Wolverhampton secured their Premier League survival by defeating Manchester United in an away match. In contrast, Tottenham, missing Son Heung-min, is heading towards their worst performance in history.

Wolverhampton triumphed over Manchester United 1-0 in the Premier League's 33rd round match for the 2024-2025 season, held at Manchester's Old Trafford on the 20th (Korea time).

With five consecutive victories, Wolverhampton climbed to 15th place with 38 points, widening the gap to 17 points from the relegation zone and securing their survival in the EPL with five matches remaining.

In contrast, Manchester United continued a poor run with 1 draw and 3 defeats in their last 4 matches, including 2 consecutive losses. With 38 points, they fell behind Wolverhampton on goal difference and remained in 14th place. Manchester United, having recently reached the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League (UEL), appears to be focusing more on winning the UEL than the league.

Hwang Hee-chan did not participate in this match. Recovering from a recent muscle injury, Hwang Hee-chan had come on as a substitute in the previous round, but pain recurred, causing him to miss this game again. Due to repeated injuries this season, his position within the team has become increasingly limited.

The closely contested match turned in the second half after the mid-point. In the 29th minute of the second half, substitute Pablo Sarabia scored the winning goal with a left-footed free kick just three minutes after being brought on.

As a result of Wolverhampton's victory, Tottenham's rank dropped to 16th. Although they have one match less, it is one of their lowest performances since the league's inception. Tottenham's worst seasons since the Premier League began were 15th place in the 1993-1994 season and 14th place in the 2003-2004 season.

However, since Son Heung-min joined in 2015, the team has consistently maintained a high ranking.

This season, they barely avoided relegation. Even if Ipswich Town, currently in 18th place, wins all their remaining five matches, they cannot surpass Tottenham, who currently have 37 points.

However, the team's outlook is not bright because Son Heung-min is sidelined due to injury. Manager Ange Postecoglou recently noted in a press conference, "Son Heung-min's condition has not improved. In fact, it has worsened," adding, "We will need to monitor his condition for the time being."

Son Heung-min is recovering with the aim of returning for the UEL semifinal match against Bodo/Glimt on May 2. For Tottenham to break their title drought, it is essential for Son Heung-min to make a quick recovery.

On the 19th, Tottenham announced on their official website that "Son Heung-min is currently unable to participate in official matches." They also stated that he will be unavailable for the Nottingham Forest match, while the other players are ready to play.

This will be his third consecutive absence. Following previous matches against Frankfurt and Wolverhampton, it has now been confirmed that he will miss the game against Nottingham as well. Within the club, it is believed that this is not just simple pain, but that the injury has worsened.

Manager Postecoglou explained, "Son Heung-min has been suffering from a foot injury for a while. The pain has worsened recently, and he hasn't been able to participate in training," adding, "We are in dire need of recovery time."

Son Heung-min has continued to participate for the team despite his injuries. However, Tottenham is currently stuck in 15th place in the league, making it difficult to secure a spot in European competitions; they were also eliminated early from both the FA Cup and League Cup. Essentially, without winning the UEL, advancing to the European stage next season is nearly impossible.

Son Heung-min participated in the first leg of the UEL quarterfinal against Frankfurt, but due to severe pain, he was excluded from the squad for the second leg. The club plans to carefully coordinate the timing of Son Heung-min's return for the remainder of the season.

Tottenham is preparing for the first leg of the UEL semifinals against Bodo/Glimt on May 2. Given their league ranking and atmosphere, the only path to European competition is by winning the Europa League.

Whether Son Heung-min recovers will likely be a key variable that determines Tottenham's success or failure this season.

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