"Son Heung-min exhibits inconsistency in finishing, fails to reach high level."

Tottenham drew 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt in the home first leg of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarterfinals for the 2024-2025 season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on the 11th (Korea time).

Starting, Son Heung-min led the Tottenham attack with Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson. He finished the game after being substituted for Mathys Tel.

The opening goal belonged to Frankfurt. It came just 6 minutes into the first half. James Maddison, a midfielder for Tottenham, lost possession of the ball, providing an opportunity for Frankfurt to launch a counterattack. Ekitike capitalized on the chance, shaking the Tottenham net with a curling shot.

Tottenham moved diligently. In the 18th minute of the first half, Solanke delivered a superb cross from the left flank towards the goal. Johnson rushed in to header it. However, the opposing defense reacted swiftly and cleared the ball.

Finally, Tottenham equalized. In the 26th minute of the first half, Porro connected with Maddison's low and quick pass from the left flank with a fantastic backheel shot to score the equalizer.

The first half ended in a 1-1 draw.

In the 9th minute of the second half, Tottenham lamented their misfortune as Berryval struck a powerful shot from the right corner of the box towards the opposite goal but hit the post. One minute later, Son Heung-min stepped up. He unleashed a fantastic curling shot from the left flank. The ball followed a good trajectory towards the goal, but the goalkeeper made a super save. In the next corner kick opportunity, Bentancur's header also missed the target.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Frankfurt calmly built their attack. In the 18th minute of the second half, Bayo received a header pass from Götze and attempted a right-foot shot from the center of the box. However, the ball went over the goal. Tottenham made a substitution in the 34th minute of the second half, bringing on Pape Sarr, Jed Spence, and Mathys Tel for Maddison, Udogie, and Son Heung-min. Until the end, Tottenham remained active. In the 37th minute of the second half, Johnson, who had been in hot form recently, aimed for a comeback goal. He shot with the inside of his left foot on a cross from the side, but the ball soared high. In the 41st minute of the second half, Solanke's surprise shot also failed to get past the goalkeeper.

Both teams struggled to find the decisive goal, but neither achieved the desired result.

Having drawn at home, Tottenham will face Frankfurt in the away second leg on the 18th.

Son Heung-min played for 79 minutes but left with disappointment. He played a role as a starting point when he tried to pass to Solanke during Porro's equalizer and attempted a sharp curling shot in the second half, but that was all, and overall he did not significantly influence the game. The London local newspaper The Standard noted, "Son Heung-min's finishing was inconsistent. Nevertheless, he played a starting role in Porro's goal and had a sharp shot attempt in the second half," giving him a rating of 5. Football London also gave harsh critiques.

Football London remarked, "During Porro's equalizing goal, he found Solanke's movement well and made the consolidation. He attempted a strongly curling shot early in the second half, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper. It was a night where the captain truly failed to reach a high level," also giving a rating of 5.

Johnson, who missed a big chance, received the second-lowest score on the team at 4.

[OSEN]