Conte explains key aspect of Tottenham victory, reveals importance of star man

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte felt his side’s ability to seize the big moments plus the skill of Son Heung-min made the difference in Sunday’s victory over Leicester.

Spurs needed all three points to move above Arsenal and back into the top four. And they duly delivered, with Harry Kane opening the scoring on 22 minutes. The England captain found the net with a near-post header from Son’s corner. And it was the South Korea ace who made sure of the points in the second period.

The introduction of Dejan Kulusevski made a difference and Son was on hand to fire home on the hour mark. But he saved his best until last, with a superb curling effort on 79 minutes that gave Kasper Schmeichel no chance.

Kelechi Iheanacho notched a consolation in stoppage time but Spurs claimed the spoils. Conte was delighted with the result against a side capable of beating most teams on their day.

“It was a good performance against a really good team and not an easy game, but you know in England there are never any easy games – especially against Leicester who have a good squad,” he told BBC Sport.

“Despite making eight changes the Leicester team was good and strong so for this reason we have to be delighted we got three points. It was of vital importance to us to stay in this race.”

And the Italian heaped praise on his Tottenham squad for the way they have continued to battle for the top four.

“No-one could have imagined when I arrived in November we could be in this race still. But these players are deserving to fight for such an important place,” he added. “It is not easy to qualify for the Champions League in England.”

Conte gushing over Son heroics

Son netted his 18th and 19th top-flight goals of the campaign against the East Midlanders. He is a vital part of Spurs top-four hopes.

Conte hailed the 29-year-old’s contribution and explained how he made such a difference.

“I think we were more clinical in this game,” he continued. “There was space for us and we exploited in very well. That was the key.

“We are talking about a player (Son) with great skill and great ability. He’s very good with the left foot and the right foot sometimes the question which is you favourite foot. I’m delighted for him and the strikers.

“Our squad is not so big and we keep fingers crossed we don’t have many injuries because otherwise we will be in trouble.”

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