 2024-2025 Premier League against Wolverhampton at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England on the 13th (Korea time). Hwang Hee-chan, who was on the Wolverhampton replacement list, replaced Joao Gomes in the 37th minute of the second half.
The British Evening Standard predicted earlier that Son Heung-min will rest with Mickey Panderpen, Destiny Udoghi and James Madison. Analysts say it is a rotation to prepare for the second round of the Europa League quarterfinals against Frankfurt (Germany). Of these, Madison was in the starting lineup, while Udo Ki and Panderpen started on the bench, Son Heung-min was excluded from the roster.
After returning to Tottenham after completing the A-match schedule in March, Son Heung-min played in the first round of the Europa League quarterfinals against Frankfurt through Chelsea and Southampton. Although he took a break after traveling long distances, it is true that he is physically burdened by playing in most games this season. Coach Postecoglou, who is in desperate need of a second-round victory as he drew 1-1 in the first leg of the quarterfinals, chose to give Son Heung-min a full rest.
Hwang Hee-chan, who was on the replacement list from the FA Cup against Bournemouth on the 2nd of last month to the match against Ipswich on the 5th, also started on the bench against Tottenham. Wolverhampton manager Vitor Pereira set up an offensive line with Stran Larsen, Munesh and Belgard.
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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Wolverhampton scored the opening goal less than two minutes into the game. Vicario punched a cross from Velegar's free-kick opportunity from the left side outside the Tottenham penalty area, but Aitnuri connected with a non-stop left-footed shot near the left side of the arc to break the net. VAR was conducted over the offside in the shooting situation, but the score was eventually recognized and Wolverhampton took a 1-0 lead.
Tottenham, who allowed the first goal, seemed to be losing ground to Wolverhampton's offensive afterwards. However, he took the lead from the middle of the first half and then tried to counterattack. In the 21st minute of the first half, Bissouma began to raise the atmosphere, attempting a powerful right-footed shot from the left side of the arc.
But Wolverhampton opened the gap by scoring an extra goal. In the 38th minute of the first half, Aitnuri's cross, which floated high from the left diagonal point of the Tottenham penalty area, changed its direction from the left side of the gate to Munesi's head. Vicario fired a shot, but it was 2-0 when it became an own goal hit by Tottenham defender Spence, who was standing in front of the goal.
Tottenham is in the lead in the second half, but Wolverhampton continues to fight back. In the end, in the 14th minute of the second half, Tottenham's low cross from the right side was pushed by Matistel, who was rushing to the gate, with his left foot to lead to a comeback goal, narrowing the gap to one goal.
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| APYonhap News |
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| APYonhap News |
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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Wolverhampton scored another goal. In the 19th minute of the second half, Aitnuri intercepted the ball taking advantage of Tottenham defender Romero's error, and it became 3-1 when Stran Larsen pushed the pass from the left side of the gate.
In the 24th minute of the second half, Pereira put in Cunya and Hodrigo Gomez without Aitnuri and Larsen. Tottenham also tried to make changes, such as sending Klusevski out, but it didn't have much fun. Hwang Hee-chan was put in place of Gomes in the 37th minute of the second half.
Tottenham again succeeded in a one-goal chase in the 39th minute when Hishalisson hit the net with a header in a mixed game at the gate. Hwang Hee-chan had a decisive opportunity in front of Tottenham's gate in the 40th minute of the second half, but he was disappointed as he slipped during the defender's competition. Wolverhampton widened the gap again in the 41st minute of the second half when Cunha intercepted Tottenham Veribal's touch mistake and calmly scored in a 1-1 situation.
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| APYonhap News |
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Wolverhampton, who won on the day, has won four consecutive top-tier leagues for the first time in 53 years since 1972. With 35 points (10 wins, 5 draws and 17 losses), he also succeeded in widening the gap with Ipswich Town (21 points) in the 18th-ranked relegation zone, which was tied 2-2 with Chelsea on the day. Tottenham, on the other hand, remained at 37 points.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
