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London (AFP)
Son Heung-min sent Tottenham to the top of the Premier League as the South Korean free-kick clinched a 1-0 victory over Watford on Sunday.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side got off to a flawless start to the season and are two points clear of second-placed West Ham after a third straight win.
Son settled a fierce clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when his free kick caught Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann out of position in the 42nd minute.
After their prolonged search for a manager to succeed Jose Mourinho dragged on through the end of the season, Tottenham risked becoming a laughing stock.
Nuno was far from their first choice, but the former Wolves boss has hit the ground in north London.
Three consecutive 1-0 wins, including one over Premier League champions Manchester City, as well as progress in the Europa Conference League, suggest Tottenham could enjoy a better season than expected.
It will help that Harry Kane stays in the fold and the forward made his first league of the season after the end of his transfer saga.
The England captain’s future was resolved this week when he announced he was staying at the club after failing in his attempt to force a move to Manchester City.
Kane’s name was applauded by Tottenham fans ahead of kick-off and he was denied a penalty appeal in the first minute.
Watford midfielder Moussa Sissoko was back at Tottenham just two days after leaving for the Hornets and he almost scored a first goal.
Sissoko chose Juraj Kucka and his shot was directed out of the line by Eric Dier.
Bachmann made a good save to fend off Japhet Tanganga’s point blank effort after the Hornets failed to clear a corner.
– The son goes on strike –
Son shot wide and Davinson Sanchez headed for Tottenham before Tottenham took the lead in the 42nd minute.
Son landed a free kick from the left wing and Bachmann was surprised as he walked past him and the rest of the Watford defense into the far corner.
It was Son’s second goal this season after the striker’s winner against Manchester City on the opening weekend.
Set up by Kane’s pass, Dele Alli should have doubled the lead, but the midfielder narrowly swept from close range.
Kane was turned down by Bachmann’s nice save in the finals, but Tottenham had done enough.
In Sunday’s other game, Patrick Bamford saved a 1-1 draw for Leeds against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Sean Dyche’s side took the lead in the 61st minute when Leeds failed to clear a corner and Matt Lowton’s shot was knocked back by Chris Wood from six yards.
The New Zealand international’s first goal of the season was the 30,000th scored in the Premier League era.
But the Leed Bamford forward celebrated his first call-up for the England squad this week with the equalizer in the 86th minute.
Jamie Shackleton’s shot was deflected on Bamford’s path and he scored his first goal this season.
Leeds and Burnley remain winless in the league so far this quarter.
Later on Sunday, Manchester United will travel to Wolves for their first game since securing a successful deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.
Portuguese star Ronaldo, who will return to United 12 years after leaving to join Real Madrid, is unavailable to make his club debut this weekend as he waits to officially complete the transfer.
© 2021 AFP
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